The organisational and financial issues of urban public transport in Krakow, Poland, are examined. They include: (1) the existing and future public transport system there; (2) transport policy and behaviour; (3) changes in organisation, including management and employment; and (4) financial aspects, including fares, revenue, and costs. The transport policy, approved by Krakow's City Council, is designed to ensure the protection of mass public transport. Policies friendly to public transport, with some restrictions on private cars, could limit car ownership in Polish cities to 350 per 1000 population. Krakow's public transport company has been divided into smaller parts, based on transport functions and auxiliary activities. Such policies help to promote urban mass transport markets and improve efficiency. The much desired coordination of transport in urban and suburban areas has been introduced quite easily. Vehicle fleets need to be reduced but improved, but there have been insufficient funds for new vehicles and repairs. Operating cost savings have enabled gradual reduction of subsidies, but a system of cost control is needed to improve financial management. Losses are caused by fare discounts and some free fares, but reducing the price of the network pass could increase public transport ridership. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 893662.
Samenvatting