The Railway Consultancy Ltd - Specialists in Planning Economics and Management

Commercial Planning

Demand Forecasting

Assessing the demand for railway stations and services is a key element of the planning function. Our knowledge of macro- and micro-economic conditions, and the various impacts on railway demand, enables us to provide accurate and useful input into projects being considered by companies in the industry.

Demand Modelling

The Consultancy has a wide range of experience in using a variety of models to underpin the demand forecasting process; we have particular expertise in network modelling. However, we are also frequent users of spreadsheet methods, and have developed our own logit and gravity model techniques to provide the quick results required in the new railway environment.

  • Examples: Demand Forecasting using the Railplan network model, for London Transport, and our own GCOST™ model for the Allerton interchange project, for Merseytravel.

Demand Analysis

Considerable analytical work is often required to underpin decisions about expensive railway development schemes, and data is needed to be assembled from a variety of different sources, before management decisions are made. We have that analytical expertise.

  • Example: Analysis to underpin the proposed North-South tram route, from Elephant & Castle to King's Cross, in Central London.

Appraisals and Franchise Assessments

By assembling various data on business performance, and using our skills in estimating the impacts of service, management and cost changes to a rail system, we can provide both financial and wider economic appraisals for railway companies, either in relation to specific projects, or for bids for entire businesses. Whilst the private sector is most interested in financial returns, Governments are increasingly interested in environmental and social objectives, and the development of appraisal methods which will enable these to be taken into account.

Station Planning

Stations are the first point of access of passengers to the railway system. Whether through suggesting good design, or by using simulations, we have experience in the safe and cost-effective design of stations, and ensuring that they are fit for purpose. We have specific expertise in improving car-parking facilities at stations, improving information and station signage, and in ensuring stations are fit-for-purpose for the mobility-impaired (whether this be passengers who are deaf, blind or confined to wheelchairs, or merely those temporarily encumbered with luggage or small children).

Database Construction

With our strong analytical capability and our deep understanding of railways, we are able to specify the data requirements and structure of databases holding railway planning and commercial information.

Track Access Planning

Train operators need access rights to run on the British national rail network, but these are not necessarily the same as shown in the timetable, and proposed services may need enhanced access rights. Where operators' access rights cannot be fulfilled (e.g. during engineering possessions), Railtrack may be liable for performance payments, and this can have a significant impact on project planning and appraisal.

Fares Policy

The maximisation of profit is fundamentally dependent upon the relationship between income and costs, and the structure and levels of pricing are therefore critical. Using elasticities and income data, the Consultancy is able to provide direct advice as to the options available, and their impacts.

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Last Modified: Tuesday, August 3, 2010