Abstract
This paper is part of a study into the `Benefits of slow modes', and summarizes the results of a literature survey. Speed is an essential economic and cultural factor in western societies. People want fast and flexible transport systems in order to minimalize travel time and optimize their freedom of movement. Only a small group of `time-pioneers' sees possibly a individual surplus value in slow modes. Within existing transport markets the prospects for slow modes are meagre. Improving these chances seems possible only: (1) by speeding up slow modes; (2) by developing new and slower innovative varieties of fast modes; and (3) by compensating the travel time loss in the costs, reliability, and comfort. See also C 7020 and C 7021.