A method to improve the competitiveness and profitability of rail has been developed during the Study. This involves the adoption of product, marketing and organizational concepts identified via the PRORATA method;
The method recognizes the relationship between efficiency and institutional framework (represented by Adaptability), and provides a means for enhancement both within a particular structure and by moving between different institutional levels;
The method reflects observed practice within the more developed rail organizations, as illustrated by the Case Studies;
The benefits of the PRORATA method are, potentially, great (E10-15bn p.a. in operating costs alone across the EU), i.e. these benefits are quantifiable;
Applying the method draws on best practice from across the rail sector and beyond - promoting best practice widely is a key theme;
The PRORATA method involves process re-engineering within railways, and includes change management and implementation advice;
The PRORATA method is sensitive to the social, political and economic context of each railway - there are no standard solutions;
The PRORATA method reflects EU rail policy and could play a critical role in achieving policy goals.
In addition, the study team have identified a number of areas for further work concerning the refinement of the methodology and the research and analysis underlying it, together with potential applications beyond the long distance passenger railway sector, as follows:
- Improve the comparability of corporate data on EU railways;
- Update benchmarking (e.g. to 1998/99 UIC data);
- Add econometric analysis of market and revenue benefits from re-structuring;
- Consultation on PRORATA method among Ministries and railways;
- "Live" Case Studies of the PRORATA method;
- Apply PRORATA to CEEC railways;
- Expand adaptability analysis to other sectors (power, telecoms, education etc.);
- Apply the method to freight and urban railways.