Workshop 1 report: Regulatory regimes: National and comparative regulation of public transport

Abstract

This workshop considered whether there was a need for a fourth way (or ways) to organise and regulate public transport to complement the three existing models of classic regulation, deregulation and limited competition (including competition for the market). This was particularly viewed from the perspective of what constitutes a good (public) transport authority. The evidence was based on five source papers and extensive discussions between the 14 workshop participants from eight countries. The key outcome was an update and extension of the Strategic, Tactical and Operational (STO) framework for planning and controlling public transport, with an enhanced focus on organisational and wider socio-economic aspects. However, the search for the elusive fourth way and the specification of the transport authority (and related bodies) to deliver public value continues.