A comparison of the sustainability of public and private transportation systems: Study of the Greater Toronto Area

摘要: A macroscopic assessment of the impacts private and public transportation systems on sustainability Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is undertaken from economic, environmental social perspectives. The methodology draws upon urban metabolism indicators approaches to assessing sustainability, but compares modes in terms passenger-kms. In economic a city, should be recognized as product, driver cost. 1993, traded costs automobile use GTA were approximately balanced by value parts assembly industry. But local transit 1/3 1/6 auto per person-km, dollars, mainly because labour primary cost.Public more sustainable an perspective. Automobile emissions are major contributor air pollution, which serious contemporary health problem Toronto. Public less energy intensive (including indirect consumption) produce CO2 at order magnitude lower, although these benefits partially undermined under-utilization capacity source electricity generation.The likely significant than determining residents' preferential mode choice. speed access provide important benefits, e.g. relating employment product Nevertheless, offsetting service attributes large accidents. insurance one tangible measure such negative impacts.In improve GTA, innovative required for improving performance level or substantially reducing need provided automobiles. Efforts greater integration bicycles with transit, construction light-rail wide roadways, might considered. overall, system has flexible adaptable so must combine mixture modes.