Peter Koning - Director Transportation Planning, Faber Maunsell/AECOM, UK Since their inception, the railways have served the economies of Europe in numerous guises. They have contributed to the prosperity we see today and they fulfill a vital role in the efficient transportation of freight and passengers. Rail, as a mode of transport is perceived as offering real solutions to the challenges posed by the increasing demand for transport and the need to urgently address the impact on global warming caused by transport. Despite the inherent natural advantages of the rail, the car and lorry continue to dominate the transport market as the mode of choice in the short to medium distance journey sector. To maintain its position within the economies of Europe, the rail mode has had to evolve ensuring that it remains capable of meeting the changing needs of its users. Changing market requirements, the need for higher standards of quality and the emergence of new technologies have made railway reform complex and difficult. The need for high capital investment has prevented the railways from undertaking rapid reform but experience demonstrates that real change has to take place within this critical industry. The presentation will argue Bulgaria has a huge opportunity with its railway network to capitalise on its current and emerging market opportunities and utilize the experiences of its fellow member states in Europe. By applying successfully employed within Europe, Bulgaria can avoid making many of the errors which have effected other railway administrations. Bulgaria has embarked on a radical and far sighted programme to revitalise its railways. The continued success of these and future reforms depends in part on adopting structural reforms to the businesses which will allow innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish and customer aspirations to be met. XVIII INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE “TRANSPORT 2008”

1. A New Age of European Rail The opportunities and challenges facing Bulgaria Peter Koning, Director Rail Faber Maunsell/AECOM

10. ‘ Using European and national rail reforms to deliver a rail transport system which will meet Bulgaria’s future transport needs’