CONCEPT OF TRANSPORTATION NEED REVISITED

A new approach in considering the concept of transportation need is suggested based on the notion that need can be determined by considering the inverse of one's ability to adjust, for a given trip purpose, aspects of this trip in response to mobility constraints. By using this criterion, two indices of need (effectiveness and efficiency) can be constructed. The application of this approach to data on the handicapped in four areas (two urban and two rural) in Iowa indicates that the needs of the handicapped are equally met in all four areas; however, the rural systems are less efficient than the urban ones in meeting that challenge. These results are in contrast to the results of the traditional approach (existing demand met), which show great spatial discrepancies between urban and rural areas. (Author)