The mobility needs of the carless (the poor, handicapped, elderly and the youth) are examined in this review. The characterized of the special mobility groups are studied. The emphasis of the review is on the planning process and operation of public transportation services in the small cities and rural areas. A summary of the characteristics of existing nonmetropolitan transportation services is also presented. The state of the art in nonmetropolitan transportation planning is one of considerable disjointed effort. Although there has been careful planning related to the implementation of public transportation operations in the rural areas and small cities, little systematic development of goals, objectives, policies, and criteria could be found. The high capita costs of providing transportation services to a small disadvantaged group require careful analyses with respect to the equity and efficiency of costs and benefits. In view of increasing competition of various public and social services for very limited funds, there will be greater demand for careful accounting and justification of public transportation services in small cities and rural areas. /Author/.
Abstract