Staci Haber

Providing public transportation in the suburbs has been a prolonged struggle for government officials and planners in the United States. There is a long-held belief that high density is a key factor in the success of a mass transit system, which would mean alternative transportation options, besides the automobile, are limited in suburban areas. Scholars have concluded there needs to be between 30 to 40 residents per hectare in order to have a viable transit service. Others have suggested a figure closer to Hong Kong’s density (400 people per hectare) would be the only way public transportation makes sense. Despite these assumptions, suburbs across the world are proving transport policies can greatly alter the feasibly of a transit system. In particular, Perth, Australia (12 persons per hectare) has succeeded in producing a public transportation system, one that combines a bus and rail network, and offers a competitive system alongside the private motorcar. It is only after the system matures that urban form, such as transit-oriented development and “park n’ rides,” will intensify the land around the station and offer solutions to increase patronage without changing the suburban landscape completely.

This thesis compares Perth’s rail and bus system, as well as urban form, to a local public transit project in Orlando, Florida, and demonstrates how transportation in a low-density environment is possible. An analysis of Perth’s system shows four key transportation policies and initiatives that play a vital role in their success: bus and rail integration, regional planning, strategically located stations, and education programs. Perth’s system exemplifies the key to reviving suburbs and encouraging commuters and tourists to utilize multiple forms of transportation. These options allow for a more sustainable, productive growth and greater flexibility in areas that are not normally considered appropriate candidates for public transportation.