The aim of this paper is to analyze past trends in the methods of financing urban transport and to assess new factors that are emerging as a result of deregulation. The history of financing public transport is traced and characteristics of a public urban transport system listed. Trends in travel patterns are estimated with the author seeing a decrease in overall mobility and the development of more effective traffic control and management systems. The process of regulation is examined from the point of view of quality, quantity, price, instruments of regulation, organisation and financial effects. Expansion of systems in the 1970s led to an increase in the need for grants to which Bly and Oldfield attributed higher unit costs and lower productivity. Factors leading up to deregulation in Great Britain and the United States are outlined. The effects of deregulation are discussed. Benefits to the consumer, authorities and tax payer are listed as well as possible adverse effects. Suggestions are made for the development of policies including rationalisation, reduction of costs, increasing revenue and diversifying sources of funding. More action is suggested against private vehicle traffic which is a major factor in increasing the cost of public transport. The provision of a stable urban transport policy with an independent deregulatory authority is considered. Characteristics of a future urban system, restrictions on subsidies, programme-contracts and the level of revenues are discussed.
Abstract