ALTERNATIVE RESPONSES TO THE NEED FOR INTERCITY BUSES IN RURAL AREAS.

The impacts of the Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 on service to residents of small communities is discussed. This paper focuses on service to independent small towns in nonmetropolitan areas and the following are considered: (a) the level of replacement service directly stimulated by the act, (b) the nature of publicly sponsored alternative service, and (c) broader based programs that deal with the more fundamental questions regarding the nature of public demand for intercity bus service in rural areas. The adequacy and consistency of these various responses are then assessed. This paper presents the results of research based on a review of available reports and hearings and supplemented by a series of telephone interviews conducted in June and July of 1985 with representatives of state transportation departments and state public regulatory agencies. Two years after the BRRA went into effect the author concludes that the act has not benefited small rural communities. Recommendations for maintaining effective intercity service in rural areas are offered.