NEW TECHNOLOGY: PROBLEMS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE PLANNING

As public services such as public transport are in decline, due to financial constraints and falling demand, the author considers the effect of developing communications technology on transport demand. It has been thought that by introducing traffic restrictions greater use would be made of public transport. It is now seen that this can only be realised by increasing subsidisation. It is also realised that a car-oriented society behaves differently and has different travel opportunities compared with one based on public transport. Changes in family urban travel behaviour have therefore had a significant impact on transport demand. The author considers that developing telecommunications and associated technology will make a similar impact on society and transport demand. (TRRL)