Suburban service in North America today—Which way will we go?

Abstract The current situation of suburban rail services is reviewed. Differences between seemingly similar services—urban transit, commuter service, suburban rail service and regional rail ‐are discussed. The suburban rail commuter is described as the true intermodal traveler. Differences of the political backgrounds of the inner‐city compared to the suburbs complicate implementation of programs to improve service and suggest deep problems over the long term. Because the transition of suburban rail service from the private to public sector has been so recent, it is difficult for many to recognize that the profit of the service is in the lower total transportation costs for the community as compared to a cash dividend. Existing railroad lines in many cities have the potential of being a cost‐effective solution to traffic problems, although the specific solutions vary widely, ranging from the operation of new commuter trains over the lines of a heavy duty railroad (Toronto) to a completely new light rail system (San Diego).