Wholesale tariffs in transport as a tool for innovation in the area of tariff and ticket integration of rail carriers

The purpose of this article is to identify the possibility of using the concept of wholesale tariffs as a tool for tariff and ticket integration of rail carriers, with a view to improving cost-effectiveness and the reduction of procedural barriers for customers resulting from lack of tariff integration of rail carriers in Poland. This article aims to raise the awareness of the concept of wholesale tariffs, which are successfully used as a tool for tariff integration and competitiveness in the telecommunications market, and to initiate discussions among professionals and researchers in the transport sector. The following test methods were used: synectics, literature review, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and documentation study. The analyses conducted showed the role of market regulators in improving cooperation between rail carriers to develop a better transport offer for rail passenger transport in Poland and, consequently, to increase the share of passenger transport in this transport sector. Similarly, it indicated that the concept of wholesale tariffs may also be a revenue (yield) management tool for rail carriers.