THE CHANGING WORLD OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION

The continuing changes in city structure, the strengths and weaknesses of public transportation, and cost benefits available through contracting transit services to private transportation operators are discussed. The residential density of American cities is declining and employment locations are dispersing. As a result, the use of public transportation is decreasing and there must be greater reliance on the automobile. In high density residential and employment areas, capital-intensive and high-density transportation is effective and will continue to be. In many low density and small city areas, however, high-capacity, fixed-route transit service is capable of producing only marginal revenues and inadequate service levels. Already a number of transit agencies have implemented innovative services for such areas. Taxi and paratransit operators are providing demand-responsive services under the auspices of public authorities with substantial savings. Examples are given of various levels of private sector participation. It is expected that there will be more demand-responsive services, replacement of fixed-route services, replacement of fixed-route service with demand-responsive service, and fixed-route service operated with paratransit vehicles and taxis.