Rail and bus modes have frequently been compared using theoretical models of hypothetical cities. Because the results of such studies are easily influenced by the author's attitudes toward different modes, there is a need for coparisons of actual transit systems. Twotransit systems, rail and bus, serve the new jersey suburbs of philadelphia. The conditions under which they operate are generally the same, but the to systems differ greatly. The lindenwold (patco) line, a single 14.2-Mi-long (22.8-Km) radial rail rapid transit line with 13 stations, offers high-quality service, including high speed, comfort, reliability, and a strong image. New jersey transit (njt) operates a 562-mi (904-km) network of 26 bus routes on streets, arterials, and freeways, but with low service frequency. Whereas the lindenwold line required a substantial investment njt buses use existing facilities. The lindenwold line attracts 43% more passengers and hasa 44% higher operating ratio in spite of its 20 to 30% lower fares.These findings show that concentrated transit service can be more capable of attracting commuters than flexible services that operate on an extensive but low-frequency network. This type of high-quality, intensive service (by rail or bus) also has a much greater potential to influence economic development than the low-investment, extensive bus networks typical for many suburban areas. The results of thisstudy refute the statements that low-investment buses offering flexible services can better satisfy transportation needs in low-densitysuburban areas than rail systems with limited networks and that newrail transit is not economically justified in most automobile-oriented north american cities. Modern, economically designed rail systems require a considerably higher investment than buses, but they attract many more automobile drivers and other passengers, have superioroperating economy, and exert a much stronger positive impact on thecommunities they serve. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1266, Urban public transportation research 1990.
Abstract