Characteristics of Urban Transportation Systems

Book excerpt: The objective of this document is to provide a single source of sketch planning data on the most important performance characteristics of contemporary urban transportation systems in a format that lends itself to easy reference. This handbook does not deal explicitly with passenger demand, but assesses also the supply or performance characteristics of urban transportation systems, including the following: speed; capacity; operating costs; labor inputs; capital costs; energy consumption; emission of air pollutants; and, accident rates and costs. The following modes are discussed: rail transit (rapid, light, and commuter); bus transit; automobiles, trucks, and the highway system; high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes; and, automated guideway transit (AGT).