The question examined was whether public transit could be made far more satisfactory and acceptable in middle-sized cities within a reasonable span of time. In that context the best answer was assumed to lie in greatly enhancing ordinary bus transit to make it a frequent, blanketing, day-and-night service. In the city, a frequency of 10 buses per hour from dawn till late evening is proposed. In the suburbs, commuter express buses would supplement the less ample regular-route service. The economics of enhanced bus transit were assayed by comparing the estimated expense of service, for a real city, with the expected revenue at several assumed patronage levels. The finding is that more appealing public transit is very likely to require subsidy, but the amount may be affordable. Because no technological breakthroughs would be required, buses might actually be in operation and providing superior service within a few years. Practical details on institutional and other aspects of such operations are discussed. Also demonstrated is the strong influence of existing streets and urban surroundings on the design of transit networks. To develop adequate public transit service within the new-style suburban environment will be difficult.
Abstract