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THE METRO IN INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Public transit is essential in development of contemporary society. Despite efforts to establish activity in remote areas, large cities remain the center of economic development. Land use and traffic planning are essential in maintaining urban mobility. Such planning must include well-chosen public transit to meet expected demands for 20 to 30 years ahead. If a well adapted bus network is planned for a first-state development of a large city, planning should also include right-of-way reservation for a future rail network. Whether this should be a light rail, rapid transit or railroad commuter operation depends on local conditions and the capacity required. Currently 69 world cities have 3800 km of so-called metro route with 1400 km more now under construction or planning. Profitability cannot be based solely on revenues and total operating cost. Public utility has a value which has to be added to passenger revenues. High capacity transit is a well-justified investment from a socioeconomic point of view. The owner (often a public body) desires efficiency and productivity while the riders require appropriate capacity during rush hour and a reasonable level of service in the off-peak. Demands for high service quality and high productivity are often contradictory. Rapid transit offers the potential for automation, not only a technological challenge but also one for labor relations. The author credits the International Union of Public Transport (UITP) with facilitating the exchange of information about public transport and the problems which confront it.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Transport Press

    Quadrant House, The Quadrant
    Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS,   England 
  • Authors:
    • BACKSTROM, I
  • Publication Date: 1985

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00399797
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 31 1985 12:00AM