Can individuals own train transport systems?

Question

Can individuals own train transport systems?

Answer 1

Not in the UK, unless you are an individual who owns a large amount of land on which you can build and operate your own system. Even then, if you want to open it to the public, there are all sorts of safety and operational regulations which have to be observed.

Train operating companies on the main network must be Public Limited Companies whose constitution and operation are strictly regulated. Heritage Railways can be operated by non-profit-making companies but the safety and operational rules are the same.

It used to be possible for an individual to own a railway system: perhaps the most famous example was Colonel Stephens, who owned and operated several rural lines in the 1st half of the last century. The best known of these, the Kent & East Sussex Railway, survived long enough to be taken into British Railways ownership and is now a Heritage Line.

It is still possible for an individual to become a part owner of a rail system: either by buying shares in a Train Operating or other rail company, or by joining in one of the many schemes run by Heritage lines where you buy shares in an actual loco or item of rolling stock. No profit to be had from the latter of course, but you do have the satisfaction of owning a bit of it...

The third way (excluding people like Lord Bath who has a house with a garden so big he is able to operate a complete narrow gauge railway system in it, as well as a safari park, etc) is to build and operate a model railway. It may only be a miniature system, but you can be its MD, Chief Mechanical and Civil Engineer, Chief Operating Manager and everything else all rolled into one.

Answer 2

In regard to Indian railways, the Govt. of India is privatizing some sectors of Railway Transport. Many private parties are now Owning wagons (OWN YOUR WAGON SCHEME), handling Container Transport, other than CONCOR, building Infrastructure for Railways (BOLT scheme etc.) by this way You can own a part of Transport system of Indian Railways, until the Govt. put it for sale.

Answer 3

Yes they can. You'd need some stock, approval to operate (ie pass the safety tests and inspections) and paths...

Paths are basicly 'slots' in the rail network. These are negociated with the infrastructure owner (ie Network Rail, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, SBB, BLS etc) and basicly are the times your train can travel. They are likely to be very scarce in places.

Legally there is Open Access throughout Europe. But don't be surprised if Arcane safety rules are invoked which the national operator doesn't do - ie the Striped fronts of EWS locomotives in France - SNCF routinely ignores that rule for it own trains ;)

Answer 4

yup

lots of regional and short line railroads are owned by individuals and not by corporations.

Dont need stock, just $$$ and a entrepreneurial spirit to get started.

Interesting story here about the Montana Railroad (long gone now).

It was nicknamed the Jawbone, the builder and developer would build a mile of track, then harangue his creditors and bankers for a lien on that mile of track so he cold build the next mile, built all on "jaw", hence the name Jawbone.

Answer 5

Yes, if they have a bottomless purse.