Time series analysis of rail freight services by the private sector in Europe

This paper explores rail freight services provided by the private sector in the context of a rail freight corridor through Europe with new EU policy directives in place and assesses the corridor using time series analysis. Comparisons between three different operational time periods are discussed; analysis suggests that these types of services operated on trans-European rail freight corridors appear to be a viable and reliable concept in the near future.

► Novel analysis of rail freight services provided by the privates sector in Europe. ► Time series analysis of three operational time periods presented in detail. ► Forecasts of future operations with single wagon loads in Europe. ► A business model for continuing increase operation cost coverage. ► Performance assessment employing simulation modelling as an avenue for further research.