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RETURNING TRANSIT TO PRIVATE OWNERSHIP: FEASIBILITY AND IMPACTS. FINAL REPORT

This report explores the feasibility of returning transit to private ownership. Investigating transit's past transition from private to public ownership, it was found that social and political factors were the primary reason for the transition, with economics playing a secondary role. Six privatization scenarios were analyzed qualitatively ranging from a transit utility to complete regulatory freedom. The most feasible scenario proved to be service contracting whereby the public sector purchases and monitors the service that private operators provide. The private operators will be able to reduce costs, but fares will have to increase if operating subsidies are eliminated. It is suggested that user-side subsidies are provided to produce an equitable fare structure. Under these conditions, current operating subsidies could be reduced by about a half. The reaction of other modes to deregulation is discussed to draw inferences about transit's reaction to deregulation. Indirect economic impacts and political/institutional factors are also considered.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Polytechnic Institute of New York

    Transportation Training and Research Center, 33 Jay Street
    Brooklyn, NY  United States  11201

    Urban Mass Transportation Administration

    400 7th Street, SW
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Bladikas, A K
    • Berman, S
  • Publication Date: 1987-4

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 120 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00473269
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Urban Mass Transportation Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-NY-06-0108-87-1
  • Contract Numbers: UMTA-NY-06-0108
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 30 1987 12:00AM