A regional analysis of technical efficiency of urban transportation companies in Spain

Abstract

In this paper the technical efficiency of urban public transport companies in Spain during the period 2010-2013 is being investigated. The study was performed on 53 companies operating in the main Spanish cities. These companies are classified by autonomous regions and their data are processed using a nonparametric methodology (DEA). An input-oriented model with variable returns to scale is applied. With the results the position of each region has been established, showing that few companies are at the efficiency frontier and existing gaps in staff costs, supplies, depreciation and other operating expenses.