EESI sponsored a briefing on recent transportation policy developments to combat sprawl in European cities by curbing car dependency. These experimental and somewhat controversial policy changes to reduce traffic growth and revitalize city centers will be closely watched in the United States, as they may give important clues to the acceptability and effectiveness of similar strategies here. The briefing was sponsored by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, the Eno Transportation Foundation and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

The panel included Professors Phil Goodwin and Carmen Hass-Klau. Professor Goodwin, a leading expert on induced travel and an advisor to the UK's Department of Environment, Transport, and Regions, traced the historical background for the UK's dramatic shift in transportation policy. In recent years, the UK has abandoned the principle of 'predict-and-provide' as the core of its transportation strategy, and initiated a national program to reduce car dependence; increase the use of public transport, walking and cycling; and encourage local authorities to implement forms of road pricing. He is a professor of transport policy at the University College London.

Professor Hass-Klau, a light rail specialist and advisor to the British and German governments and the Swedish Transport Research Board, addressed the impact of public transport on city center revitalization in Europe, highlighting the experiences of several cities in England, France, Germany and Switzerland. Over the past few decades, cities throughout Europe have aggressively pursued a mix of strategies, such as investments in public transportation networks, pedestrian and bicycle-connectivity and restriction of car use in city centers, to improve transportation efficiency and maintain a high quality of life. A professor at the University of Wuppertal in Germany, she lectures on public transport and transport systems in Europe.

Professor Robert Paaswell moderated the briefing and discussed his recently completed study comparing transportation infrastructure investments in New York and its global peers. Paaswell is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the University Transportation Research Center at the City College of New York.

Please click here to view the Briefing Summary!