AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION IN TRANSITION

The article discusses the financial problems considered likely to bring about a change in public transportation in America. It is argued that these current problems should mean the end of outdated institutions and the beginning of new transport systems. Population movement to the suburbs has resulted in either increased mileage necessary on enlarged bus routes, or reduced income on old routes. Equally, private transport is increasingly expensive to operate due to increasing fuel costs and longer commuting distances. Employers have also found that relocating expenses are high and public transport costs tend to limit recruitment. It is considered that the public sector must reduce its financial commitments and gain tighter control over costs. Scarce public resources will need to be focused more carefully on specific attainable objectives. Private citizens will have to adjust to either traditional transport costs or accept co-operative schemes of various forms. (TRRL)