ASSESSMENT OF BUS PRODUCTIVITY LEVEL AND RESTRUCTURING SCENARIOS IN THE WEST BANK, PALESTINE

Abstract

Developed countries pay great attention to public transport (PT) in terms of development and evaluation, as it is one of the foundations of national success. In the West Bank (WB) of Palestine, the PT is generally neglected and worn out. There is no periodic study of the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of bus services. Despite the relatively high number of daily passengers, only 15% use buses due to a lack of confidence in the service. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the productivity of buses on intercity lines in the WB and to identify ways for the bus sector to become more productive. Field surveys for all WB governorates, data from official authorities or previous studies, and two interviews with service providers and decision makers for 22 bus lines were used to collect the required data. PT productivity is a measure of the number of passengers, daily trips, income, and operating expenses. Generally, the PT system in Palestine is non-productive; most routes have fewer than four daily trips, the daily distance covered is less than 100 kilometers; and the daily ridership is less than 120 people per bus. Passengers’ trust in buses should be revamped by modernizing the fleet. It is also essential to carry out periodic studies on this sector and collect statistical data. Work with service operators must be integrated at the institutional and legal levels, including organizing and institutionalizing the sector, merging companies and lines, improving and expanding road networks, and providing marketing and necessary financing for this sector. In addition, service providers must be restructured by merging them and merging some weak lines, replacing buses with a capacity of less than 25 passengers to reduce journey and waiting times.