I think we're getting into the area of public transport as a social good. There are so many virtuous circles possible, where more trains mean more people take the trains, where lower fares bring in more passengers, which drops the number of car journeys, which drops pollution and demand for fuel, and also lowers stress, which is a societal good, and, and, and...
But this is systems thinking. Buses are for making money, and a bus service can only be viable if it is profitable. Even with the financial subsidies given, service provision is drawn towards the minimum standard which still gets your subsidy paid.
In ye olden days of the 1970s and 80s, Glasgow had an integrated transport policy covering trains, subway, buses and even the odd ferry or two. That was broken up in the 80's in the interest of lessening council powers.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2012-02-23 03:55 pm (UTC)But this is systems thinking. Buses are for making money, and a bus service can only be viable if it is profitable. Even with the financial subsidies given, service provision is drawn towards the minimum standard which still gets your subsidy paid.
In ye olden days of the 1970s and 80s, Glasgow had an integrated transport policy covering trains, subway, buses and even the odd ferry or two. That was broken up in the 80's in the interest of lessening council powers.
I wonder how that worked out?