THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ---PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING AND OPERATION, PROCEEDINGS OF SEMINAR K HELD AT THE 12TH PTRC SUMMER ANNUAL MEETING, UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, ENGLAND, 10-13 JULY 1984, VOLUME P253

The paper, presented in an abstract form, is written in response to a recent attempt to set up a private minibus service in London as an alternative to London transport's normal bus operations, and by other private initiatives in London and the metropolitan areas. The paper looks at the essential characteristics of private transport operations and how these determine the nature of the services that are provided. The potential contribution of the private sector to improving efficiency, to reducing costs and to identifying and meeting demand are considered. The paper recognises the facility of the private sector to respond to demand but demonstrates that this can result in inadequate and unreliable services under conditions of low demand. Alternatively using the private sector to supply specified services at competitive costs raises problems of public accountability, particularly when subsidies are required. The overall impact of the private sector services on the community as a whole is considered. The paper briefly reviews the contribution of the private sector to date. Examples are given of the successful utilisation of private sector urban public transport by national and local government agencies, as well as examples and shortcomings that have arisen recently. A review is undertaken of the private services that are likely to be promoted in the near future and their possible effects. (a) for the covering abstract of the seminar see IRRD 284761.