Implications of oil resources shortage for urban transport investment

Abstract

The paper describes an investigation, recently commenced, into the implications for urban passenger transport investment of an oil resources shortage. The investigation is financed by the U.K. Science Research Council. The paper has three main sections, each devoted to one of the objectives of the investigation, namely: The effects of higher crude oil prices on passenger travel in urban areas; The energy consumption characteristics of existing and potential urban passenger transport systems; The implications for investment in urban passenger transport of an oil resources shortage. The third objective is being examined for actual investment proposals in Merseyside Metropolitan County Council, England, in co-operation with the local transport and planning authorities. Conclusions are drawn from discussion of these objectives. Finally the implications for urban passenger transport of the oil resources shortage is discussed briefly within the perspective of the division of financial resources between roads and public transport at urban level, and between transport and other sectors at national level.