Use of multi-criteria decision analysis to classify and regulate interstate bus services in Brazil

Abstract

Interstate bus services in Brazil can occur between nearby or distant municipalities. In the former situation the bus service should be classified as ‘semi-urban’; it is delegated by Federal concession that requires a bidding process and must be provided by urban buses. In the latter situation the bus service should be classified as ‘road’; it is directly authorized by the public authority and must be provided by coaches. Brazilian law distinguishes between ‘nearby’ and ‘distant’ cities when the service occurs with ‘urban’ or ‘regional’ characteristics, but does not specify parameters for that distinction. This paper presents a multi-criteria method used to better classify and regulate those bus transport services. The method was applied to categorize 11 interstate markets of which 4 were considered to be ‘semi-urban’. In conclusion, the study served as a basis to support a government decision.

Keywords

• Multi-criteria decision support
• Transport regulation
• Bus service classification.