THE CONSEQUENCES OF IMBALANCED TRANSPORTATION SPENDING

Though the trend in automobile usage has been rising during the past 30+ years, the percentage of funds being used for highway improvements is dropping. At the same time, funding for transit improvements has increased substantially, yet the transit ridership levels have not increased proportionately with the increases in spending. Unfortunately, the question of whether a more balanced transportation system would achieve greater economic efficiencies is often unanswered because of preconceived conclusions regarding the effectiveness of certain improvements. This paper urges governments to evaluate transportation system improvement options that are more balanced with the modal demand. If decisions are later made that other factors offset the travel benefits of an alternative, at least the decision-makers will be informed as to the tradeoffs in terms of impacts to transportation services.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 191-197

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00720569
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 24 1996 12:00AM