PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN JOINT DEVELOPMENT.

With few exceptions, public-private partnerships in joint development in the field of public transportation have been limited to rapid rail systems. While the applicability of the concept to other forms of public infrastructure investments is still in the exploratory stage, there is little conceptual evidence that indicates that such activities are the exclusive domain of rapid rail. There appear to be three basic factors which are apparently required for a successful joint activity and none of these factors is exclusive to rapid rail. The first and foremost is a willingness on the part of both partners to flexibly seek out joint opportunities. Second is the ability of the public partner to provide a concentration of individuals at a relatively limited number of geographic locations. Third is the presence of desirable economic and/or developmental opportunities at and around those geographic locations. This technical note is intended to provide a brief overview of the concept of joint development, a quick step through some useful guiding principles and a few recommendations and considerations regarding the broader context of public-private partnerships and joint development activities.