Minimum Standard in Regards with Public Bus Service - Conjoint Analysis Approach

Abstract

The private bus services in depopulated areas are increasingly becoming unprofitable and facing challenges to maintain the service level. This paper discusses, what level of bus services the local authorities in the depopulated areas should provide to secure a reasonable degree of mobility for residents who are not able to use a car. From the view point of fairness, local authority need to operate the bus service, but equally important issue is how to make the best possible performance for the given financial constraints. We need to discuss about criteria to evaluate the local transport policy, because of achieving the best performance subject to finance constraints. The paper finally works out an appropriate level of bus service, which local residents desire and have willingness to pay for