Showing papers on "Transportation planning published in 1972"

Town and Country Planning in Britain

Abstract: 1. The Evolution of Town and Country Planning 2. The Agencies of Planning 3. The Planning Framework 4. The Control of Development 5. Land Policies 6. Planning and the Environment 7. Heritage Planning 8. Countryside Planning 9. Urban Policies 10. Transport Planning 11. Planning and the Public Bibliographies

Designing urban transit systems : an approach to the route-technology selection problem

Abstract: The service specification model is a tool for generating and screening public transportation systems during the initial planning stages. It is based on the concept of a service specification or supply function that integrates hardware system attributes and operating policy. A service specification is an integrated set of statements that defines which hardware-headway combination is to be used for any level of flow across a link. Walk mode may be included in the specification. The model defines a transit system within a network which includes all potential and existing transit links. The current model assumes that transit demand is known. The mechanism of the model is an iterative assignment procedure that is similar to the capacity restraint model. The template network is started at the "best" hardware-headway service level. Link service levels are iteratively adjusted to correspond to link flow level as specified by the service specification. The iterative process ends when no further changes in link service level are required. Empirical tests show that the model is sensitive to the policy decisions and hardware mix incorporated in the service specification and to the size and orientation of the transit demand. The attainment of an equilibrium flow distribution appears to be influenced by the form of the service specification, the percentage of nonplanar links, and the presence of fixed transit-time links in the template network. The model appears to be a useful tool for generating alternative transport system configurations based on different technology mixes and operating policies in any transportation context for which a service specification can be formulated.

Transportation planning and technology

Abstract: (1972). Transportation planning and technology. Transportation Planning and Technology: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 1-2.

An Econometric Simulation Model of Intra-Metropolitan Housing Location: Housing, Business, Transportation and Local Government

Abstract: There have been two major classes of urban area models: nonspatial models of income, employment, and structural change; and land use models usually oriented toward transportation planning. Recent efforts have become relatively complicated and have employed quite sophisticated techniques, with particular attention being paid to the housing market. Nevertheless, most of the work done so far appears somewhat deficient; convincing behavioral relations forming the basic structure are absent; and there have been inadequate efforts to test and validate the models. Further, relatively few efforts have specified the institutional framework necessary to introduce policy actions directly, although some recent efforts have been made in this direction. We propose to construct a model of the Boston metropolitan area that contains three major parts: a macroeconomic nonspatial model of output, employment, and income distribution; a model of long-term adjustments of population and capital stocks; and a model of spatial allocation. The equations of the model will be econometrically estimated and the main thrust of our efforts will be devoted to specification and testing of structural relationships reflecting actions of households, busi nesses, and governments interacting within both market and nonmarket institutions. The purpose of building the model is to permit systematic evaluation of a very wide range of policy alternatives considered at national, state, metropolitan, or local jurisdiction levels. If this is to be accomplished, there are three requisites. First, the model must endogenously generate those variables that enter evaluative (social welfare) functions. In this model we consider income, income distribution, availability of public services to particular population groups, and residential segregation of racial and income groups to be such variables. Second, the model must be designed so that policy alternatives can be modelled by varying the levels of particular exogenous variables. Finally, the model structure and parameter estimates must provide a model with a high degree of predictive power if the enterprise is to be of any value for policy evaluation. This paper contains a general guide to our thinking about how to construct and implement such a model. Many crucial questions of specification remain unresolved. To date we have collected most of the data that will be needed for preliminary versions of the model and some equations have been estimated. Undoubtedly many compromises will have to be made between our plans and what * Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This research was supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation.

Economic characteristics of the urban public transportation industry

Abstract: In addition to presenting an overview of the economic conditions in the urban public transit industry as a whole, this project incorporated four papers that investigated separately the economic characteristics of the urban bus, rail rapid, commuter rail, and taxicab industries. Also included were three papers in which an econometric model of urban bus transit was developed, regulatory constraints and their implications were reviewed, and external effects of urban transit operations such as air and noise pollution and accident were analyzed. The analyses tended to be rather general, concluding that demand deficiency, especially for bus transit, was the main cause of the economic difficulties of urban transit systems.

