KulpanRail
KulpanRail (
KulpanRail, or more specifically its six franchises, operate all rail services on the Kulpan mainland, along with one line each on Micajer and Towtalt. Although the Isle of Blak does have a rail line, this is not operated by KulpanRail, but is instead operated by volunteers living on the island. In addition to railways, KulpanRail also operates some ferry services that connect different rail lines. Notably, Kulpan highspeed operates the Ŋila to Port of Micajer ferry service, which connects the high speed line from Artun to Dutell Trains' Micajer line; and the ferry from Bigmistan Port on Towtalt to the two landing points on the North Soltahtor coast, which connect rural Dutell Trains lines to the Towtalt line.
History
KulpanRail was formed in 1922, after rail users in the country expressed their dislike for the private rail operating companies. The companies were not obliged to provide a reliable service for their customers since private companies were not a part of the government, so service was poor before nationalisation. After the formation of KulpanRail, however, service on all rail lines improved drastically, as more funds were invested into developing the railways and improving their infrastructure. The main achievement of KulpanRail in this time, however, was the construction of high speed lines across the country. Previously, this would not have been possible as the Land Division Committee would not have allowed a private company to purchase so much valuable land; but after railways came under the control of the government, KulpanRail could be trusted to use the purchased land effectively and for its intended use.
By the 1960s, KulpanRail had started to falter, as they focused more of their efforts on the construction of high speed lines rather than improving already existing lines. Users of the railways across the country became outraged as KulpanRail had originally been set up to improve the railways and related infrastructure, but this aspect of KulpanRail's policy had been neglected. The Transportation Division recognised this problem in 1967, and decided to take action. On the 1 May 1967, KulpanRail was split into six different franchises, which all had a certain amount of responsibility. Each was given their own manager, and they were responsible for improving services on their lines. The franchises still remained ultimately under government control, but the split of KulpanRail allowed each franchise to have slightly more autonomy. As such, services did start to improve, and user reports of railways reached the highest ratings ever achieved since the opening of the first railways in the country.
The new franchises immediately began taking action to improve the country's railways. For example, Kulpan highspeed began construction on numerous new high speed lines, improving cross-country connections and travel times. Dutell Trains introduced more trains on rural lines to improve capacity, and CapitalConnect renovated stations and buildings.