Strategies for Expanding the Use of Private Sector Transit and Paratransit Operators and Reducing UMTA (Urban Mass Transportation Administration) Subsidy in Rural, Small Urban, and Suburban Areas

摘要

The report documents eight case studies of rural, small urban, and suburban transit and paratransit systems that were successful in using private transportation companies, minimizing or reducing government intervention, and operating with marginal or no UMTA funding. The cases were selected by contacting all 50 State DOTs, the American Bus Association, the International Taxicab Association, and the United Bus Owners of America. The report describes each case study and analyzes operating data and financial statistics to show cost savings, productivity, and efficiency differences between privately and publicly operated systems. An assessment of each system's overall impact is provided along with a discussion of its national transferrability. The summarized findings address 4 topics: success in using private transportation companies; reducing government intervention; coping without UMTA funds; and elements for success.