European experts note headway in Russia's railway reform

Considerable progress has been made in the development of a comprehensive program for reforming Russian railways - such is an expert conclusion of the European transport ministers conference and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The adopted laws and resolutions target the development of reforms and take into consideration the need for a flexible approach to restructuring. The progress of reforms in Russia is higher than on many Western railways, experts say.

The carriage of passengers should be separated from the rest of the system and cross subsidizing at the expense of cargo railage ended, they are sure.

Unprofitable commuting should either rely on public-service obligations or, as the European Community practice goes, or on direct state financing, as is the case in the United States and Canada, experts believe.