THE DECLINE AND FALL OF URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The author criticises the present urban public transport policies which attempt to provide a realistic alternative to the private car restraining their use at commuter peaks. He suggests that restraint of car use does not lead to simple substitution of public transport journeys; fewer car journeys are used to accomplish the same activities. Although the flow of car traffic has been reduced in city centres, this may have an undesirable long term effect on its level of commercial activity and foster the development of out of town shopping centres. Many commuters now leave their car at home where it can be used by the rest of the family, thus diverting possible off-peak bus users. A revised policy is suggested where peak hour car restraint is removed and urban public transport services are reduced annually by five per cent. Pedestrians should have priority during a designated off-peak when all cars are excluded. Park and ride facilities from peripheral car parks should only operate at off-peak periods. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Building and Contract Journals Limited

  32 Southwark Bridge Road
  London SE1 9EX,   England 
• Authors:
  • HEGGIE, I
• Publication Date: 1976-3-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 9-10
• Serial:
  • Surveyor - Public Authority Technology
  • Volume: 147
  • Issue Number: 4370
  • Publisher: IPC Building and Contract Journals Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Central business districts; Commuting; Park and ride; Peak hour traffic; Peak periods; Pedestrians; Policy; Public transit; Traffic restraint; Urban areas; Urban transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Use
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 958: Park and ride; 612: Peak hour; 173: Policy; 744: Public transport; 311: Town centre; 633: Traffic restraint; 313: Urban area; 9084: Use
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00137724
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1981 12:00AM