Modern dispatcher systems are a key element of railway traffic management, directly shaping punctuality, operational reliability, and passenger comfort. In a liberalised passenger rail market, where operators compete through service quality, punctuality becomes a critical determinant of competitiveness. This paper examines the current state of dispatcher systems in Bulgaria, identifying technological disparities and their impact on operations. A conceptual framework is developed to show how automation, communication quality, and safety systems influence punctuality and, consequently, perceived comfort. A comparative analysis of the Sofia-Plovdiv and Sofia-Burgas corridors illustrates how different modernisation levels affect performance. The results show that completing dispatcher system upgrades significantly improves punctuality, reduces delay propagation, and enhances service predictability. These improvements directly increase passenger comfort and strengthen operator competitiveness in an open market. The findings demonstrate that dispatcher system modernisation is not only a technical requirement but a strategic prerequisite for equal access, higher service quality, and successful liberalisation of passenger rail transport in Bulgaria.