Observations on the Urban Transportation Problem

To provide a setting for an examination of the problem of urban transportation, the interrelationship of urban development and transportation is presented, and a series of observations pertaining to the urban transportation problem is made. In the case of a widespread problem, it must be attacked by parts; but chan ces for a successful solution a reenhanced by having an over-all strategy. In attempting to solve the transportation problem in large cities today (1957), it seems to be the policy to solve separate problems by short-term expedients. Policies based on an over-all view are lacking. It is obvious that the various elements of the urban transportation problem are interrelated and that alterations in one phase of transportation facilities and s ervices can markedly affect some of the other phases-and sometimes adversely. Although many measure s for facilitating the movement of people and goods in congested urban areas are earnestly and sincerely advocated as a means of improving transportation services, when taken collectively the various proposals for relief often appear as aggregations of contradictions. Whether it is possible to develop a unified transportation policy for an urban area is uncertain. However, with a better understanding of the effects of various transportation factors on the functioning of a community, it would be more feasible to appraise the numerous proposals which are being urged.