DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO INCREASE USE OF AUSTIN MASS TRANSIT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY IN THE AREA OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION

This study of the relationship of information to mass transit usage (of city buses in the context of environmental crisis, air pollution and fuel shortages) includes a survey of efforts by cities to use information and education to increase mass transit usage, an observation of the traditional coverage of transportation news by mass media, and a brief account of the recent research on communications and transportation. The project tested the use of a new fleet of buses and a customer service center. The results indicate that the print media were most responsive to promotion of mass transit; that public phone calls to the transit offices increased; and that total city bus ridership continued to increase. Some recommendations are made relating to: press coverage; public education and the mass media; future communication and transport projects; and potential support by local agencies and groups.