Privately-Provided Commuter Bus Services: Role in the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Transportation Network - White Paper Available

High gas prices, the lengthening of commutes and the ability to use travel time productively has created demand for commuter bus services. This CCIT White Paper focuses on transit initiatives provided by private companies to meet commute travel demand and aims to clarify their role in the regional transportation system.

Commuters are drawn to privately-provided commuter bus service, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, as it reflects their preferences and commute routes. The commuter buses operate during peak hours and offer customer-oriented routes with limited stops, wireless internet access and coach amenities to suburban employment destinations. The success of privately-provided commuter bus services have reduced the number of commuters driving alone over long distances, resulting in fewer cars on local streets and regional highways, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The proliferation of privately-provided commuter programs in the Bay Area will require formal recognition by public agencies. Federal, state and local public agencies can provide support and guidelines to enable more privately-provided commuter bus services to be offered in a way that is complementary to public transit and meet the needs of the commuter population.

Download a copy of the study here.