It is difficult to
determine just how much of the total human effort is expended in some sort of
transport or related activity. Estimates run as high as 1/3 but this must be
qualified to be sure what is meant. The amount is large and there is a variety
of activities, groups, individuals, etc. Some grouping is required to reduce
the number of entities. Many of the groups will overlap and conflict. A
particular entity and individual may belong to more than one group during a
given period of time.
Each entity of
each group will behave individual and consider all others in the same or other
groups as competition. Suppliers will regulars customers on a somewhat
different basis. This attitude seems to extend from the private person engaged
in a particular activity to all levels of government and to a considerable
extent to the internal groupings of large organizations.
The goals by a
group or individual are mostly based on the principle of individual or group
self interest. The goals are considered to be internal and any goals that may
appear to be external would seem to be the result of an internal goal to make
them so appear.
The following is a
coarse classification that may appear artificial. The goals attributed to each
group are remarkably similar and illustrate conflict situations. For each class
a comprehensive statement is attempted and this is expanded to partially
explain the motives of the individuals of the group.
The Goals stated
below are a guide to explicitly stating some of the underlying assumptions that
may be present in a transportation decision making process. Stating the
assumptions is a useful exercise to understanding a transport situation.
Some Goals that effect
Transportation:
A. Consumers: Maximum User Benefit
(Individual) For Minimum Consumption of User Resources
B. Government: Efficient
Provision of Service to Satisfy Needs (All Operations within its jurisdiction)
C. Transport Service and
Equipment Suppliers: (Optimize
Returns From Operations)
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