Urban transport modal split varies widely both within cities and between cities depending partly on structural differences, partly on different transport polices. Two main categories of modal split equilibrium are distinguished. The transport volume-dependence of the relative generalized costs (GC) of car and public transport is at the heart of the matter. Since GC of car travel is initially much lower than GC of public transport, most thin routes are characterized by a corner equilibrium: almost only those without a car at their disposal use public transport. On dense routes like the central city-bound corridors, an interior modal split equilibrium is typical, as car transport is an increasing-cost and public transport a decreasing-cost activity. Japanese Ministry of Construction and OECD/Road Transport Research Orogramme held the seminar on "future road transport systems and infrastructures in urban areas" in Chiba, Japan on 4th - 6th June 1991 sponsored by the Japanese organizing committee.
Abstract