During the last three decades, massive networks of transport infrastructure have been completed in the Paris Region1over 600 km of highway, and three regional rail lines (Reseau Express Regional) linking the suburbs w...During the last three decades, massive networks of transport infrastructure have been completed in the Paris Region1over 600 km of highway, and three regional rail lines (Reseau Express Regional) linking the suburbs with the City of Paris. Despite such achievements, the demand for daily transport increases significantly, and road congestion level rises, resulting in a worsening environment which affects the quality of life. Rapid car growth, largescale suburbanization and longer commuting distance have generated a greater demand for roads. Yet the supply seems to have fallen persistently behind the demand. A few questions arise which merit investigation. Has transport planning failed to regulate such supply and demand? Can the idea of sustainable development be incorporated into the planning system? Furthermore, what are the barriers to a sustainable transport development? In tackling these questions, this paper explores the causes leading to the drastic rise in transport movements in the Paris Region, examines the planning issues and, finally, inquires whether the longterm strategies of the French authority meet the future demand in the context of a sustainable development.展开更多
文摘During the last three decades, massive networks of transport infrastructure have been completed in the Paris Region1over 600 km of highway, and three regional rail lines (Reseau Express Regional) linking the suburbs with the City of Paris. Despite such achievements, the demand for daily transport increases significantly, and road congestion level rises, resulting in a worsening environment which affects the quality of life. Rapid car growth, largescale suburbanization and longer commuting distance have generated a greater demand for roads. Yet the supply seems to have fallen persistently behind the demand. A few questions arise which merit investigation. Has transport planning failed to regulate such supply and demand? Can the idea of sustainable development be incorporated into the planning system? Furthermore, what are the barriers to a sustainable transport development? In tackling these questions, this paper explores the causes leading to the drastic rise in transport movements in the Paris Region, examines the planning issues and, finally, inquires whether the longterm strategies of the French authority meet the future demand in the context of a sustainable development.