TRANSPORTATION-ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS OF MAJOR ACTIVITY CENTERS

This paper is based in part on a recent analysis of generic urban transportation alternatives. Some 29 different modal options, covering bus, rail, paratransit, automobile, pedestrian, automated-guideway transit, and dual-mode transportation, were defined in terms of specific performance and impact characteristics. Major activity centers (MAC) were one of three general types of application area for these generic modes (the others were major corridors and areawide applications). Through the use of a series of prototype case studies of each of these different application areas--seven different prototypes were examined for major activity centers--trade-off analyses of each applicable mode were conducted. These analyses, carried forward at a sketch planning level of detail, covered travel demand forecasts; preliminary capital, operating/maintenance, and life-cycle costs; social, economic, and environmental impacts; and institutional factors affecting implementability. The seven different types of MACs analyzed in that project are described here. Size, physical form, mix of land use activities, internal travel characteristics, external access characteristics, density patterns, and related factors are discussed. Baseline daily population and density characteristics are defined for each. The results of travel demand analyses for each MAC type are presented, and a range of potential travel demands, primarily for internal circulation, is identified. Access to and from major centers in terms of the regional subareas that are served is briefly considered. Options for achieving greater transportation-energy efficiency in terms of preliminary analyses of travel demand and land use relationships are also outlined. (Author)

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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in TRB Unpublished Report No. 30, Transportation Energy Conservation Through Land Use Planning.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

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  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Stuart, D G
• Publication Date: 1982-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 24-34
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Unpublished Report
  • Issue Number: 30
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Central business districts; Energy consumption; Mode choice; Transportation planning; Travel demand; Urban transportation
• Old TRIS Terms: Modal selection
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00372917
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-81-C-00031
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 31 1983 12:00AM