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Transportation for Livable Cities 1st Edition
The twenty-first century finds civilization heavily based in cities that have grown into large metropolitan areas. Many of these focal points of human activity face problems of economic inefficiency, environmental deterioration, and an unsatisfactory quality of life―problems that go far in determining whether a city is "livable." A large share of these problems stems from the inefficiencies and other impacts of urban transportation systems.
The era of projects aimed at maximizing vehicular travel is being replaced by the broader goal of achieving livable cities: economically efficient, socially sound, and environmentally friendly. This book explores the complex relationship between transportation and the character of cities and metropolitan regions. Vukan Vuchic applies his experience in urban transportation systems and policies to present a systematic review of transportation modes and their characteristics.
Transportation for Livable Cities dispels the myths and emotional advocacies for or against freeways, rail transit, bicycles,and other modes of transportation. The author discusses the consequences of excessive automobile dependence and shows that the most livable cities worldwide have intermodal systems that balance highway and public transit modes while providing for pedestrians, bicyclists, and paratransit. Vuchic defines the policies necessary for achieving livable cities: the effective implementation of integrated intermodal transportation systems.
- ISBN-100882851616
- ISBN-13978-0882851617
- Edition1st
- PublisherRoutledge
- Publication dateMarch 31, 1999
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6.25 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- Print length378 pages
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Editorial Reviews
Review
-In this readable and informative book Vuchic argues for investments in public transportation, particularly rail transit, in US cities. A highly authoritative rail transit engineer, he steps outside his expertise area to advocate 'balancing' auto and transit investments to promote 'liveable cities.' His arguments for transit are based on many apparently fundamental principles and on examples of how other cities around the world use transit and attempt to control the use of autos.-
--D. Brand, Choice
-This book deals with the relationship between land use and transportation. It discusses how transportation and land-use policies led to the current situation in the United States and how changes in policy could change the future. The book includes an overview of the status of transportation in US cities, a review of past policies and practices, a comparison of transportation policies in the US and peer countries, some misconceptions about transportation, and policies for creating livable cities and how to implement them. It is a well thought out and reasoned book . . . The book has an international perspective. It provides a comparison between US policies and those in peer countries in Western Europe, East Asia, Australia, and Canada. Professor Vuchic draws upon his vast knowledge of transportation systems around the world to make comparisons between countries and put the situation in the United States into perspective . . . The book works on several levels. It could be used as a textbook/reference in graduate courses in transportation policy or planning through engineering, planning, or public administration programs. Beyond that it is a good book to read for anyone involved in transportation policy or with an interest in the future of cities. It is well written, well referenced and documented, and thoughtful.-
--Edward A. Beimborn, Journal of Transportation Engineering
-[T]he author sets out a comprehensive way to think sensibly about urban transportation . . . The author is adamant that in order to plan transportation properly, we must first decide what kind of city we want, and then plan transportation modes that will make that kind of city work best.-
--Harold Henderson, Planning
-Mobility for residents of twenty-first century American cities, whether those in the older cities of the Northeast or Midwest, or more recently burgeoning 'sunbelt' metropolises, is determined in large part by the adequacy and efficiency of the private motor vehicle and the urban roadway system . . . However, Transportation for Livable Cities is much more than an opinion paper, It effectively describes how we got to this point of immobility in our urban areas and identifies the range of possible actions we might take to improve the situation . . . [T]his book represents an important contribution to the field and deserves a place in the library of every serious student of urban transport and general transport policy.-
--James H. Miller, Transportation Journal
-Transportation for Livable Cities provides a thorough . . . account of the collective effects of auto-dominated transportation investment and land development on the quality of life in our cities . . . Transportation for Livable Cities fills a niche in the literature that links space, time, and behavior in tangible ways. The book is accessible to most planning audiences and presents useful concepts in simple ways, which makes it a very good textbook for introductory courses in transportation planning. Vuchic weaves together many interdependent factors to provide a coherent and comprehensive assessment of the negative things about our car culture.-
--Lawrence D. Frank, APA Journal
-A well-founded critique of ineffective metropolitan transportation planning.-
--P. Schimefe, Journal of Planning Education and Research
-It's difficult to find fault with the author's conclusions.-
--J. Rohe, Planning & Zoning News
-Mows down misconceptions about transportation and the impacts on land use . . . unambiguous and convincing.-
--E. Crawford, Progress
"In this readable and informative book Vuchic argues for investments in public transportation, particularly rail transit, in US cities. A highly authoritative rail transit engineer, he steps outside his expertise area to advocate 'balancing' auto and transit investments to promote 'liveable cities.' His arguments for transit are based on many apparently fundamental principles and on examples of how other cities around the world use transit and attempt to control the use of autos."
