ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at a number of policy issues likely to affect the role of public transport in the medium to long-term, rather than short-term policy questions which are inappropriate in a textbook designed to remain valid for some years. Topics reviewed include population trends, and the role of scenario forecasting. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent downward trend in car ownership and use by young adults and the long-term implications this may have for public transport. Substitutes for travel (for example, through teleworking) are examined. The long-run stability in travel time per person per day and out-of-home activities per day remains noteworthy.
