RAILWAY AS TRANSPORTATION MEANS IN URBAN AREAS

Abstract

Dynamics development of cities brings about an increasing demand for the improvement of transportation services; however this cannot be realized on time due to the slow expansion of the traffic infrastructure facilities. The increasing number of motor vehicles, particularly automobiles, on the existing urban roads with limited capacity leads to the congestion of traffic flows. Consequently, a modern efficient transportation system should be introduced which will ensure fast, comfortable and safe passenger flows and will be an integral part of the public transportation system. Taking into account the specific features of the urban and suburban areas, the analyses and studies of the existing and planned traffic flows will solve the problems related to the optimal time, methods and conditions for the expansion of the public transportation system. The mentioned problems are illustrated by the example of the city of Split with its suburban areas where the railway should be introduced into the public transportation system due to increasing transportation problems. Therefore, urban panning should place special emphasis on ensuring the corridors for an unhindered expansion of the traffic infrastructure.