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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Corinne Mulley
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This paper is concerned with the development of public policy in the motorised bus transport sector and draws on the experiences of the USA of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK) to illustrate the issues discussed. In seeking to define motorised bus services for the purpose of this paper, it is clear that a strong contrast exists between those services in urban areas catering for short trips under potential congested conditions and those linking different urban areas within a region or a country. In the present day, long distance interurban or interstate coaches usually have clear operating objectives and a commercial remit unlike their urban counterparts which, at least in Europe, are often subsidised to meet social and other objectives. The twentieth century has witnessed the birth of motorised bus transport, its rise to common usage and more recently its decline in urban and interurban services in both the USA and UK. The role of motorised bus transport in these two countries is, however, quite different. Both countries clearly have urban public transport which is dominated by bus travel. For longer distance travel, the USA interurban and interstate services lead public surface transport whereas in the UK, the railways dominate this travel market. As a result, to illustrate public policy, this paper will draw on long distance travel in the USA and more local transport in the UK . In both countries, distinct periods of public transport policy can be observed. The first stage is an absence of policy relating to the years of pioneering when motorised transport was becoming more reliable and more widespread. This is followed by the introduction and the influence of the regulation. The third stage is influenced by the war years which brought nationalisation to the UK and an attempt in the USA to develop the public transport market in the face of mass automobile ownership and finally, the fourth stage examines a return to a more economically liberal and deregulated market. By comparing motorised public transport across these two countries, it is possible to see similarities in approach so far as policy is concerned, but in addition, it is possible to see how public policy leads in one country at some points in time and in the other at other points in time. From these comparisons, discussions about the nature of trans-Atlantic connections can follow.
Author(s): Mulley C, Walsh M
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Unknown
Conference Name: Proceedings of the second international T2M Conference
Year of Conference: 2004
