Development of a Strategy Model of the Driver in Lane Keeping

Based on vehicle constraints and known human operator characteristics, a strategy model was postulated for describing behavior in the lane keeping task. This model includes nonlinear thresholds operating on vehicle yaw and lateral translation, random input sources to account for spurious driver activity, and smoothing to account for driver response lag. The output of the model is steering wheel position

To determine model parameters and model suitability in describing driver behavior, recordings were made for driver-subjects performing a lane-keeping task in a moving base driving simulator having a computer generated display. A procedure involving both analytic and experimental techniques was then developed for determining the model parameters of each driver

Statistical comparisons and visual inspections made between driver-vehicle and model-vehicle time histories indicate a high degree of correspondence. Models such as these show promise in obtaining a better understanding of driver behavior and driver-vehicle response by incorporating nonlinear elements in the driver model.     

Toward criteria in the development of urban transportation systems

Improved criteria are necessary to aid in determining awards of federal funds for metropolitan transit projects. Commuting is the main use for public transit. Thus a primary objective of an urban transit system should be to provide a flexible and balanced set of options to the workers in the metropolitan area for their journey to work. This paper discusses various facets of an appropriate balance among the three modes: rapid rail, bus, and automobile. Three cities are selected for further analysis: Baltimore, Kansas City, and Phoenix. These cities represent different stages in economic-transportation development, and also present different spatial patterns of residence and employment. The applicability of rapid rail transit to each city is examined in view of central city worker concentration and recent trends.     

Freight forwarders speak: the Perception of Route Competition via Seaports in the European Communities Research Project. Part 1

This paper, in two parts, reports on the Perception of Route Competition via Seaports in the European Communities Research Project wherein a total of 72 interviews were held in 11 European countries. Respondents were also asked to fill in a questionnaire, and it is these questionnaire findings that are reported in this first part of the paper. These is a perhaps surprisingly widespread belief that frequency of shipping service is a main reason for choice of seaport in cargo movement. Time on the route and labour problems at ports are major concerns of freight forwarders whose minds are powerfully imbued with the spirit of free enterprise(absence of governmental or other planning agency intervention). Among other major conclusions are a preference for 'delivered price' consignments and the belief in the importance of port charges in route determination (see table 2 for summary of major conclusions).     

A nested logit model of automobile holdings for one vehicle households

This paper presents a model of automobile choice by single vehicle households. This effort is distinguished from previous disaggregate automobile holdings models primarily by the use of the nested logit model rather than the more restrictive multinomial logit model. We present a 2-step estimation technique that provides consistent and asymptotically efficient parameter estimates, yet is tractable for very large choice sets. Using disaggregate data on 237 one-vehicle households we estimate the unknown parameters on an automobile choice model containing 785 individual makes, models and vintages of passenger vehicles.     

Economic development and non-marine initiatives at American seaports

Public Port Authorities engage in a multimedia of activities under the guise of economic development that may be only marginally linked to the disposition of frieght or passengers. The mix of economic functions is determined as a result of shifts in marine cargo throughput, competition for shorefront land with other non-water-dependent users, the level of power and control wielded by Port personnel, and the legal mandate granted to the Port Authority. These non-marine functions often play an important role both for the Port itself and for the port community, regardless of the size of the port.     

Challenges and opportunities for transportation: Implementation of the clean air act amendments of 1990 and the intermodal surface transportation efficiency act of 1991

The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) may be the most powerful of all environmental laws affecting transportation. They are intended to significantly affect transportation decision-making, not only to achieve air quality goals but also to affect broader environmental goals related to land use, travel mode choice, and reductions in vehicle miles traveled. The CAAA require greater integration of transportation and air quality planning, and assign a greater responsibility to transportation plans and programs for reducing mobile source emissions. By expanding the requirements for determining the conformity of transportation plans, programs, and projects with State Implementation Plans for air quality, and by expanding the use of highway funding sanctions to enforce those requirements, the CAAA ensure a continuing linkage between transportation and environmental goals.While the CAAA give transportation and air quality decision-makers the mandate to better coordinate their respective planning processes, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 offers the tools to help carry out that mandate. Consequently, this paper summarizes the transportation and air quality provisions of both of these Acts and their relationships.