Empirical models of urban land use: suggestions on research objectives and organization

Abstract: FOLLOWING A PRESENTATION OF LAND USE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING STUDIES AND AN OVERVIEW OF LAND USE MODELING, SIX RECENT MODELS ARE DISCUSSED. IN THE SURVEY OF THESE MODELS TWO VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS FIELD ARE MADE. FIRST, REASONABLY COMPLETE AND ACCURATE SUMMARIES OF SEVERAL CURRENT EFFORTS IN THE FIELD OF LAND USE MODELING ARE PRESENTED. THESE SUMMARIES PROVIDE THE INTERESTED LAYMAN WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVITIES IN THIS FIELD, AND THE LAND USE MODELER WITH A SURVEY OF WHAT HAS BEEN DONE OR ATTEMPTED ELSEWHERE. THE SECOND CONTRIBUTION IS IN THE FORM OF WHAT IS HOPED TO BE PRODUCTIVE CRITICISM OF THESE MODELS, AS WELL AS SUGGESTIONS FOR POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN CURRENT MODELING TECHNIQUES. IN CONCLUSION, A CRITIQUE OF THE CURRENT STATE OF LAND USE MODELING AND SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT ORGANIZING RESEARCH AND MODEL BUILDING FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ARE PRESENTED.

Bureaucrats in collision : case studies in area transportation planning

Abstract: A national poll undoubtedly would show that most people favor coordinated transportation planning. Certainly the officials who deal with metropolitan areas in any capacity speak highly of the need to get away from the narrow, single-purpose plans for highways, public transportation, land use, and other key elements of the metropolitan landscape. But to develop an acceptable comprehensive plan turns out to be an illusive and often shattering experience. In this book Melvin R. Levin and Norman A. Abend, relying in part on their personal experience, comment upon the problems of planners, engineers, and public administrators who were faced with the knotty issues involved in the massive regional transportation studies that were launched in the early 1960s.Using the case study approach, the authors examine the planning experiences of five metropolitan areas--Boston; Philadelphia; Buffalo; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine. The book examines the often harrowing difficulties encountered in meshing federal, state, and regional bureaucracies in which most decisions and virtually all accomplishments involve functioning agreements by a network of wary agencies and touchy personalities. Comprehensive planning is shown to be highly sensitive to conflicting agency goals, outmoded practices, and clashing interests, while it is confusing and generally boring to the general public. Not the least of the obstacles confronting the area studies was an almost mystical belief in the promise of computer technology as the key to human understanding and painless decision making.This is not a planner's book nor are many executives in transportation agencies likely to be pleased with it. In fact, some may find it irritating. Rather, it attempts to illustrate, for the benefit of public administrators and others engaged in designing and implementing public policy, the pitfalls and pratfalls involved in mounting and carrying forward interagency programs.

Traffic flow and control: theory and applications

Abstract: Because of the omnipotence of the automobile in society today, it is necessary to understand the process which converts traffic into the menace it can become. It is only during the last decade or so that the scientific method has been applied on a large scale in developing a traffic science. This new science has addressed questions related to understanding traffic processes and to optimizing these processes through proper design and control. Some examples of both basic and applied research are discussed here, omitting applications of network theory to transportation planning.

Measuring the effectiveness of local government services: transportation

Abstract: A consumer-oriented approach is made to assessing the quality of local transportation. The authors propose a system that local governments may use to estimate how well their transportation-related services are serving their citizens. Twelve specific measures of effectiveness, keyed to such broad goals as accessibility, convenience, travel time, safety, and maintenance of environmental quality, are proposed. Ways to collect and analyze the necessary data are indicated. Summary recommendations and cost estimates for carrying out the measurement system are provided.

