Author Description
This book provides the perfect comprehensive introduction to mass transit for anyone interested in transportation planning as a career, as well as for those who simply have a personal interest in the subject area. It is a policy-oriented book that contains some technical material, but avoids in-depth coverage of the electric and mechanical engineering aspects.Distinctly factual, and not ideological, the book offers readers a balanced view of the debate between highways and transit - carefully presenting both sides of controversial issues. The intent is to give readers the solid understanding necessary to analyze problems objectively, and to assure that transit proposals are rationally planned and evaluated.The book dedicates a full three chapters to historical and political background, and three others to the transit technologies or "modes" currently in use. Furthermore, readers will find coverage of the design of transit networks, operations and management, and impacts on land use, energy consumption, and the environment. Lastly, two chapters cover ridership characteristics, and two deal with economics and finance.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This text investigates the fundamental principles, policy frameworks, and operational realities required to plan and evaluate effective urban mass transportation systems. Alan Black, an experienced professional in the field, utilizes a policy-oriented approach to synthesize complex transit data. The work provides a structured framework for analyzing the trade-offs between highway expansion and public transit development, emphasizing rational planning and objective evaluation over ideological bias.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical and political background of transit development
- Technical overview of current transit modes and technologies
- Methodologies for network design, operations, and management
- Analysis of impacts on land use, energy consumption, and environmental factors
- Examination of ridership characteristics, economics, and financing
Scope Limits
- Does not provide in-depth coverage of electric or mechanical engineering specifications
- Focuses primarily on policy and planning rather than detailed construction engineering
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational introductory text for students and professionals entering the transportation planning field. Readers often note the clarity of the prose and the balanced presentation of controversial transit policy debates.
Page Count:
448
Publication Date:
1995-01-31
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill College
ISBN-10:
0070055572
ISBN-13:
9780070055575
Technology
Civil Engineering
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Public Policy
Technology history
Science & Math
urban planning
Transportation Engineering
Public Transit