Incomplete contracts for bus service during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic poses serious challenges for the public bus service. The fall in demand due to social distancing measures, the intensification of hygiene procedures, the acquisition of personal protective equipment, and restrictions on vehicle capacity threaten the financial viability of Brazilian public transportation. The COVID-19 pandemic may be characterized as a force majeure event, giving rise to an economic-financial balancing of public bus service contracts. However, this solution must be built by the public administration and transport companies to guarantee the interests and needs of both parties. Therefore, this article offers strategies to continue operating the service during the pandemic and to achieve economic and financial equilibrium protecting the public interest. Overcoming the uncertainties and consequences caused by the pandemic requires relationships of trust and mutual support between the private sector (operators) and government.

摘要 新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）疫情给公共巴士服务带来了严峻挑战。受社交距离防疫措施导致的出行需求下滑、卫生防疫规程的强化、个人防护装备（personal protective equipment）的购置，以及车辆载客量限制等因素影响，巴西公共交通行业的财务可持续性受到严重威胁。新冠疫情可被认定为不可抗力事件，由此引发公共巴士服务合同的经济与财务层面平衡调整。但该解决方案需由公共管理部门与运输企业共同制定，以保障双方的利益与需求。为此，本文提出了疫情期间维持服务运营、实现经济与财务平衡并保护公共利益的相关策略。要化解疫情带来的不确定性与后续影响，需要私营部门（运营方）与政府之间建立互信互助的合作关系。