--D. Brand, Choice
"This book deals with the relationship between land use and transportation. It discusses how transportation and land-use policies led to the current situation in the United States and how changes in policy could change the future. The book includes an overview of the status of transportation in US cities, a review of past policies and practices, a comparison of transportation policies in the US and peer countries, some misconceptions about transportation, and policies for creating livable cities and how to implement them. It is a well thought out and reasoned book . . . The book has an international perspective. It provides a comparison between US policies and those in peer countries in Western Europe, East Asia, Australia, and Canada. Professor Vuchic draws upon his vast knowledge of transportation systems around the world to make comparisons between countries and put the situation in the United States into perspective . . . The book works on several levels. It could be used as a textbook/reference in graduate courses in transportation policy or planning through engineering, planning, or public administration programs. Beyond that it is a good book to read for anyone involved in transportation policy or with an interest in the future of cities. It is well written, well referenced and documented, and thoughtful."
--Edward A. Beimborn, Journal of Transportation Engineering
"[T]he author sets out a comprehensive way to think sensibly about urban transportation . . . The author is adamant that in order to plan transportation properly, we must first decide what kind of city we want, and then plan transportation modes that will make that kind of city work best."
--Harold Henderson, Planning
"Mobility for residents of twenty-first century American cities, whether those in the older cities of the Northeast or Midwest, or more recently burgeoning 'sunbelt' metropolises, is determined in large part by the adequacy and efficiency of the private motor vehicle and the urban roadway system . . . However, Transportation for Livable Cities is much more than an opinion paper, It effectively describes how we got to this point of immobility in our urban areas and identifies the range of possible actions we might take to improve the situation . . . [T]his book represents an important contribution to the field and deserves a place in the library of every serious student of urban transport and general transport policy."
--James H. Miller, Transportation Journal
"Transportation for Livable Cities provides a thorough . . . account of the collective effects of auto-dominated transportation investment and land development on the quality of life in our cities . . . Transportation for Livable Cities fills a niche in the literature that links space, time, and behavior in tangible ways. The book is accessible to most planning audiences and presents useful concepts in simple ways, which makes it a very good textbook for introductory courses in transportation planning. Vuchic weaves together many interdependent factors to provide a coherent and comprehensive assessment of the negative things about our car culture."
--Lawrence D. Frank, APA Journal
"A well-founded critique of ineffective metropolitan transportation planning."
--P. Schimefe, Journal of Planning Education and Research
"It's difficult to find fault with the author's conclusions."
--J. Rohe, Planning & Zoning News
"Mows down misconceptions about transportation and the impacts on land use . . . unambiguous and convincing."
--E. Crawford, Progress
"In this readable and informative book Vuchic argues for investments in public transportation, particularly rail transit, in US cities. A highly authoritative rail transit engineer, he steps outside his expertise area to advocate 'balancing' auto and transit investments to promote 'liveable cities.' His arguments for transit are based on many apparently fundamental principles and on examples of how other cities around the world use transit and attempt to control the use of autos."
--D. Brand, Choice
"This book deals with the relationship between land use and transportation. It discusses how transportation and land-use policies led to the current situation in the United States and how changes in policy could change the future. The book includes an overview of the status of transportation in US cities, a review of past policies and practices, a comparison of transportation policies in the US and peer countries, some misconceptions about transportation, and policies for creating livable cities and how to implement them. It is a well thought out and reasoned book . . . The book has an international perspective. It provides a comparison between US policies and those in peer countries in Western Europe, East Asia, Australia, and Canada. Professor Vuchic draws upon his vast knowledge of transportation systems around the world to make comparisons between countries and put the situation in the United States into perspective . . . The book works on several levels. It could be used as a textbook/reference in graduate courses in transportation policy or planning through engineering, planning, or public administration programs. Beyond that it is a good book to read for anyone involved in transportation policy or with an interest in the future of cities. It is well written, well referenced and documented, and thoughtful."
