Market oriented contracts for purchase of public transport services in Nordland county

Nordland county will introduce new contracts for their purchase of public transport. This report is part of the process leading to new contracts. The report gives an overview of the contracts currently used in Nordland, demographical and geographical issues, and the operators in the county. We examine the goal structure for public transport, as well as the potential in the market. In addition we sum up international experiences with different types of contracts. The County Councils decision on this issue implies these consequences for the forthcoming contracts: A net contract will be used. The operators must have an increasing responsibility for the market. TOI means that the following factors should be emphasized: Clear goals for public transport in the county, a clear connection between responsibilities and freedom to act in the market, demands for a high level of quality on the services, and a subsidy level affected by the operators results in the market.