The recent expansion of postbus services in Britain is discussed, in the light of institutional factors which have affected the development of this form of public transport. growth of services has so far been patchy, at least partly due to the post office's ill-defined role in this sphere. The services which have emerged are varied in detailed character, but some basic types of operation are identified, and the results of user and of operational surveys of examples of the main types are summarised. Services are found to be capable of providing practical and reliable passenger transport, acceptable to those dependent on public transport, without disrupting mail services. The economic aspects of postbus operation are assessed: the total costs of services, and of certain possible alternatives, are investigated, and the financial performance of some existing Scottish routes is analysed. Postbuses rely heavily on subsidies from central government, and may require additional local support, but nevertheless can provide a relatively low cost service, particularly on long routes. The general potential of postbuses is considered. Optimum rural public transport arrangements depend very much on local circumstances. When practical, postbuses can offer good value in many situations, and scope exists for further development. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting