OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO PRIVATE SECTOR TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTING WITH PUBLIC AGENCIES

This study, prepared by associations representing private providers of public transit service, examines the role of contracting for public transit services. Private transportation providers can play an increasingly significant role in the provision of public transportation, but many barriers exist. Private operators have limited success in dealing with local transit operators and with state and federal agencies for whom they attempt to provide service. Experiences of taxicab and bus operators are detailed in case studies. The reactions and interests of public transport officials in utilizing private operators through contracts are also given. The history of federal government contracting is briefly reviewed. Contracts can be very versatile in accomplishing tasks the government wants done without government taking over the function. It appears that this general contracting model was not followed when it came to providing public transportation services. Private enterprise was quickly left out. Through government ownership, operation and monopoly, the efficiencies and innovations which characterize the free market system were foreclosed. Work rules, politically motivated services and pricing, and general ineffectiveness have hindered the nation's ability to deliver low-cost, efficient public transportation. A final recommendation is for a Steering Committee for UMTA contracting to evaluate the social purposes for which the contracting instrument should be utilized.

• Corporate Authors:

  Airport Ground Transportation Association

  Knoxville, TN  United States 

  International Taxicab Association

  Silver Spring, MD  United States 

  American Bus Association

  1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 308
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Publication Date: 1983-5

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Tables;
• Pagination: 94 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Contracting; Legal factors; Nationalization; Needs assessment; Ownership; Politics; Private enterprise; Public transit; Social factors; Work rules
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Highways; Law; Public Transportation; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390694
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM