The privatization of British Rail

Abstract The privatization of public-sector industries has been a key policy of the UK Conservative government since the 1979 general election. As well as the public utilities such as gas, electricity and water, the transport industry has experienced massive restructuring in the form of privatization and deregulation intended to promote competition and engender a more flexible market-place. This paper examines the privatization of British Rail and evaluates the changing policy objectives and potential impacts of rail privatization.