TRANSIT'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY: MAKING A GOOD THING BETTER
An attempt is made to point out several areas where energy conservation is possible, specifically, in existing public transit systems and in general urban passenger transportation systems, through the more effective use of these systems. The paper focuses on short-term solutions and the initial, but essential steps to long-term solutions. Current direct energy consumption statistics for the standard transit modes (city/suburban transit bus-usually diesel fueled, and the rail modes such as light rail, rapid transit and commuter rail) as compared to the urban automobile. Three changes that can be made to the transit system itself to improve its efficiency are discussed. These changes include vehicle technology improvement and two types of relatively low-cost network improvements. It is noted that current technology allows a shift to electrical power. Staggered working hours would allow system utilization to rise greatly without heavy capital expenditures. Traffic management schemes and proper pricing of energy intensive modes will increase transit ridership levels of service which will create a feedback loop to further increase ridership, levels of service, and reduce regional energy consumption.
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Corporate Authors:
American Public Transit Association
1225 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC United States 20036 -
Authors:
- Bernard III, M J
- LaBelle, S J
- Publication Date: 1977
Media Info
- Features: Figures; Tables;
- Pagination: p. 41-52
- Serial:
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bus transportation; Commuting; Conservation; Energy; Level of service; Light rail transit; Prices; Public transit; Rapid transit; Ridership; Staggered work hours; Urban transportation
- Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Energy; Environment; Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00157256
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Nov 23 1981 12:00AM