Shortlines : o desafio de implantá-las no Brasil

Abstract

This paper presents some facilitating and restrictive elements for the market emergence for small railroad sections in Brazil. It also explores the possibilities of promoting such segment, based on the recent evolution of the sector’s legal framework and the possibility of returning to the State large extensions of underused tracks, using the successful North American experience in mitigating the regulation and reorganization of the entire rail system as a benchmark. Greenfield sections with defined cargoes, of small extensions and connected to the trunk system, as well as underutilized sections that traverse important industrial cargo centers, present great potential to become shortlines. For this purpose, legislation that addresses infrastructure sharing and the role of independent railway operator, as well as the destination of branches returned to the State must be improved. Creating a collaborative environment between concessionaires and potential shortlines, facilitating new entrants into the sector, is fundamental for this new market to flourish in Brazil.