SIX CASE STUDIES OF THE EFFECTS OF COMPETITION ON BUS OPERATION - CASE STUDY OF BUS COMPETITION IN THE BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE STUDY AREA

This study covered the period from deregulation (October 1986) to the Autumn of 1991. It details the Bournemouth and Poole study area and is based on published and publicly available information as well as interviews with local authorities and bus company management of local bus operators. Main conclusions are: In 1991, local bus services were still being operated by the two incumbent operators, both largely retaining their traditional operating territories and little change to the way bus services are supplied. Markets were of insufficient size to sustain two or more operators in competition. The incumbent operators continued to cross-subsidise to support unprofitable journeys until well after deregulation. The reduction in the level of internal cross-subsidy to support urban services in Bournemouth and Poole has exerted pressure on Dorset CC's existing revenue support expenditure.