(The following text is taken verbatim from the initial announcement of the Forum in 1993.)

For those of us who are concerned with the pressing problems of access, transport and sustainability in our communities around the world, an excellent means now exists that can help us put our heads together on the subject: an easily accessible and easy to use “electronic library and meeting room”. What you need to take advantage of this new facility today is a computer, a phone, a modem (the faster the better), and a subscription to the popular CompuServe service (see below for some first information). While some researchers, administrators, policy makers and citizens already make regular use of these new means of communication and exchange, for most of us these innovative techniques are not yet very well known.

Fortunately it is neither difficult or expensive to gain access to them. Once you have your equipment properly installed and gain access to CompuServe via the local telephone number, your next step is to plug into the Forum with GO ECTF. On first access you will need to join the forum: this costs nothing - it just means registering your name to permit full access. The Forum was initially developed to serve individuals and institutions interested specifically in telework or distance working. But because these media are by definition flexible and dynamic, the Forum has opened up its ‘doors’ to a number of concerns which relate to their initial orientation; and of course since much transport is work-oriented, the telework theme takes on particular importance in the Access program as well (A second, related electronic forum initiated by EcoPlan on ECTF is also possibly worth your inspection: New Ways to Work, Library # 9)

The Access Forum offers those of us who are concerned with these issues internationally a convenient means for exchanging documents, data, information, ideas and views on innovations and the search for better ways of organizing transport, communications, and land use in and around cities. Other concerns of this forum include:

1. sustainable transport and social-technical systems, and
2. the need for "bridging strategies" and policies which will permit the rapid transition to healthier and more livable communities.

Once you get into the Forum you will see the Access section, which you can then consult for a list of currently available documents. Using the Library you will be able to peruse and eventually “download” the latest copies of working papers and other documents available. Then via the Message Section you will be able to exchange ideas and suggestions with the authors and organizers, either in a public manner for others to join in or privately.

It is also possible to enter into real time discussions via Conferences, but as things stand presently this is more than a bit cumbersome and slow. In the months immediately ahead we intend to concentrate on using the forum as a ‘living library” of the latest and best printed information and as an ‘electronic bulletin board’ for exchanging comments and ideas. Although this facility has been used in this relatively simple way at first, new ideas and types of use have fast emerged from it as we all gained experience within this framework for a variety of planning, communications and consultation purposes. We expect that this development will be very rapid and very far-reaching indeed.

The discussion and exchanges are open, free (other than the indicated CompuServe and local phone charges) and fully international. It is felt to be important that the Access Forum should be open to all contributors in all ways. While this puts pressure on the forum's managers and their good housekeeping practices, it is essential to the long run success of the program which depends on achieving the broadest reach of ideas and inputs. Information on how to contribute materials to the library is available from the addresses below.

For further information, you are invited to contact:

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