Abstract
In a period of economic turbulence and rising input costs such as labour, fuel, and traction energy, railway operators face increasing operating expenses. The authors focus on the modernization of regional railway vehicles and assess its impact on operating costs. Multiple units bring savings by reducing shunting and dwell times at terminal stations. Six scenarios combining three types of vehicles and two operating concepts are presented. Changes in operating cost items as well as efficiency are quantified using technological procedures, operational measures, and economic tools. The case study shows that diesel multiple units can reduce rail infrastructure use costs by up to 7 % and fuel costs by 5–6 % compared to the current operations. Electric multiple units increase (depending on the operation concept) infrastructure usage costs by nearly 15% but save on traction energy cost and maintenance cost. Battery electric multiple units generate the largest depreciations (up to 28 %) however they save by 5–7 % in traction energy costs compared to electric traction. It is important for stakeholders and policymakers, with the same number of trainsets and staff, it is possible to increase service frequency and thereby improve the supply and quality of regional rail transport.