Some economic prerequisites for efficient and equitable urban transport systems

This paper has addressed the emerging development patterns in Melbourne, and discussed the transport outlook in broad terms, from the point of view of the requirements for optimality in the transport network and efficiency of road management. It is contended that housing and transport subsidies have induced gross overuse of the transport system which must be redressed if optimality of networks is to be feasible. Transport agencies do not have the authority required to achieve these goals. The best they can hope to do is deliver efficient additions to a network that serves an inefficient urban system. Further, it may be some time before the community sees its way clear to remove the subsidies and adopt the policies necessary to deliver transport efficiency. Meanwhile, it is important for Municipalities to appreciate that measuring the benefits, ensuring an appropriate contribution from each user and giving road managers the authority to collect new types of charges is a prerequisite to transport efficiency not only in Melbourne, but throughout all Victoria. Up to this time, no Australian government of any persuasion has been prepared to apply the necessary policies, although one overseas Government (Singapore) has done so and others are getting closer to biting the bullet. Meanwhile, a number of possible actions and policies have been suggested, which are within the power and responsibility of Municipalities to implement.