Abstract: Changes in population distribution in England and Wales in the period since World War II are reviewed The focus is on whether the trend away from urban centers toward suburban and nonmetropolitan areas observed in the 1960s continued into the 1970s It is concluded that this process of population decentralization has continued with movement to more remote areas now also being involved and that this process is part of the general trend away from urban centers that has characterized urbanization for many years (ANNOTATION)

Abstract: With increasing fiscal problems facing us, public transport attention has turned to the possibility of developing privately provided bus services in the urban commuter transportation market. Compared with public transit agencies, research has shown that such private companies have relatively lower labour costs and more scheduling flexibility. As labour costs account for the largest proportion of service operating costs so private companies are at an advantage. The critical issue discussed is not whether private operators can provide services at a lower cost, but rather whether such services are economically viable without subsidies and also, if subsidies are necessary, are transit agencies and private companies willing to provide joint services. The article concludes with an assessment of the problems and the potential of privately operated bus services.

Abstract: One of the significant changes that have taken place in rural areas has been the development of self-help community schemes covering many aspects of rural life including that of transport. The article assesses the progress made in this form of unconventional public transport in the UK. Comparisons are drawn with similar types of service in the Netherlands such as the buurtbus. Such community transport schemes are of two basic types - the small-scale voluntary car schemes (for example at Abergavenny) and the more organised bus schemes, are discussed in the article. Although the future of the conventional rural bus services can be questioned, their replacement by community services provides a locally-based service that is responsive to changes in the small but steady demand, and also provides limited transport in areas that would otherwise have no public transport.

Abstract: The article discusses the financial problems considered likely to bring about a change in public transportation in America. It is argued that these current problems should mean the end of outdated institutions and the beginning of new transport systems. Population movement to the suburbs has resulted in either increased mileage necessary on enlarged bus routes, or reduced income on old routes. Equally, private transport is increasingly expensive to operate due to increasing fuel costs and longer commuting distances. Employers have also found that relocating expenses are high and public transport costs tend to limit recruitment. It is considered that the public sector must reduce its financial commitments and gain tighter control over costs. Scarce public resources will need to be focused more carefully on specific attainable objectives. Private citizens will have to adjust to either traditional transport costs or accept co-operative schemes of various forms. (TRRL)

Abstract: As a result of city congestion problems, caused by cars, investment in public transport in the Federal Republic of Germany increased in the 1970's with the aim of promoting public transport by the introduction of technical innovations and changes in organisational structure. In some cities bus and tram services were in some cases replaced by taxis for late night services, and consideration was also given to improving suburban services and rural transportation by dial-a-bus systems in 1977, the operational characteristics of which are described. Although a number of monorail systems have been introduced, for example the C-rail, H-rail, and M-rail systems, they are unlikely to be further developed due to financial restraints. Developments in "dual-mode" bus systems are thought likely to replace conventional bus systems depending on comparable operating costs. Further developments in rural area transportation will depend on the extent to which unprofitable rail lines are replaced by alternative bus or paratransit services.