THE CHALLENGE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The author traces the history of public and private transport from the stage coaches of the seventeenth century to the last few decades. The present state of transport in urban and rural areas of Britain is then outlined with particular reference to the Strathclyde region. The organisation and control of public transport is discussed. The problems of co-ordinating a deregulated bus system are stressed and a bias in favour of road transport identified. Expected trends in travel demand are considered. Suggestions are made for achieving the generally accepted transportation aims of car restraint and increased use of public transport which are not being met by current investment decisions. Methods of evaluating the benefits of transportation investment are considered and an approach recommended based on social benefits. Suggestions are then made for the enhancement of bus, rail and light rail services to aid their promotion as a preferred means of travel. For the covering abstract of this conference see IRRD 853048.