Hi there,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like the idea of having some competition. However, I am not sure if the mentioned idea of route concessions can establish this. How would it work if all interesting routes are already taken by companies? Can I still drive my favorite route on that fantastic map? The only option seems to drive with another company who has the lines. Switching line ownership can result in "job switching" behaviour. Besides, I think the whole maps (region) are more realistic. Usual PT operators & authorities tend to be operating those areas (BVG in Berlin, MVG in Munchen, etc). As far as I'm concerned, it feels fine to operate in the same way; on whole maps instead of a few transport lines.
Then the cost structures. If I'm right, the map costs are currently depending on the # of lines and the # of companies that have bought the map. More companies driving on the map means a higher cost for one to buy, while less companies driving on map means a lower cost. So one could say that a more extensive cost mechanism is already in place. When it comes to smaller companies, they can run on cheaper maps or other companies until there is solid income.
I do not completely understand the last reaction, but when it comes to AI traffic on the map you can set it yourself by changing the files in the map folder.
Having real buses in Depot to drive tours on the map, could be an issue too. The X10 and 130 (Spandau) lines in Berlin have over 10 (+) tours running at the same time, and even more during rush hours. This means a company needs over 10 buses only running on AI trips. Smaller companies do not have that many buses so this will cause a big problem for them. Competing with other (bigger) companies will become hard. So, in the end, I think the original idea is good, but the mentioned plan will (in this way) not lead to a good outcome.