Model of the Integrated Regional Public Transit System Between the Territories of the Municipalities of Niš, Pirot, Toplica and Jablanica Districts in the Republic Of Serbia

Abstract

Regional public transit between the municipalities of Niš, Pirot, Toplica and Jablanica districts connects the surrounding municipalities and cities with the territory of the city of Niš. It has a significant socio-economic function because it serves residents who live in smaller municipalities, i.e., cities, and work and study in the city of Niš. As such, regional public transit in this region is very present and has the same character as suburban public passenger transport that connects settlements with the inner-city area. In practice, Niš, Pirot, Toplica and Jablanica districts represent a unique socio-economic entity. Daily migrations of citizens between these four districts are carried out using intercity bus lines operated by several public transit companies. The tariff system and the ticket system differ between operators and even among departures of the same operator. Transfer points offer different, inconsistent information and services due to varying ownership structures and contractual agreements with transit companies. Therefore, market of public transit system between districts is unregulated and it can be characterized as defensive and unsustainable because citizens are unable to use the entire offer due to the complicated system. To address these challenges, it is necessary to develop an integrated model for the regional public transit system, connecting the four districts into a cohesive unit and improving the quality of public transport services. Integration can be achieved at four different levels: physical, tariff, informational, and wide planning integration.