REVITALIZATION OF SMALL COMMUNITIES: TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

The report summarizes the first year of an analytical study designed to assist in formulation of rural transportation policy. Hypotheses were (1) the U.S. should undertake to preserve and revitalize rural towns as a means of future population redistribution, and (2) transportation may provide the key to revitalization of rural towns. The study concluded that no policy aimed at reversing present population distribution trends is likely to succeed. Rural development will be process of rural rubanization. National policy should aim at selectively encouraging small town growth while maximizing societal benefits and minimizing societal costs of rural urbanization. Rural towns do and can serve several necessary functions including future expansion of agriculture, but many will inevitable disappear. Transportation strategy should support existing growth patterns, prevent their disruption by fuel shortages and rising costs, provide access to necessary social and medical services, and assure a degree of personal mobility for those who cannot drive, including those left behind in declining communities.

• Corporate Authors:

  George Washington Transportation Research Institute. Center for Intelligent Systems Research

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• Publication Date: 1974-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 134 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demographics; Fuels; Level of service; Mobility; Rural areas; Small towns; Social factors; Supply; Transportation planning; Transportation policy; Urbanization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Services
• Old TRIS Terms: Fuel shortage
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00081945
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-30122
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 26 1975 12:00AM