Contracting out public transit services: a competitive performance-based approach

Abstract

This paper develops a bonus / malus incentive model to contracting out public transit services, and provides evidence on performance measures of a lightrail transit system operation, procured with a contract designed based on our modeling approach. Empirical results document that the implementation of a performance-based contract with an embedded incentive bonus / malus mechanism, may contribute to promote ridership patronage, increase the average ride, and ultimately significantly improving the overall economic operating efficiency of the system, measured by a 40 percent increase in the operating costs coverage ratio during the contract term.