THE DECLINE OF BRITAIN'S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

The American author reports on his impression of London's transportation system, noting evidence of four factors that have crippled much of American public transit: Physical deterioration, governmental policy of neglect, union arrogance and public apathy. Deferred maintenance is already apparent in railway track maintenance. Government policy is now that there should be a minimum of subsidy, which in the long term will produce a severely reduced system that can cater only to those prosperous enough to pay vastly higher fares. The government is simultaneously expanding spending on transit's major competitor--the automobile. The pace of constructing superhighways is quickening while parking lots are being expanded and traffic congestion is growing. Transport unions foster inefficiency and oppose introduction of new technology while alienating passengers through wildcat strikes and other work stoppages. British infatuation with the motor car has produced an apathy concerning other modes of transportation. The author concludes that while British public transit is still reasonably healthy, current trends can only result in the same transport patterns that have resulted in Americs's automobile-dominated society.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/100980083
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  2500 Artesia Boulevard
  Redondo Beach, CA  United States  90278
• Authors:
  • Turner, D
• Publication Date: 1985-5

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 43-44
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 81
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 10098-0083

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile ownership; Competition; Deferred maintenance; Forecasting; Policy; Public opinion; Public transit; Subsidies; Transportation modes
• Identifier Terms: London Transport
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Government policies
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396441
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1985 12:00AM