[sustran] land use control and levels of motorization

[Zvi Leve]

In my opinion, the major issue in any region, particularly those which 
are rapidly growing, is 'accessibility' to opportunities - and not 
necessarily mobility. Why are so many people acquiring cars? Of course 
as the economy grows and financing become more flexible more people can 
afford private vehicles. But also note that these rapidly expanding 
regions are often not structured in such a way that there is sufficient 
accessibility to things (employment opportunities, schools, etc.) - 
hence the /need/ to acquire the means of independent mobility. And 
unfortunately rapid uncontrolled urban growth cannot be well served by 
mass transit - hence the rapid rush to motorization!

There is always the chicken and the egg issue. What comes first: 
concentrated land uses, or the transportation infrastructure to serve 
them? In places such as Hong Kong and Singapore there was a concerted 
effort by the government to integrate land use developments together 
with mass transit. In many other places local governments do not 
necessarily have as much control over local land use so it is not so 
simple to serve the population's needs via 'mass-transit'.

I think that one of the legitimate arguments for rail-options is that 
they are perceived as being more permanent - hence there is a better 
chance of being able to formalize land use development around rail 
rather than small-scale transit options. Still, is it realistic to 
expect that just becauses an authority chooses a rail option, they will 
miraculously now be able to control the way a given location develops?

As for 'utilization charges' - no government ever earned much support 
from the population by adding more taxes!

Just some thoughts. Unfortunately I have no solutions.

Zvi

Dibu Sengupta wrote:

> And this malaise is spreading fast, not just in Bangalore or Pune but 
> in the smaller towns as well. Foreign companies introducing new brands 
> of cars, giving off low interest payments and people making a beeline 
> for a new symbol of social status.
>  
> That's where transit authorities and the local jurisdictions come to 
> the picture. Utilization charges mentioned by Sunny are probably the 
> best way to tackle this automobile explosion!
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Dibu Sengupta
> Transportation Engineer
> VHB, Inc.
>