Effect of zone size on traffic assignment and trip distribution

Abstract: THE ANALYSIS IN THIS PAPER OF THE EFFECT OF ZONE SIZE ON TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT AND TRIP DISTRIBUTION WAS BASED ON THE RESULTS OF A RESEARCH STUDY INITIATED BY THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH BUREAU OF ROADS. THIS INVESTIGATION WAS CONCERNED WITH IDENTIFYING CRITERIA FOR ZONE SIZE SELECTION, BASED ON THE RESULTS OF APPLYING STANDARD TRIP DISTRIBUTION AND TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT PROCEDUES TO AN ACTUAL ROAD NETWORK AND VEHICLE TRIP MATRIX. VEHICLE TRIPS WERE AGGREGATED TO 5 TEST SYSTEMS, RANGING FROM 40 TO 263 ZONES, AND ASSIGNMENTS WERE MADE TO THE BASIC 1964 ROAD NETWORK. THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ZONE SYSTEMS ON TRAFFIC ASSIGNEMENT WAS EVALUATED STATISTICALLY BY COMPARING ASSIGNMENTS WITH THOSE FOR THE STUDY AREA'S 607-ZONE TRIP MATRIX AND WITH 1964 TRAFFIC COUNTS AT 16 CHECK LINES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE STUDY AREA. THE EFFECT OF ZONAL AGGREGATION ON THE SIMULATION OF TRIP DISTRIBUTIONS WAS ALSO TESTED, BOTH FOR A1-PURPOSE AND A 4-PURPOSE DISTRIBUTION. DISTRIBUTION ERRORS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AGGREGATION OF ZONES AND TO THE GROUPING OF TRIP PURPOSES WERE EVALUATED FOR 3 ZONE PLANS BY COMPARING ASSIGNMENTS OF THE RESULTING TRIP MATRICES WITH THE 607-ZONE SYSTEM ASSIGNMENT AND WITH THE 1964 CHECK-LINE VOLUMES. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT FOR MANY ASPECTS OF TRANSPORT PLANNING, ZONE PLANS WITH AN AVERAGE OF 30,000 TRIP ENDS PER ZONE WILL YIELD TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENTS SUFFICIENTLY ACCURATE FOR PREDICTIONS OF TRAFFIC GROWTH WITHIN TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS. /AUTHOR/

New approaches to pedestrian problems

Abstract: MISTAKEN IDEAS ON PEDESTRIAN BEHAVIOR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY DEFECTS IN PLANNING. SIX PRINCIPAL DEFICIENCIES ARE DISTINGUISHED IN THIS PAPER. EACH IS ILLUSTRATED BY TWO EXAMPLES. THE CONCLUSION IS THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR MORE RESEARCH AND MORE COOPERATION BETWEEN RESEARCH WORKERS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS. /AUTHOR/

Modal choices and travel attributes of the inner-city poor

Abstract: THIS PAPER EXAMINES THE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS OF THE INNER-CITY POOR. THE PAPER IS BASED ON A STUDY OF THE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF MODEL CITIES RESIDENTS IN ONE OF THE LARGEST POVERTY CONCENTRATIONS IN THE NATION. THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY WAS TO IDENTIFY THE TRANSPORTATION CONSTRAINTS THAT INHIBIT MOBILITY. DISCUSSED IS THE NEED FOR TRANSPORTATION TO JOBS, SHOPPING, MEDICAL FACILITIES, AND RECREATION. THE EFFECT OF TRANSPORTATION (OR LACK OF IT) ON THE MOBILITY OF THE POOR IS INVESTIGATED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DEVELOPED TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF EACH POPULATION GROUP THAT IS TRANSIT-DEPENDENT.

