CONFERENCE ON TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS: IMPROVING URBAN MOBILITY THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, DALLAS, TEXAS, MARCH 14-15, 1984. SUMMARY OF SESSION ON OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO COMPETITION

Conventional public transit is being recognized as offering a poor match with growing travel demands in suburbs and low-density areas. Many suburban communities have withdrawn or threatened to withdraw from metropolitan transit authorities. Several specific examples of cost savings from contracting transit services to the private sector are cited. Barriers will have to be overcome to realize the full potential of the private sector. Transit agency managements and the federal government make difficult participation by private operators and local areas have added restrictions, including requirements for safety and insurance. The roles of most transit agencies must be redefined to overcome such barriers. Regulation should deal uniformly with all forms of private service.