In this paper we investigate the relationship between operating cost and number of bidders for local bus contracts in London. Using an original database on 806 calls for tender on bus routes, we find that a higher number of bidders, whether actual or expected, is associated with a lower cost of...

This paper investigates the impact of ownership structure and contractual choices on technical efficiency in the French urban public transport sector. The central proposition, which relies on classical contract theory arguments, is that ownership regime and contractual practices are key...