Competition and ownership of public transit services: introduction

Abstract

In this paper the authors describe the format of the Thredbo Conference, and introduce the context of the public/private debate on the provision of public transit services. They outline and comment on the major theories of the conference, under the following headings: (1) the best way to develop a competitive environment; (2) the role of subsidy; (3) cost savings under economic deregulation and competitive tendering; (4) the role of the minibus; (5) the competitive contracting process; (6) travelcards and intermodel tickets, and (7) performance and productivity. This paper forms part of a special issue of the journal Transportation Planning and Technology, entitled Competition ownership of bus and coach services, edited by David A. Hensher. The special issue carries a selection of 24 papers and workshop reports presented at the international conference held in Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia, from 1st-4th May 1989. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 837493. (Author/TRRL)