The Possibilities of Developing an Effective National Transport System in the 1970s

Laurel V. Roennau

Expert InsightsPublished 1970

Suggestions for basic transportation research and a preview of possible developments. Basic tools needed for an analytic approach are (1) adequate national data collection, storage, and evaluation; (2) a methodology for long range, multimode traffic forecasts; (3) proper use of governmental regulation; (4) modal-split considerations — understanding the factors at work when there is a choice between two modes; and (5) traffic flow limitations. These tools can be used to solve some of the major transportation problems: adequacy of service, determination of a preferred market for a component transport mode, cargo transport, traffic flow control systems and modal interfaces, noise pollution, and the socioeconomic aspects of multimodal systems. In the future, automated aircushion vehicles traveling freeways or existing rail right-of-ways at 100 mph may link outlying regions of the megalopolis, airports, and other major transfer points. Interurban travel may be by V/STOL craft carrying 100 passengers over independent airway systems, and conventional aircraft may land at offshore ports.

Topics

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1970
  • Pages: 20
  • Document Number: P-4277

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Roennau, Laurel V., The Possibilities of Developing an Effective National Transport System in the 1970s. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1970. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4277.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND paper series. The paper series was a product of RAND from 1948 to 2003 that captured speeches, memorials, and derivative research, usually prepared on authors' own time and meant to be the scholarly or scientific contribution of individual authors to their professional fields. Papers were less formal than reports and did not require rigorous peer review.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.