ABSTRACT
It is in the intercity, or long-distance, sector that the highest quality of public transport service can be found, and the most extensive use of public transport by those with cars available for the journey in question. On many routes improved quality of service has stimulated an increase in total patronage, despite rising car ownership. Another contrast with the short-distance market is that productivity has risen sharply, as vehicle size and speed have increased. Commercially viable opportunities for investment are also more numerous.
