Effective Strategies for Regulating and Financing Bus Stations in Slovenia: Learning for Europe

Public transport in Europe is set to grow by 14 per cent from 2022 to 2025 due to decarbonisation efforts. Despite their monopoly status, many bus stations are unprofitable, lacking investment in technology and services. This study examines the financial viability of Slovenian bus stations, comparing revenues from operations and ticket sales against expenses like labour and maintenance. The average break-even fee is €3.64, with smaller stations facing higher costs. Regulatory changes are recommended to enhance profitability and efficiency, addressing a key gap in transportation economic studies. The findings offer transferable insights for countries with liberalised or mixed-ownership bus station markets, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.