THE EFFICIENCY OF BRITISH URBAN BUS OPERATORS

Abstract

This report is divided into four parts. Part 1 is mainly introductory; it describes each category of local authority bus undertaking and summarises the scale of operations of the sector and its geographical dispersal across the country. The political, economic and social background to the study are also outlined, to place the work in its wider context. Part 2 sets out the framework for the analysis, including descriptions of the data base, the concept of and the means by which it can be measured. Aggregate indications of the efficiency of the local authority sector of the bus industry as a whole are presented and discussed. This part of the report also includes chapters on labour costs and hours of work and on types of vehicle used. Part 3 contains the main comparative analysis between undertakings. Results are presented for variations in performance between operators divided into groups by size, and according to a series of alternative socio-economic classifications. The performance of individual operators within the groups is also assessed by means of a series of performance profiles which relate the size and productivity characteristics of each undertaking to one another. The fourth part is concerned with current and future policies and practice, including forecasts of the potential improvements in performance over the next decade. Opportunities for increased efficiency by means of attaining optimum peak: interpeak service ratios, alternative maintenance procedures (including sub-contracting) and more professional marketing are discussed and some brief comparison with other countries are made.

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