TRANSPORTATION IN WESTERN EUROPE: TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS

Western Europe, like North America, has witnessed a phenomenal growth in automobile traffic during the past 15 to 20 years. But due to the characteristics of European cities in terms of age, layout, and population density, these cities are experiencing difficulties in coping with automobile traffic. Severe congestion is the order of the day as are environmental impacts such as air and noise pollution. Throughout western Europe there is a shift in transportation investment policy from catering to the automobile to restraining its use. There is great opposition from the public to more road building. Emphasis is being placed on getting more capacity out of the existing system. Emphasis is also being placed on encouraging more people to ride public transportation. This shift in policy has led to some interesting trends and useful innovations. Land use and transportation planning are carefully coordinated. Every effort is being made to develop a balanced transportation system with every mode doing what it is best suited for. Public transportation is being encouraged by improving it in terms of travel time and frequency. Attempts are being made to integrate the modes as much as possible through uniform management, coordinated scheduling, multimodal ticketing and intermodal terminals. For the covering abstract of the conference see TRIS 378581. (TRRL)