Dealing with the Urban Transport Crisis: Comparative Policy Evaluation

Abstract

In the preceding 10 chapters, we have documented the trend towards increased car ownership and use throughout Europe and North America. Although the USA led the way in the shift from public transport to the car, Canada and Western Europe have been following the American example for the past two decades, and Eastern Europe is now following the example of Western Europe. At the same time, the use of public transport, walking and cycling have been declining as modes of urban travel. There remain significant differences in travel behaviour between Europeans and Americans, and also between Americans and Canadians, with the USA still by far the most automobile dominated country in the world. The differences, however, become smaller with each passing year.