--Edward A. Beimborn, Journal of Transportation Engineering
"[T]he author sets out a comprehensive way to think sensibly about urban transportation . . . The author is adamant that in order to plan transportation properly, we must first decide what kind of city we want, and then plan transportation modes that will make that kind of city work best."
--Harold Henderson, Planning
"Mobility for residents of twenty-first century American cities, whether those in the older cities of the Northeast or Midwest, or more recently burgeoning 'sunbelt' metropolises, is determined in large part by the adequacy and efficiency of the private motor vehicle and the urban roadway system . . . However, Transportation for Livable Cities is much more than an opinion paper, It effectively describes how we got to this point of immobility in our urban areas and identifies the range of possible actions we might take to improve the situation . . . [T]his book represents an important contribution to the field and deserves a place in the library of every serious student of urban transport and general transport policy."
--James H. Miller, Transportation Journal
"Transportation for Livable Cities provides a thorough . . . account of the collective effects of auto-dominated transportation investment and land development on the quality of life in our cities . . . Transportation for Livable Cities fills a niche in the literature that links space, time, and behavior in tangible ways. The book is accessible to most planning audiences and presents useful concepts in simple ways, which makes it a very good textbook for introductory courses in transportation planning. Vuchic weaves together many interdependent factors to provide a coherent and comprehensive assessment of the negative things about our car culture."
--Lawrence D. Frank, APA Journal
"A well-founded critique of ineffective metropolitan transportation planning."
--P. Schimefe, Journal of Planning Education and Research
"It's difficult to find fault with the author's conclusions."
--J. Rohe, Planning & Zoning News
"Mows down misconceptions about transportation and the impacts on land use . . . unambiguous and convincing."
--E. Crawford, Progress
"In this readable and informative book Vuchic argues for investments in public transportation, particularly rail transit in US cities. A highly authoritative rail transit engineer, he steps outside his expertise area to advocate "balancing" auto and transit investments to promote "liveable cities." His arguments for transit are based on many apparently fundamental principles and on examples of how other cities around the world use transit and attempt to control the use of autos."
--D. Brand, Choice
"A serious, comprehensive book on its subject, something not seen... since Downss Stuck in Traffic."
--H. Henderson, Planning
"Fills a niche in the literature... good textbook for introductory courses in transportation planning."
--L. Frank, APA Journal
"A well-founded critique of ineffective metropolitan transportation planning."
--P. Schimefe, Journal of Planning Education and Research
"It's difficult to find fault with the authors conclusions."
--J. Rohe, Planning & Zoning News
"Mows down misconceptions about transportation and the impacts on land use... unambiguous and convincing."
--E. Crawford, Progress
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Routledge; 1st edition (March 31, 1999)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 378 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0882851616
- ISBN-13 : 978-0882851617
- Item Weight : 1.55 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,123,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #98 in Highway & Traffic Engineering
- #267 in Mass Transit (Books)
- #928 in Architecture (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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He clearly describes the advantages and disadvantages of virtually every mode of urban transportation; car, bus, light rail, metro, bicycle, etc. In this book Dr. Vuchic writes about the importance of integrated multi-modal transportation systems, as well as the critical need for metropolitan areas to integrate various aspects of urban planning; housing, environment and transportation.
A couple minor things in the book I did not entirely agree with. Some of his comparisons between cities, I did'nt feel were entirely accurate. He mentions Rome in the same sentence as Houston and Detroit when discussing cities with poor transit. Houston & Detroit have some of the worst transit in the developed world, but Rome's transit system, while not the best in Europe, is far ahead of Houston and Detroit. Dr Vuchic mentions Boston in the same sentence as Zurich when describing cities with good transit. Boston's transit system is quite poor by the standards of western Europe. When comparing major world cities Dr Vuchic tries to point to New York as having poor transit relative to London or Tokyo. While New York's transit system isn't as good as Tokyo or London, a much better example of poor transit among major world cities would have been Los Angeles.
Despite what I felt were at times somewhat poor comparisons between cities, I still give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it.
