Incentivised contracts for more cooperation (Hordaland, Norway)

Urbanet Analysis and inno-V were commissioned by Skyss (transport authority of Hordaland, Norway) to examine alternative models of incentivised contracts with their bus operators. The goal of the project was to suggest ways to develop contracts that make better use of the operators’ market knowledge, increase the efficiency of public transport, while putting customer needs in the centre and encouraging an increased usage. The report is based on:

• Interviews with most operators contracted by Skyss in Hordaland;
• Reviewing international experience with incentive contracts;
• Analysis of ridership over time;
• Analysis of quality perception.

This report is a contribution to Skyss’ strategy. It contains a general and methodical approach to cooperation contracts, where several models are explained and discussed. We outlined specific recommendations in relation to cooperation contracts based on existing data for Hordaland, but recognize that in many areas a more thorough knowledge of local markets would be a prerequisite.

This project was led by Urbanet Analysis in Norway, in cooperation with inno-V who contributed with international experience, in particular from the Netherlands. The project included several meetings and workshops with Skyss.