railway franchising

Railway franchising is a system where governments grant private companies the right to operate railway services on certain routes for a specific period. In exchange for this franchise, companies commit to providing timely service, maintaining safety standards, and investing in infrastructure. The goal is to improve efficiency, service quality, and passenger experience while minimizing public spending. Operators pay a fee to the government, and their performance is monitored to ensure they meet contractual obligations. This approach aims to combine public oversight with private-sector innovation and investment in the railway system.