2011. Study on passenger long distance coach transport in Italy

Long distance coach services in Italy represent an almost unknown mode of transport to the general public, often ignored even by policy makers. The industry has been liberalised since 2007, and service regulation is gradually changing from exclusive concessions to nonexclusive authorisations.

In our study – the first numerical research specifically focused on long distance coach transport in Italy – we aimed at shedding a first light on this sector, underlining its importance, and evidencing its specific strengths and weaknesses.
We developed a geographical database of the long distance coaches supply and a database of the operating firms. Moreover, we interviewed managers and directors of some operating firms.
We provided policy indications for this evolving and promising industry, looking at what happened in other countries and at what can be learnt from the European air industry after the liberalisation of the 90’s.