Inter-Urban and Rural Passenger Transport

Abstract

Although the external effects of transport systems have been most discussed in the context of urban transport, when we turn to the inter-urban and rural sectors of the market we find a similar range of effects; it is their frequency and magnitude that may differ. In particular, the number of residents whose environment is affected per mile travelled is likely to be, on average, much smaller than for urban trips, although it should be mentioned that most of the trips dealt with in this chapter will have their origins and/or destinations in urban areas. Thus, whatever measures are taken to influence urban modal choice will have some effect in this sector as well. But even outside towns transport systems still deplete natural resources, still cause accessibility problems (by severing footpaths and dividing up farms for instance) and still create noise, air pollution and visual intrusion. People affected by the latter will include many who have deliberately travelled from urban areas in search of peace and quiet, and the conflict is likely to be worst in areas of natural beauty such as the coast or national parks.