Transit in Suburbia An Analysis of Perth, Australia's Mass Transit System and How American Suburbs Can Overcome Automobile Dependency

Stacey Haber

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Brain, David

Keywords

Urban Studies, Transportation, Planning

Area of Concentration

Urban Studies

Abstract

Providing public transportation in the suburbs has been a prolonged struggle for government officials and planners in the United States. There is a long-held belief that high density is a key factor in the success of a mass transit system, which would mean alternative transportation options, besides the automobile, are limited in suburban areas. Scholars have concluded there needs to be between 30 to 40 residents per hectare in order to have a viable transit service. Others have suggested a figure closer to Hong Kong�s density (400 people per hectare) would be the only way public transportation makes sense. Despite these assumptions, suburbs across the world are proving transport policies can greatly alter the feasibly of a transit system. In particular, Perth, Australia (12 persons per hectare) has succeeded in producing a public transportation system, one that combines a bus and rail network, and offers a competitive system alongside the private motorcar. It is only after the system matures that urban form, such as transit-oriented development and �park n� rides,� will intensify the land around the station and offer solutions to increase patronage without changing the suburban landscape completely. Perth�s system exemplifies the key to reviving suburbs and encouraging commuters and tourists to utilize multiple forms of transportation. These options allow for a more sustainable, productive growth and greater flexibility in areas that are not normally considered appropriate candidates for public transportation.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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