Volume 2, Number 1/2

Volume 2, Number 3

Volume 2, Number 4

This marked the first of our dedicated special editions which are given over to a single topical theme and in parallel closely integrated to a public interest program or event that support the theme of sustainable transportation. In this case there was a cooperative sponsorship: on the one hand from the Environment Directorate of the OECD and the Government of Canada as sponsors of the March 1996 International Conference, Toward Sustainable Transportation, and of the other, DG XIII (Communications) of the European Commission. On that occasion the sponsors arranged to cover all production costs of the special number, and to print 5000 additional copies which were then distributed both at the Vancouver event and subsequently in support of a number of meetings and events. This is a model of international collaboration that we intend to continue to develop in support of the work of the Journal and the challenges

Some First Thoughts on This Collective Enterprise: Short History of a Loose-Knit, Sprawling, Kitchen-Table Initiative

by Eric Britton

Opens with the observation that "Telecommunications, like many other technological advances, appears to be accompanied by a lot of hype, an optimistic overselling of its potential", and from thence sets out to ex-plain how this special edition of World Transport Policy and Practice Is attempting to sort through the hype and the knowledge gaps in an attempt to arrive at some useful simple truths about the links between the new technologies and operating systems that are coming on line and the broader challenges of sustainable development.

What does telework really do to us?

by Jack M. Niles

Presents the results of extensive surveys of about 400 telecommuters in the USA, including transportation impacts, and whether telecommuting is actually related to any net reduction in travel in general and in car use in particular. Gives findings from trip logs completed by driving age household members for an entire week. Concludes also that teleworking also has no severe negative socio-psychological effects on either tele-workers or telemanagers, at least short term and provided all parties are properly selected and trained and do not telework full-time. Touches on the differences between teleworkers in the USA and elsewhere.

The Information highway: just because we're on it doesn't mean we know where we're going

by Patricia L. Mokhtarian

Looks beyond the hype surrounding telecommunications and suggests that the physical aspects of the in-formation highway are currently short of the ideal and further, that when eventually in place, it may not be ideal. Examines some commonly held beliefs about the transportation, geographic and economic impacts of telecommunications. Suggests numerous further research and policy issues. Concludes by reminding us that telecom technology is inherently neutral. It can facilitate travel reductions and geographic decentralisation and economic development, but not alone - we, as policy makers and consumers must have some control over the outcome; the compact city made obsolete and settlements dispersed throughout the countryside should only happen if people decide that is what they want to happen.

The social implications of telework: the UK experience

by Horace Mitchell

Gives findings of extensive research into the key social implications of teleworking, carried out over the last five years in the UK. Gives examples of telework parameters at both micro and macro levels for employers to consider when making strategic decisions about siting work locations; to which part of the world he/she will contract out; or subcontract significant operations. Feels we should not concentrate on protecting existing paid workers against the perils of working at home rather than in an office, thereby failing to assess and re-spond to the implications of the "flight of work" from higher cost, lower skilled to lower cost, higher skilled environments. Equally we must not overprotect those in conventional employment against the "risk" that they may have to move into a newer work style.

What about the workers? Teleworking and the trade union movement

by Andrew Bibby

Offers some observations on the attitudes of the established trade union movement in Europe to the devel-opment of teleworking. Home based teleworking may be solitary activity, but teleworkers are, like the rest of us, collective animals with a need to come together; to network, to exchange information and ideas and to defend their interests. Gives some possible solutions as to how teleworkers' needs may be met, including trade union involvement, although on first consideration their participation may seem unlikely. Gives details of formal, satisfactorily negotiated teleworking agreements, between trade unions and employers, from across Europe, including the UK. Suggests unions could rise tot the challenge of new forms of working, by providing services sought by self-employed members, and that the old concept of solidarity could apply be-tween teleworkers working at home and for their own businesses.

The city in 2050: how sustainable?

by Andy Lake

Looks at the evolution of new ways of working and the development of the information society, to see how these might affect the development of cities, and whether these developments based on the new information and communications technologies (ICTs) will make cities more or less "sustainable". Rather than making speculative predictions, however, the focus is on the variety of factors that have influenced, and will con-tinue to influence, the development of cities. Its approach is somewhat heretical, or at least politically incor-rect, arguing that trends to greening the city will be only one among many competing influences, some of which may be profoundly ecologically unsound.

Urban transport, information technology and sustainable development

by Mattias Hoejer

Discusses how four principles of sustainable development could be implemented by the use of information technologies in the areas of urban road transport, namely, car pooling; dynamic route choice; extended pub-lic transport and a dual-mode system. Says it is important to open up a broad public debate on the options and risks that come with IT, as in a democratic society it is the voters' preferences that create the framework for politics and It development is ultimately a political issue.

Oxtail: a true story

by Noel Hodson

Describes the tribulations that befell a university city's Traffic Engineer throughout his career, ranging ini-tially from the conflict between the many cyclists/pedestrians/motor cars, to the polluted traffic-choked city centre that quickly evolved, aggravated by a motorway system that added thousands more heavy trucks an hour on to the ring road. Reveals how advice was always sought from a most unlikely source, and with hindsight shows that the advice given was not always good. Perhaps a cautionary tale?

Sustainability in an information society: view from the European Commission

by Robert Pestel & Peter Johnston

Refers to the European Commission's support to an expert "working circle" charged with the task of clarify-ing the potential contribution of advanced communications to sustainability. There is growing public and po-litical awareness that our economic prosperity and growth is unsustainable. The new constraints are envi-ronmental, associated with material use and transfers. Rematerialisation, in the sense of reducing the amount of material extracted from, synthesised and dispersed into, the environment per unit of GDP is therefore now the key to long-term sustainability. Warns that sustainability will not be achieved by government-led legislative action alone, nor by European-level action alone; a much broader commitment to a common pur-pose is necessary - perhaps co-operation for a global information society?

Who said we wanted an information superhighway?

by Robert Theobald

Looks at the possible directions in which the information superhighway could take us, considering both the benefits of increased knowledge and subsequent increased participation and also the dangers such as the ex-cess of raw information. Suggests that this information needs to be structured and packaged if it is to have a positive effect. Considers these points in a global sense in terms of humanity as a whole.

Conclusions and Recommendations:
The Information Society/Sustainable Development Symphony Orchestra

by Eric Britton

Attempts to summarize the broad lines of information and agreement concerning three questions that the author believes are critical for policy makers in this technology and policy area which is only now just getting underway:

1. What is it that we have learned thus far about our topic that should be kept to the fore as we try to determine what if anything should be done next?

2. What is it that we need to know more about before setting out on specific remedial projects and actions?

3. Knowing what we know (and what we don't know), what should we be doing next?

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