In recent years operators of public transport bus services in third world cities have increased their operation of dual services. As well as ordinary stage-carriage services, specialised services (providing, for example, more speed and comfort) are operated mainly on high demand corridors or to middle-income residential areas. The report describes the operational characteristics of specialised bus services in two Indian cities, Hyderabad and Delhi, and in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, socioeconomic characteristics and trip details of passengers are examined and an assessment made of the extent to which the services meet the objectives expected of them. It is possible that dual services, such as those described, may become the normal operating system of the future in most third world cities. A basic and inexpensive ordinary service can be operated for low income users and a more expensive service operated for middle income users who can better afford the cost of higher quality. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting