Changes

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."

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.

The complexities of ownership and operation can be illustrated with the example of [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], where 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.

The government also greatly expanded the rail system.

The government also greatly expanded the rail system.

Although the original tram operators were private companies, the tram network was greatly expanded by municipal councils providing services, but the state government subsequently took over all these operators.

Although the original tram operators were private companies, the tram network was greatly expanded by municipal councils providing services, but the state government subsequently took over all these operators.

Many bus services were provided by private companies, but under government regulation, although the state government also owned and operated some bus services itself.

Many bus services were provided by private companies, but under government regulation, although the state government also owned and operated some bus services itself.

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 oversight.

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

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