From Monopoly to Market: Polish Urban Mass-Transportation Companies

In line with new framework laws on decentralization and private-sector activities, several Polish cities have introduced changes to their mass-transportation sectors. Although state-owned companies monopolized the market in the pre-reform period, a greater reliance on market processes and actors has evolved. Major changes include a new legal status for mass-transportation companies that permits stock ownership by public and private partners and is intended to increase the independence of company management, create concession and subcontracting opportunities for private operators, introduce service agreements, and create new sectors reflecting the separation of mass-transportation companies' local regulatory and operational functions.