PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN URBAN AREAS - A BENEFIT OR DISBENEFIT?

Despite increased investment in public transport in urban areas and attention to its management, public transport is seen as being at a cross road in that the discrepancy between costs and revenue is so large that the community may react against subsidising the deficit amount. Past trends which led to the current deficit problems of public transport authorities are examined and future deficit prospects illustrated showing the limited impact of even substantial fare increases. Although operational and policy measures can be used to minimise operating costs and perhaps increase patronage, deficit confinement in the future will require a major review of urban public transport objectives, service levels and fare structure. /Author/TRRL/