Comparative analysis of the centralized and decentralized management structure of transport systems

the article is dedicated to a comparative analysis of centralized, decentralized, and hybrid management structures for transportation systems, with a focus on their applicability in the Russian Federation over the long term up to 2050. The aim of the study is to identify the most effective management model to overcome historical lag and ensure sustainable development of the domestic transport industry. In the introduction, the relevance of choosing a management structure as a key factor in the development of socially significant sectors is justified. The author’s tasks are to assess the positions of the scientific community, analyze the historical experience of Russia and the USSR, conduct a qualitative comparison of management systems, and determine the priority model. The main hypothesis posits the advantage of centralized management for eliminating crisis phenomena in the transport sphere. The materials and methods section defines the essence of centralization (control by the central apparatus over all levels) and decentralization (strengthening the role of regions and the private sector). It emphasizes the contentious nature of the issue in academia and the diversity of global practices. The methods used include analysis of normative legal acts, diachronic policy analysis, expert evaluation, and study of open sources. The results include a historical analysis: centralization in the USSR enabled a breakthrough in the development of capital-intensive modes of transport (electric transport, metro), whereas decentralization in the 1990-2000s led to infrastructure degradation and loss of manageability. A comparative table of management systems reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Centralization is effective for resource mobilization and crisis management but is inflexible. Decentralization accounts for local specifics but leads to underfunding and loss of control. The hybrid model combines advantages but is complex to balance.

transport management, centralization, decentralization, hybrid model, Russia’s transport sector