In comparison to shorter-term procurements methods, PPPs provide the opportunity for public sector agencies and private sector providers to develop long-term, high trust relationships. With the need to concentrate on long-term objectives, there is greater incentive for public sponsors and private providers to understand goals and share information to develop better long-term solutions. Further, the opportunity to develop strong long-term relationships provides a better forum in which to resolve problems and issues.
With transportation assets typically having long effective lives, a need exists for the public sector to develop a long term relationship with a provider to assist the development of transportation infrastructure, guide capital expenditure decisions and ensure that assets are maintained, safe and are of high quality upon transfer.
However, the development of a long-term relationship will need to account for the possibility that there may be a reduced desire on a provider's part to seek the best solution due to the security of the relationship. Public sponsors will also need to be mindful of the partnership proposing and selecting options that minimize damage to the relationship, but may not maximize community benefits.