Consequences of differences in cost-benefit methodology in railway infrastructure appraisal—A comparison between selected countries

This paper presents the cost-benefit methodology used in the appraisal of railway infrastructure in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland. The consequences of differences in methodology are illustrated by a case-study undertaken with the methodology from each of the seven countries. Differences in methodology means that results from the analyses are far from similar. The case project has a positive net present value based on Swiss and British methodology, but negative net present value using methodology from any of the other five countries.

► A railway project is analysed using the appraisal methodology of seven countries. ► The countries are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland. ► The project has a positive net present value based on Swiss and British methodology. ► The project has negative net present value using methodology from the other five countries.