The report discusses the analytical assessment of unconventional bus systems and its role in the planning and operating of public transport. Quantitative assessment criteria are considered with particular emphasis on their financial and social implications. An example is presented of the use of the fare as a method of achieving these different objectives and is used to indicate a modification to cost benefit analysis to take some account of the incidence of the costs. The influence which the costing method and the vehicle size have on the assessment are discussed and the results of the analysis are applied to indicate the general applicability of various unconventional forms of operation, such as dial-a-bus, minibus, jitneys and subscription services. (Author/publisher)
Abstract