Economics of Public Transport

The book indicates the manner in which economic analysis can be used as an aid in decision taking in long-range planning and also the daily management of public transport systems. Using detailed applications, the book demonstrates the usefulness of applying economic analyses to problems such as fare structures and level, service planning and investment decisions. Although the emphasis is on road and rail systems, which form the bulk of internal public transport systems, the methods employed can be applied to other transport modes. International comparisons are used to show the relationship between objectives, external circumstances, organisations and policy in the operation of public transport organisations. The subject is discussed in the following chapters: 1) the framework of public transport operations; 2) the market for public transport services; 3) costs and costing in public transport; 4) management objectives and the finance of public transport; 5) competition, regulation and integration in public transport; 6) public transport, land use and the environment; 7) urban passenger transport; 8) inter-urban passenger transport; 9) rural transport; 10) public transport of freight; 11) the future of public transport. (TRRL)