Joseph E. Haring

The impact of alternative transportation systems on urban structure

Abstract This paper extends a recent von Thunen-type model of urban structure by Mills to include two competing forms of transportation, and then compares simulated representative American and European cities with respect to size, density, and land rents. Assuming consumers minimize costs in choosing between competing travel modes, the 19-equation model demonstrates that land rent differentials are diminished by adding an alternative travel mode, and that transport capacity is far more important than fare structures in determining transit patterns and land use. American urban structure appears to resemble European urban patterns as transportation modes proliferate.

Congestion theory and transport demand

A general theorem for the analysis of transport modal choices is derived and applied to a representative bus- versus-auto modal choice. Other applications of the model are also discussed, including analysis of the demand for freeways versus local streets, choices between jitneys and taxis, and interurban travel by air versus rail. Comparisons are drawn between cross-elasticities of demand in American and European communities. /HRIS/