Transport in the former Soviet Union is experiencing massive changes in the 1990s: government responsibility has changed from operation to oversight; competition in the industry is increasing; and alternative financing and investment methods are emerging. Moving to Market examines rail, road, water, and air transport in the former Soviet Union and discusses the policy issues involved in making a transition from an industry once entrenched in a centrally planned economy to an industry that can thrive in a more open market. The authors conclude that the raw physical capacity is in place, but that quality of service and product needs to be improved. In addition, price structures need to be changed to reflect real costs and market demands.

The authors cite the "three M's"--marshaling, managing, and monitoring transport resources--as critical for the development of the nation's infrastructure as it moves toward the next century.

John S. Strong is Associate Professor of Finance and Economics and Director of the executive MBA program at The College of William and Mary.

John R. Meyer is the James W. Harpel Professor Emeritus at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Clell G. Harral is director of the telecommunications sector at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Graham Smith is director of the transport and environmental infrastructure team at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Read More by John R. Meyer:

• The Urban Transportation Problem
• The Economics of Competition in the Transportation Industries