The IRVS study investigated the opportunities and effects of an integrated approach with respect to a regional transportation system. It combined new theories and practical experience in a design method with which sustainable, integrated regional transport systems can be designed, step by step, in a workshop-like environment. Important (innovative) elements of the design method are: it is an interactive planning instrument; it uses a top-down approach with a bottom-up feedback loop; designs are assessed with regard to their sustainability (ecological, economical and social aspects); spatial scale levels are the starting point for the design method; it emphasises quality (travel speed, reliability, comfort) rather than capacity; and it regards public transport and private car not as competing systems, but rather as one integrated system. A list of design steps forms the heart of the design method. Different choices for design variables lead to different networks. Their effects (ecological, economical and social) can be assessed using a land use and transportation model. The analysis of the effects of three designs for the Dutch province of North-Brabant showed favourable effects with respect to mobility, energy use and emissions. This design workshop also showed that the IRVS design method is considered a useful instrument for planning discussions on regional level. The basic elements of the IRVS design method have already been absorbed into several actual planning processes. Further fine-tuning and dissemination of the method is now underway. (A)
Abstract