THE COST-REVENUE SQUEEZE IN AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSIT

摘要: Abstract Each year, public transit companies seem to recover a smaller proportion of their operating expenses from fare-box revenues. Subsidy programs involving federal, state, and local governments have become the major source financial support for transportation but show no sign reversing declines in ridership or efficiency. This article reviews history difficulties industry finds that they are not recent vintage, nor simply attributable increasing popularity automobile. Case studies four large operators employed illustrate patterns cost escalation, effectiveness, efficiency transportation. Broad conclusions drawn regarding potential areas improvement subsidy policy.