This Paper has been prepared as part of an ongoing investigation into the value of travel time savings. It follows on from the work reported in Bureau of Transport Economics Occasional Papers 51 and 57. The results of a pilot survey of non-urban road users using the functional measurement technique are reported. Particular attention is paid to the validity of sampling options and the processing of data.

• Value of Time: A Pilot Survey of Road Users
  
  op_067.pdf
  (2.15 MB)

This Paper presents a preliminary assessment of the social aspects of the Australian road system. The focus of the research undertaken for this Paper was on examining a number of complementary approaches that could be utilised to identify and assess the overall social dimensions of roads. For the purpose of extending this conceptual accessibility and proximity framework on a practical level, the study sought to identify the subjectively perceived attributes of roads and determinants of their quality, and the types of changes which they may undergo and which affect their role.

• Social Aspects of Australian Roads
  
  op_068.pdf
  (2.62 MB)

This Paper examines the significance of road construction and maintenance in relation to the wide role of local government. It covers the sources of funds and the decision-making processes relating to road activities. The intergovernmental relations and institutional features governing road investment are also examined.

• Role of Rural Local Government in the Provision of Roads: A Review
  
  op_069.pdf
  (12.77 MB)

The first-generation container terminals in Port Jackson were built as a rapid response to changes in shipping and cargo handling technology in the 1960s. Many of the lessons learned from these and other first-generation terminals were incorporated into the designs of the new container terminals built in Botany Bay in the late 1970s. This Paper contains an analysis of the productivity of the Container Terminals Australia Limited (CTAL) operations in Port Botany in 1983 and includes comparisons with the operations of the older Seatainer and Glebe Island terminals in Port Jackson. The results of the work give valuable insight into the changes that have occurred in container terminal operations and productivity.

• Container Terminal Productivity in Port Botany: CTAL Terminal
  
  op_070.pdf
  (4.38 MB)

This Paper was commissioned by the Bureau of Transport Economics to expand the Bureau's understanding of the nature and extent of subsidies in Australian transportation. The Paper looks at public transport in Australian cities and some of the methodologies which can be used in the evaluation of benefits and costs arising from changes in fare structures or from changes in service levels. The methodologies and data used were based on publicly available sources with minimum use being made of confidential data or analysis. However, the assumptions underlying this study reflect the author's views and are not necessarily those of the Bureau of Transport Economics.

• Benefits of Urban Public Transport Subsidies in Australia
  
  op_071.pdf
  (5.17 MB)

This Paper has been prepared as a submission to the Independent Review of Economic Regulation of Domestic Aviation. The approach followed in the submission has two parts. The first presents an analysis of the structure and performance of the airline industry under the existing system of economic regulation. The second considers the economic theory of industry structure and the general rationale for regulation and how they might be applied to the airline industry. From the performance analysis it is possible to identify areas in which performance might be improved and the theoretical considerations provide insights into possible ways in which that improvement might be achieved.

• Competition and Regulation in Domestic Aviation: Submission to Independent Review
  
  op_072.pdf
  (15.39 MB)

The main purpose of the work presented in this Paper was to examine the nature of road pricing in Australia and identify potential areas for improvement. The approach adopted was to consider the relevant aspects of economic theory underpinning road pricing and then to examine how different road pricing strategies have been implemented in a number of overseas countries; specifically the United States, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

• Review of Road Pricing in Australia and Overseas
  
  op_073.pdf
  (8.48 MB)

Recent years have seen a major-increase in the level of competition within the long distance coach industry in Australia. This competition has led to a significant fall in fares and a reported growth in passenger numbers. Initial examination of information sources revealed an almost complete lack of reliable, publicly available, disaggregate data on the industry. Information used in preparation of this Paper was obtained in discussions with coach operators and State authorities, by detailed analysis of coach timetables and observations of coach occupancy. However, information on the size and income of the industry is still based on estimates rather than on any formal industry returns.

• Australian Long Distance Coach Industry Review
  
  op_074.pdf
  (7.15 MB)

This Paper discusses the aviation regulatory system in the United States and its effects on the airline industry there. It concentrates on the domestic passenger market as this is the area currently under review in Australia. Air cargo is briefly considered but there is no discussion of changes in international aviation policy.

• Deregulation of the Domestic Airline Industry in the United States
  
  ip_016.pdf
  (5.15 MB)

Early in 1984 the Bureau of Transport Economics carried out a survey of trucking operations, primarily to assist the National Road Freight Industry Inquiry in its data collection activity. This Paper describes the survey and sets out its major findings. Both road transport (for hire and reward) and ancillary operators were covered, with particular attention being given to the ownerdrivers. The main aim of the survey was to collect information on the structure of commercial truck activity in Australia including administrative, operational and equipment details. Certain limited road freight task related information and income data were also collected. In terms of business activity, the survey covered the 1982–83 financial year.

• Survey of Trucking Operations 1982–83: Methodology and Results
  
  op_075.pdf
  (7.18 MB)