Changes

== Public transport providers ==

== Public transport providers ==

Public transport may be provided by privately-owned operators, [[government]]s, or a combination of the two, and which is the case has often changed over time.

Public transport may be provided by privately-owned operators, [[government]]s, or a combination of the two, a situation often referred to as "public-private partnerships."

 

In [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], for example, public transport service was originally provided by private companies, but these were later taken over by the state government, usually when the private operators got into financial difficulties.

In [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], for example, public transport service was originally provided by private companies, but these were later taken over by the state government, usually when the private operators got into financial difficulties.

In the late 1990s, the government contracted with private operators to operate the railway and tram systems, although these remained under government ownership and control.

In the late 1990s, the government contracted with private operators to operate the railway and tram systems, although these remained under government ownership and control.

Note that the word "public" in public transport does not refer government ownership of the service.

Note that the word "public" in public transport does not necessarily refer to government ownership of the service.

Public transport services may be provided entirely by the private sector, whilst private transport usually operates on roads provided by the public sector and paid for by [[taxpayer]]s.

Public transport services may be provided entirely by the private sector, whilst private transport usually operates on roads provided by the public sector and paid for by [[taxpayer]]s.