To tender or not to tender – The unanswered German question
The regulatory environment for all sectors of public transport in Germany was changed during market reform in the mid-nineties. The political objectives were to introduce competition and thus enhance quality and efficiency.
published as CNI Working Paper 2009-03
While the discussion whether or not to employ competitive measures for railway services has subsided in favour of these instruments in recent years, this debate is still ongoing within the bus sector.
Given the importance of bus transport services for the entire public transport market and the intense discussion on whether there is an obligation to tender or not, the main characteristics of this market will be analysed, as well as the main opportunities for authorities to take action while making their decision whether to tender or not.