The new york state urban development corporation

Abstract: THREE MAJOR PROJECTS ARE PRESENTED IN WHICH THE DIVERSITY OF THE REQUIRED PUBLIC AND HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION MODES AND THE INTERACTION OF LOCAL, REGIONAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES ARE ILLUSTRATED: (1) THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY PROJECT, THE FIRST MULTI-DISCIPLINE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROJECT IN NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA, INVOLVED THE COORDINATION OF UDC, DOT, CITY, REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES, AND LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS. (2) WELFARE ISLAND A NEW TOWN-IN-TOWN NOW UNDERWAY, WILL INCLUDE A NEW SUBWAY TO BE AVAILABLE IN 1980, AND SHORT TERM OPTIONS ON BUS, TRAMWAY, AND FERRY TRANSPORTATION. (3) IN THE LYSANDER NEW COMMUNITY, DOT BUILT A NEW EXPRESSWAY TO RELIEVE SURBURBAN ACCESS PROBLEMS.

Transit system planning: a man-computer interactive graphic approach

Abstract: A MAN-COMPUTER INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC SYSTEM FOR PLANNING NODE-ORIENTED (MULTIPLE-ORIGIN TO SINGLE-DESTINATION) TRANSIT SYSTEMS IS PRESENTED. THE SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED IN A REAL-TIME COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT WITH A CATHODERAY TUBE. THE USER DESIGNS A TRANSIT SYSTEM BY SPECIFYING ROUTES, PARK- AND-RIDE LOTS, VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS, FREQUENCIES, FARES, AND PARKING FEES, AND THE COMPUTER IMMEDIATELY PREDICTS AND GRAPHICALLY DISPLAYS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS DESIGN. THE SYSTEM ENABLES A USER TO EXPLORE AND ASSESS A BROAD RANGE OF MULTIPLE-ATTRIBUTE ALTERNATIVES IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, ASSISTS IN THE SEARCH FOR THE BEST DESIGN BY AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING EFFICIENT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS FOR GIVEN ROUTE LAYOUTS, MAKES TRADE-OFFS BETWEEN COMPETING OBJECTIVES VISUALLY APPARENT, AND ALLOWS TESTING OF A SOLUTION'S SENSITIVITY TO PARAMETRIC VARIATIONS OF THE MODEL INPUTS. THE PAPER DESCRIBES THE MODAL SPLIT/NETWORK EQUILIBRIUM MODEL ON WHICH THE PREDICTION PROCESS IS BASED AND THEN ILLUSTRATES IN AN EXAMPLE THE MECHANICS AND CAPABILITIES OF THE MAN-COMPUTER INTERACTIVE APPROACH.

Environmental factors in transportation planning

Abstract: This book analyzes the significance of nonuser factors in transportation. It develops a model to integrate both environmental and use factors in evaluating the goals of a transportation program. /Lexington Books/

Efficiency, equity and pricing in mass transit system

Abstract: THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE TRADE-OFF FACING PROPOSED MASS TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN MOST LARGE U. S. STATISTICAL METROPOLITAN AREAS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE ATLANTA, GEORGIA STANDARD METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS. LONGER DISTANCES BETWEEN STOPS, LONGER LINES, AND A SMALLER PERCENTAGE OF STOPS WITHIN THE CENTRAL CITY INDICATE A CHANGE IN MASS TRANSIT PLANNERS' GOALS. THE ECONOMIC DECISIONS WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE MADE IN DETERMINING HOW TO FINANCE THE NEW SYSTEM ARE ALSO EXAMINED. /AUTHOR/

Temporal Expansion of a Transportation Network—I

Abstract: A model is developed for determining the optimal timing of investment in the capacity of a transportation network for which there is a finite planning horizon. The model is long term and macroscopic in nature and is limited to single-mode transportation systems in which there is a unique path connecting each origin-destination pair. The form of the optimal solution for the special case of a two-link serial network is presented. Conditions, that may be checked in application, are developed that allow the optimal solution to be calculated by solving a sequence of independent, unconstrained optimization problems. If these conditions are met, the necessity for forecasting cost and demand data for the whole planning period is eliminated.

