ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TRANSPORTATION

It has become evident that a means of conserving energy in transportation must be found to reduce the country's extreme dependence upon petroleum for transportation. There are two ways of doing this: reduced travel, and more efficient travel. By comparing the annual amount of passenger miles in Pennsylvania, where public transportation exceeds private, with statistics for the entire U.S., it is found that 260 million gallons of fuel are saved. Urban buses consume fewer BTU's per mile than automobiles, but bus transportation must be well patronized if it is to produce a considerable fuel savings. Electric transit and diesel commuter trains both have higher levels of ridership. The electric transit system in Cleveland has been found to consume much less fuel than private automobiles. Likewise the BART system has attracted more riders and is conserving a significant amount of fuel. Exceptions to the rule that public transportation is the most efficient form are demand actuated transportation, rubber-tired trains, and air travel. If significant savings in energy are to be realized, the most efficient modes of transportation must be designed for specific corridors. Another means of saving petroleum may be the greater use of coal for transportation. All factors considered, it is not unreasonable to predict an extensive saving of fuel as a result of increased use of public transportation. Graphs and tables give statistics on the estimate and comparisons made.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1794668
• Authors:
  • TENNYSON, E L
• Publication Date: 1975-2

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • Mass Transit
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Cygnus Publishing, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0364-3484
  • Serial URL: http://www.masstransitmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus transportation; Energy; Fuel consumption; Passenger miles; Petroleum industry; Private transportation; Public transit; Ridership
• Uncontrolled Terms: Petroleum trade
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084745
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1975 12:00AM