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GETTING AT THE BIG FACTS IN TRANSPORTATION

Since the private automobile has been found to be responsible for the greatest oil energy consumption among the various travel modes, a suitable alternative must be found. The potential of public transit to reduce this oil consumption has thus far been underestimated by engineers. Studies of certain transit efficiencies fail to point out the real capabilities of public transit in that they tend to ignore certain time periods that are more efficient, and ignore the ability to effect large oil savings. Besides the fact of concealing the potential of public transit to save energy, these accounting methods conceal a greater fact the need for engineering improvements to effect energy savings. The computing of energy consumption by commuter trains is another area that is guilty of concealing the need for technological improvement. Planning for optimum use of public transit should include route selection by computer mapping based on census data. Where potential for energy savings is found, public transit must be expanded. Reluctance to do this is partly due to transit deficits. This can be avoided, however, by increasing operations during the most energy-conserving period - rush hour. If the Federal government becomes more involved in this need for development, and engineers become involved in technological research to avoid energy waste, public transit can become the most effective means of energy-conserving transportation.

  • Corporate Authors:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    1290 Avenue of the Americas
    New York, NY  United States  10019
  • Authors:
    • Christensen, D
    • Pikarsky, M
  • Publication Date: 1975-9

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00129638
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: May 14 1981 12:00AM