Rental model in public transportation: example of Ankara province

Urban public transportation systems are regarded as a multidimensional policy instrument aimed at promoting social justice, economic efficiency, environmental protection, and the enhancement of urban quality of life. In our country, the coordination of public transportation services exhibits a complex structure. While the central government plays a role in policymaking, setting strategic goals, investment decisions, and regulatory frameworks, local governments are responsible for implementation, supervision, and service delivery processes. Additionally, public transportation services are sometimes provided directly by local governments, whereas in other cases, systems exist in which public and private operators collaborate. In our country, rubber-tired public transportation systems constitute the main backbone of urban transit services. While there are many cities around the world where rail systems are not utilized in public transportation, it is nearly impossible to find a city where rubber-tired systems are entirely absent. In past periods, the inadequacy of public authorities in delivering public transportation services facilitated the involvement of private operators in urban transit. Under the authority granted by local administrations, private public transportation operators have begun to provide services through minibuses, privately operated public buses, and other privately managed public transport vehicles. This study aims to contribute to the literature by examining the operational models used in the provision of public transportation services to urban residents, and to propose an alternative leasing-based model that enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of public resources allocated by local administrations to urban public transportation. Under this proposed model, private operators would provide transportation services without bearing revenue risk. As a result, operators would be able to focus on improving the quality of service. The model would also address income inequality among private operators working on different routes. Furthermore, operators would no longer be able to avoid carrying free or discounted passengers or arbitrarily skip scheduled trips. Consequently, a more organized, sustainable, and manageable public transportation service could be achieved.