Chapter 15 Introduction

EUROPEAN VISIONS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE AGE A Quest for New Horizons in the Information Society     Paul T Kidd (Ed.) ISBN 978-1-901864-08-3 (Paperback) Price: £19.99/€29.99/US$35.99

Chapter 15

Transport in 2030: 20,000 Leagues between Two Cities

David Jeffery

 

Introduction

 

Laura takes a journey between two cities in two different futures: one is optimistic and the other a potential nightmare. The first vision describes the optimistic future. This is based on a sustainable transport system consisting of shared non-polluting vehicles, improved vehicle safety, and satellite based guidance and information systems. The second vision describes a frustrating nightmare world: chronic congestion is the norm; information systems are autonomous and uncoordinated; the environment has been seriously damaged; and rapidly increasing travel costs have reduced accessibility and increased social exclusion.

 

The descriptions of these two visions for transport and travel in 2030 are each followed by explanations of how the different positions were reached. In each case some analysis of the issues raised is presented. The nightmare vision shows in particular, the possible consequences of not facing up to the issues and planning for them in a timely manner.