The Optimal Cost Allocation For Urban Transport Management

Abstract

Many researchers have discussed the grounds for higher priority of investment in urban mass transit systems within the context of the Downs-Thomson's paradox. The optimal cost allocation of the introduction of a new transit system between urban transit users was examined as the second best pricing problem constrained by the binary mode choice/assignment model and restriction of the CO2 discharge in the urban transport network in Gifu city, Japan. Results show that the effects of introducing a guideway bus system are limited in the city because its urban transit system is inclined to very heavy automobile use. However, charging for automobile use is possible. Furthermore, if the public transit agency operating the guideway bus system were to be subsidized by profits from automobile charges, substitutable transport modes could be made available for automobile users. This combination policy is the most effective way to transfer urban transport demand from automobiles to the public transit system.