Planning and design guidelines for mode transfer facilities

Abstract: Early 1970s research concluded that: "vehicular transfers take place on only a small portion of all urban trips; most transfers are related to public transit travel and the number of these is greater where a rapid transit system operates than in a city which has only buses. The importance of the transfer is greater than its statistical frequency would indicate, however, since a large portion are related to work (peak hour) travel, especially to downtown." As the trips downtown are the most difficult to accommodate in terms of capacity and service, it is important, where transfers are required, that they be made as convenient as possible. Awareness of the above conclusions has led to the preparation of planning and design guidelines for traffic access and circulation at rail transit stations for 2 systems currently under construction. The impetus for preparation of these guidelines was to collect data from several sources needed to plan and design mode transfer facilities. This paper presents findings from the 2 specific studies in a generalized way for use by planners of future rail transit systems.

Social and psychological impacts of transportation improvements

Abstract: THIS DISCUSSION PROVIDES A STARTING POINT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE CONSIDERATION OF THE SOCIAL CHANGES IN URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS AND THE CITY AS A WHOLE, THAT ARE BROUGHT ABOUT BY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS. IN THIS PAPER, SOCIAL IMPACTS ARE DEFINED AND DESCRIBED. SOME TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING SOCIAL IMPACTS ARE SUGGESTED, BUT MORE NEED TO BE DEVELOPED. SINCE THESE IMPACTS ARE DERIVED FROM SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF SOURCES, THEY AFFECT A WIDE VARIETY OF PEOPLE. TRANSPORTATION PLANNERS NEED TO VIEW THEIR FACILITIES WITHIN THIS TOTAL COMMUNITY IMPACT CONTEXT IN ORDER TO MAKE INTELLIGENT AND RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS. ONCE THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED, IT CAN BE EXPECTED THAT PUBLIC PROJECTS WILL BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE TOTAL COMMUNITY. /HRB/

Time/frequency and transportation

Abstract: Current and future problems are presented for the land, sea, and air transportation environments that are, or can be, solved using time/frequency technology. Problem areas in transportation encompass vehicle surveillance and location, traffic management, collision avoidance, command and control, communications, navigation, and search and rescue. Time accuracy requirements vary widely from seconds to submicroseconds. The need for time/frequency technology in the orderly and safe movement of people and material is shown to be a function of the type of transportation and environment involved. Various characteristics of the transportation environments are discussed, and time-related aspects of transportation both today and in the future are designated. Transportation statistics indicate tremendous growth in the years ahead with concomitant problems. We consider the impact of the vast difference in the various economic budgets of transportation medium users, and the stated government policy of requiring users of federally operated aids and services to pay their fair share of the costs. Recommendations are presented for broad coordination in the development and introduction of electronic systems for transportation services. We conclude that time/frequency technology can solve some of today's problems in transportation, and it offers economic integrated-system solutions to future problems with concurrent frequency spectrum conservation. The interrelationships of navigation, communication, and time/frequency systems should encourage coordinated efforts of disciplines in the design of multipurpose systems as opposed to a proliferation of new single-use facilities.

Behavioral Models in Transportation Planning

Abstract: The current transportation planning process falls between two more efficient and logical extremes. Enormous savings could accrue through simplification of current travel forecasting procedures with little loss in accuracy. Alternatively, more research should be undertaken to develop models to evaluate individual travel response to alternative transportation systems. Most behavioral research has focused on modal split considerations; similar models are needed for the analysis of travel behavior in general. These models will be more complex than those used in a modal split context because multiple outcomes will be required, rather than a binary decision. Transportation investment should be considered a policy tool to achieve overall urban goals. Behavioral models are necessary to evaluate whether or not goals will be achieved through the implementation of urban transportation system improvements.