The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be Changing Trends And Their Implications For Transport Planning
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2011
Subject Area
land use - transit oriented development, land use - urban density, mode - car, mode - mass transit, place - north america, ridership - mode choice, ridership - young people
Keywords
land use, transit ridership, auto-use, transit-oriented development, factors affecting travel demand, ageing population
Abstract
This report examines demographic, economic and market trends that affect travel demand (the amount and type of travel people will choose), and their implications for transport planning. Motorized mobility grew tremendously during the Twentieth Century due to favorable demographic and economic conditions. But many factors that caused this growth, such as declining vehicle operating costs and increased vehicle travel speeds, are unlikely to continue. Per capita vehicle ownership and mileage have peaked in the U.S., while demand for alternatives such as walking, cycling, public transit and telework is increasing. This indicates that future transport demand will be increasingly diverse. Transport planning can reflect these shifts by increasing support for alternative modes. Although this report investigates trends in the U.S. and other wealthy countries, the analysis has important implications for developing countries.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by the author. Copyright remains with the author.
Recommended Citation
Litman, T. (2011). The future isn't what it used to be: Changing trends and their implications for transport planning
