TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH NEEDS IN THE RURAL SECTOR

Recommendations regarding research needs on social, economic and environmental aspects of rural transportation are presented, the evolution of the rural transportation system is described, and problem areas in the system are itemized. The rural transportation system has evolved into an uncoordinated, multimodal transportation network in which one mode or another is overbuilt in some regions of the country. The particular situation with regard to highways, railroads, and bridges are noted. Research in the following areas are suggested: optimal use of the present transportation system; optimizing the extent of the present system; optimizing the organization of the transportation system; optimum land use; and standards.