Title: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUS OPERATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to compare the relative performance of public and private bus service in New York City, with the ultimate objective of encouraging prudent privatization where justified, using competitive bidding to create an environment where both the public and private sectors compete fairly to serve particular routes. Privatization by contracting out is widespread for many common municipal services, including bus operations. The result generally has been lower costs for the same or higher quality of service. For the study, data from public and private bus operators were collected and analyzed. The following performance measures were calculated and compared: cost efficiency, service effectiveness, and service quality and safety. The private operators were found to be more cost efficie and cost effective; the results for service effectiveness are mixed. The private buses are also superior with respect to mean distance between failures and frequency of collision accidents. The City should introduce competitive bidding for routes currently serviced by private firms which now have, in permanent franchises. The Transit Authority should use competitive bidding for its regular routes, allowing orivate contractors to bid against the TA; it should also contract with van services for late-night and low-demand routes. Political will is needed to overcome opposition and to allay fears.
Publication Year: 1992
Publication Date: 1992-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot