On how to allocate the fixed cost of transport systems

Abstract

In this study, we consider different cities located along a tram line. Each city may have one or several stations and information is available about the flow of passengers between any pair of stations. A fixed cost (salaries of the executive staff, repair facilities, or fixed taxes) must be divided among the cities. This cost is independent of the number of passengers and the length of the line. We propose a mathematical model to identify suitable mechanisms for sharing the fixed cost. In the proposed model, we study, and characterize axiomatically, three rules, which include the uniform split, the proportional allocation and an intermediate situation. The analyzed axioms represent the basic requirements for fairness and elemental properties of stability.