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All change — new directions for the road transport industries of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus

Jenkins, Ian A.

This paper describes the present situation of the road transport industries in four republics of the C.I.S. which are embarking on economic reform programmes. With the aid of international comparisons, the main problems facing the industries during reform are identified. Following a discussion of the major issues and priorities for development, conclusions are drawn about the extent of change required and the desirable directions for this change. C.I.S. road transport industries are oriented towards supply rather than demand, and have serious structural and technological weaknesses, manifested in deficiencies in both efficiency and level of service. More customer choice will place increasing emphasis on level of service and cost of transport. This is expected to increase demand for road services considerably, but several constraints may prevent the industries from adapting in an ideal way. Because of the broad range of issues involved, a sector‐wide restructuring strategy is needed, based on the economic characteristics and constraints specific to each part of the transport industry. It is concluded that in restructuring and privatizing the trucking industry, key strategic elements are (a) breaking up monopolies and (b) entry of new operators, to provide the stimulus to reform. In the bus industry, reform will be slower and attention must be paid initially to fares reform and establishing existing enterprises as autonomous corporations. In both industries, it is crucial to make improvements in regulation and in support services such as fuel supply. Such changes allow supply of transport services to be led in new directions by customer demand and, provided the basic framework of a market economy is in place, should stimulate the application of improved transport technology.