The Metropolitan Transport Authority in Europe. Towards a Methodology for Defining Objectives, Responsibilities and Tasks

AbstractThe paper presents the concept of European Metropolitan Transport Authorities (MTAs) and outlines main aspects for the creation or the restructuring of an MTA. The parameters that should be considered during the design stage are identified and the way in which they influence an MTA's configuration is described. This analysis aims at designing a simple and easily understandable methodology to support the work of experts that are involved in MTA reform projects. Finally, the identified design aspects are applied to the case of Greece in order to define the fundamental attributes of an ideal MTA model that could be applied at regional level in the Greek context

The potential of handheld traveller information devices to influence travel behaviour in urban areas

The development and use of car navigation systems has increased while similar systems for pedestrians and public transport users are still in their infancies. Car navigation systems facilitate and encourage the use of private cars; likewise, it is thought that similar systems for pedestrians and public transport users might encourage a shift towards sustainable transport. This paper describes results from the first phase of trials organized in Reading, UK, to test an on-foot navigation system that provides real time public transport information retrieved from the UTMC, evaluate its performance, and investigate its potential to influence travel choice