THE EFFECTS OF REDUCTION IN CAR TRAFFIC

The effect of car ownership can be expressed in many ways. One of these are the changes brought about in society by changes in transport mode. These effects have been estimated on the private individual, company and regional levels, using the variables: car operating costs, public transport fares, time costs, public transport operating costs, redistribution effects (through taxes), and marginal costs to society. The marginal effects due to reduction in car travel by a certain percentage are calculated, first by assuming that existing public transport fleet can accommodate all the new passengers, and secondly that new vehicles must be purchased. Other factors considered are the effects of higher petrol taxes imposed on private cars only, and lowering of public transport fares. Case studies have been carried out for 5 towns of different sizes and travel patterns. A 10% drop in car travel may double public transport travel, resulting in large increases in load and demands for new lines, etc. However, on the regional level, bus companies would gain from a 10% change from car to bus travel. Society would lose since drop in petrol tax income is greater than reduction in marginal costs due to accidents, road wear, etc. (TRRL)