Abstract
This paper tries to evaluate the productive performance of transit systems in major European cities. It makes intermodal and intercity comparisons, and identifies economies of density, vehicle capacity and higher vehicle speed as essential factors in performance. It finds that costs and subsidies have an effect on performance. The results of intermodal comparisons suggest that streetcars do not fill a significant gap between buses and underground rail. Some transport systems are offered as good models. (Author/publisher).