The USDOT defines public-private partnerships (P3s) as “contractual agreements formed between a public agency and a private sector entity that allow for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of transportation projects.” These arrangements may involve a government agency contracting or working collaboratively with a private entity to renovate, construct, operate, maintain, finance, or manage a facility or system.  While research has been conducted to identify examples of P3 initiatives and why they may or may not be applicable for public transportation, such research is limited because the examples tend to be for large-scale P3 initiatives. Little information has been gathered to describe small- and medium-sized P3 initiatives associated with public transportation or to offer best practices for identifying, planning, and implementing such efforts. Information is also needed on the factors that appear to support success and the challenges and barriers that may be encountered for small- and medium-sized P3 initiatives. R

 

The objective of this research is to prepare a resource for public transportation providers in the United States to better understand, evaluate, initiate, plan, and implement small- and medium-sized P3 initiatives. The resource should address why and when to consider P3s for small- and medium-sized initiatives, what types of initiatives may be undertaken, and how to effectively undertake these initiatives. 

STATUS: The project is completed and the final report has been published as TCRP Report 191, Public Transportation  Guidebook for Small-and Medium-Sized Public-Private Partnerships.      https://www.trb.org/TCRP/Blurbs/175901.aspxsubmitted