Evaluating Private Bus Operators' Willingness to Participate in Transit Improvements in Mexico

摘要

This paper provides valuable inputs for the decision-making process of transit improvements indeveloping countries. By analyzing private bus operators' willingness to participate in transitimprovements, the political feasibility can be assessed and the likelihood of successful implementationcan be increased. Data from 156 surveys conducted in various cities in Mexico are used to developprobabilistic models that quantify the influence of private bus operators' characteristics, perceptions aboutbusiness and operating efficiencies as well as their relationship with government on their willingness toparticipate. Evidence shows that several elements can increase the willingness of private operators toparticipate in government-led proposals. These include: the level of trust and communication betweenprivate bus operators and government authorities; the economic power of private bus operators; and theattachment to the status quo. Several features were shown to limit operators' willingness to participate,including: the model of operation, the likelihood of lost revenue through taxation and concerns about thepotential modifications of their legal rights to operate. An analysis of Mexico City and surrounding areasdemonstrates the need to establish a well-defined strategy for engaging private bus operators in transitimprovements; failure to do so has resulted in much less trust of government and led to more conflicts infuture projects. The paper reveals the importance of analyzing private bus operators' participative profilesin the assessment of transit improvements. Selected areas for improvements might present challenges forengaging private bus operators in the proposed improvement.