Overcoming institutional barriers to improved public transport: the example of the PDU (urban mobility scheme) in France

Panel: Panel 3: Mobility and Transport

Authors:
Emmanuelle Bouscaud, Jurist
Edgar Blaustein, Economist

Abstract

In the transport sector, application of existing or foreseeable technical solutions (focused on better motors or vehicles) could at best offset part of the increase in energy usage, resulting from rapidly increasing transport of goods and persons. On the other hand, reduced energy consumption could be achieved through social and political transformations.
1) Demand for transport services can be reduced through city planning and land use policies.
2) Energy intensity of transport can be reduced through modal shift towards rail and water freight, and public mass transit.

Nevertheless, these 2 solutions are confronted by opposing forces:
1) economic interests of the automobile and road industries, individual home builders, suburban shopping centres, etc;
2) social models that portray use of automobiles as a sign of (as well as key to) social or economic success. These forces constitute a solid and coherent nexus. Thus, overcoming these barriers requires strong government action.

An analysis is made of how the French "Plans de Déplacements Urbains" (PDU, Urban Mobility Schemes) constitute an innovative solution that integrates a multi-modal approach into transport planning. The impact of the PDU, in the context of existing decision mechanisms and financial tools is analysed. It is shown that these mechanisms, which have not been reformed, are still largely dispersed and compartmentalised.

Analysis is made of the difficulties and obstacles that the PDU tool will encounter, in the strongly compartmentalised institutional environment in France. The specific case of the Paris region is studied.