Decentralisation of public transport and market mechanism : the experiences seem to be hopeful. This contribution presents the results of research evaluating the decentralisation of regional public transport and the introduction of competition for concessions. Results show that: some of the potential advantages of decentralisation have been realised, but not all; public service tendering yields efficiency-gains, which have been used to increase the amount of service hours, especially in low use areas. The social function of public transport has been enhanced. However, the patronage did not increase substantially, neither did the share of revenues in the total cost of public transport. (Author/publisher)
Abstract