OVERALL IMPACTS OF LOCAL BUS DEREGULATION IN BRITAIN
This paper considers the impacts of local bus deregulation in different types of areas in Britain, focusing on changes which have occurred between 1985/6 (the last full year before deregulation) and 1987/8. The actual ridership changes over this two year period are compared with what would have been expected given conventional assumptions regarding fare and service level elasticities. In the deregulated area outside London, ridership fell substantially, and much more than expected, especially in Metropolitan areas. Reasons for this difference are explored. Unit costs have fallen, as has public expenditure, and although by our estimates operators in aggregate are now making modest profits, these are not enough to finance vehicle replacement in the long-term. The role of minibuses is considered, as are future prospects for the industry. 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)
TRT Terms: Bus transportation; Conferences; Demand; Deregulation; Economic efficiency; Economic factors; Evaluation; Level of service; Minibuses; Operating costs; Passengers; Profits
ITRD Terms: 1272: Bus; 8525: Conference; 285: Demand (econ); 144: Deregulation; 237: Economic efficiency; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 653: Level of service; 1263: Minibus; 221: Operating costs; 217: Profit; 8119: United Kingdom; 1715: Vehicle occupant
Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Motor Carriers; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;