CRITERIA FOR THE CHOICE OF MODES OF TRANSPORT IN THE CONTEXT OF URBAN PLANNING AND OPERATING CONDITIONS

This report examines elements involved in choice of transport modes within the context of the urbanization phenomenon. Responses from 55 transit operations gave a primarily European picture of the processes and problems encountered with current urban transportation planning. While the populations of center cities have stabilized or contracted over the past two decades, their suburbs have generally continued to grow, producing areas with low housing density and scattered business facilities that are difficult to service with public transit and encourage the growth of private transport. While public transit operations declined in the 1960s, the energy crisis and traffic congestion of the 1970s generated growing interest in public transit. The report shows the types of operation (bus, trolley bus, streetcar, light rail or rapid transit), number of vehicles operated, employees, productivity, and financial results. The economic ranges used for the different modes are analyzed. It is concluded that rail modes have the greatest potential for long-term service for their communities. Not only are rail system capacities greater, but they have the capability to better determine the structure of the urban environment. Electric traction also reduces pollution and diversifies energy sources. The recovery of public transit needs be sustained at all levels of planning.