The transfer of toll collection operations from public to private management has been completed at the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA). By the fall,1995, OOCEA had transferred operations of its ten toll plazas to Florida Toll Services (FTS). With the issuance of an Request for Proposal (RFP) in May,1994, the process took approximately 15 months to complete.The entire process, though, from the decision to privatize to full transfer, began in the late 1980's. Privatization was accomplished only through careful analysis of the technical feasibility,a very thorough evaluation and selection process, teamwork with the Florida Department of Transportation and the right timing with the political environment. The present phase of the privatization transfer process, contract management,defines the nature of the public-private partnership. Ideally,it should be an evolving, dynamic relationship, characterized by both sides fully committed to reaching the goals spelled out in the contract. Both partners should be striving to solve problems,even outside the constraints posed by the boundaries of the contract. (A)
Abstract