Abstract This paper investigates how economics affects when people opt to use some modes of transportation over others and why these choices are made. The paper uses unemployment rates, median family income and crude oil prices to anticipate the change of passenger's miles of three transportation modes - air total passenger's miles, highway total passenger's miles and intercity/Amtrak total passenger's miles.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Results & Conclusion
From the Paper "For air transport, we need to focus on median family income. We usually think increasing oil prices result in decreasing the number of passengers. However, not only the oil price increases, but also the total passenger's miles increase. In my opinion, this is because the increasing income seems to offset the increasing oil prices. Another reasons is that people with high levels of income will use flight transportation more frequently than people with low levels of income; the income levels are a determining factor when choosing flight transportation. Thus, we can explain why the unemployment rate is not significant statistically with above logic."
Abstract This paper discusses why the current financial funding system for Amtrak doesn't work and what needs to be changed. The writer claims that Amtrak is doomed to failure, even with government subsidies, if it does not improve service, become more efficient and find ways to increase revenue not just rider-ship. It examines the type of government funding which have been recieved since the 1970's and how, in the current economic climate of America, finances of Amtrack need to change.
From the Paper "Congress initially created Amtrak in 1970 as a for-profit organization, offering national rail service. It was signed into existence in 1971 and to date has never produced a profit. In 1997, Congress's Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act stipulated that the rail system had to achieve operational sufficiency by the end of 2002 and prohibits Amtrak from using any federal funds for operating expenses after fiscal 2002."
The development and use of magnetic levitation (maglev) propulsion systems in North America and around the world as an alternative mode of transportation.
Abstract With air travel and the highways becoming increasingly congested, the need for an efficient, fast and comfortable mode of alternative travel has been felt in many countries of the world. One of the possible solutions is the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System or high-speed trains called the Maglev train (short for magnetic levitation). The recent question mark over the safety of air travel and the fear of flying created among the general public by the events of 9/11 has renewed interest in the Maglev technology. This paper discusses how the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works and briefly overviews its history of development. The different types of designs developed so far, the cost of developing such systems, and the potential for its expansion and use in transportation systems in the United States and all over the world is also discussed. The author uses photographs and plan drawings to illustrate points.
From the Paper "We all know that the opposite poles of a magnet attract while the like poles repel each other. This is the basic principle on which the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works. In magnetic propulsion systems, powerful electromagnets are used. The three basic components of a maglev train system are: A large electrical power source, metal coils that line the track or guide-way, and large magnets attached to the underside of the train. There is no conventional engine in maglev trains. Instead, the force for propulsion is achieved by a combination of the magnetic fields created by the electrified coils in the tracks (called the guideways) and the guideway walls."
Tags: James, R., Powell, Gordon, T., Danby, Transrapid, Amtrak
A look at the American government's budget considerations for three modes of transport (highway/mass transit, rail and air) and their future propositions.
Abstract All three modes of transit in the U.S. are being scrutinized by Congress for funding. The paper explains that these three modes - highway/mass transit, rail, and air - are essential to the economy, and each has been suffering from underfunding in some way, the railroads most of all. It discusses how three pieces of legislation, TEA 21 (with the President's version called SAFETEA), an Amtrak funding bill, and AIR 21, the aviation-funding bill, are now being considered by Congress for fiscal 2004. It discusses what is happening with each bill and examines what effect the continued and, particularly, additional funding will have on transportation in the U.S.
From the Paper "The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) will expire in September, 2003, unless it is reauthorized. The Bush Administration has proposed a restructuring of the way funds are distributed. Currently, 80 percent of funds for mass transit improvement come from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, and 20 percent from the General Fund. The result of this is that it has appeared all transit funds have been obligated immediately, and spent out, even though it takes years for a project to be completed and funds completely spent. Despite that, unless a change in the accounting methods occurs, says the administration, the trust-funded portion of the Mass Transit funds will go broke by 2007, according to a report of the Subcommittee on Highways, Transit & Pipelines Hearing."
Tags: mass, transit, highway, rail, road, air, congress
