Land use and transportation are dynamic processes continually reacting to the pressures of urban development and societal change. Although the theoretical literature supports the notion that land use and transportation should be planned and managed in a co-ordinated fashion, the empirical evidence suggests that land use and transportation decisions are still made largely independent of each other. The thesis maintains that an emphasis on the substantive approach in the planning process has led to a misunderstanding of the manner in which the institutional framework can influence the co-ordinated development of land use and transportation. Several institutional factors are involved including; the organizational framework, the process of integration within the framework, and the strategies developed to implement societal goals and objectives. Specific concerns include; fragmentation of authority, lack of authority, a reactive planning process, and the lack of formal mechanisms for implementation. An adaptive, process-oriented model of institutional integration is proposed that blends two elements of an effective planning process: the co-ordinated development of land use and transportation and the integration of organizational components within the institutional framework. The thesis suggests that one cannot successfully implement strategic change without making compensating and reinforcing changes to the process and structure. The degree of risk and uncertainty within the environment is the qualifying factor that maintains a proper 'fit' within the planning process. The latter part of the thesis examines the institutional framework responsible for the development of the City of Edmonton's Northeast light rapid transit system. The analysis reveals that although rapid transit was seen as a means of accomplishing compact growth and development little redevelopment has occurred along the transit corridor, particularly at the level envisaged by the city planners. A number of institutional factors have contributed to the lack of development including; a dynamic and complex environment, a reactive planning process, the lack of formal integrative mechanisms, separate and, at times, independent land use and transportation planning processes, and disincentives towards redevelopment such as the redevelopment levy and zoning freeze. The application of the integrated institutional model suggests the need for a number of integrative mechanisms that were not evident within the institutional framework responsible for Edmonton's light rapid transit system. The study reveals that the institutional framework influences the effectiveness of land use planning along a rapid transit corridor and that integrative mechanisms are required within the planning process in order to effectively co-ordinate the development of land use and transportation. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Adequate and appropriate means of mobility are essential for the psychological and physical well-being of elderly persons. Elderly persons who live in urban regions encounter barriers to their mobility which are unique to them as group. Physical, psychological, and financial factors interact with urban form and the organization of public transportation to constrain access to usual private and public modes of transportation. As a result, many of the urban elderly cannot walk, drive, ride as a passenger, or ride on public transportation to important destinations. The demand for transportation by the urban elderly will be influenced by the following trends: - the aging of urban populations, - the growth of the frail elderly (persons over 75 years of age), - de-institutionalization, - suburbanization, - improving health and income status of elderly persons. The continuation of these trends will challenge planners to design transportation systems which are effective and efficient, and at the same time satisfactory to the elderly. There are three types of possible solutions to the mobility problems of an increasing number of urban elderly persons: - land-use planning, - the design traffic systems to accommodate elderly drivers, - the design of public transportation systems. Planners do not have the necessary instruments to implement effective land use solutions. Accommodating an increase in the number of elderly drivers conflicts with social goals to increase public transportation use by all age groups. The thesis argues the most effective solutions for overcoming elderly mobility problems are based on the design of public transportation systems. There are two public transportation solutions for assisting elderly persons with mobility problems. The first is making conventional public transportation more accessible. The second is expanding specialized transportation which is the focus of this thesis. Three policy issues have dominated the history of specialized transportation in North America. The first policy issue is whether public resources for assisting the transportation handicapped should be allocated to accessible conventional public transportation, or allocated to expanding specialized transportation. This is a debate as to which public transportation solution is the most effective for overcoming elderly mobility problems. The other two policy issues relate specifically to the design of specialized transportation. The second policy issue is what level of centralization provides the most effective and satisfactory service. The third policy issue is what are the appropriate roles of the public, non-profit, and for-profit sectors in the management and delivery of service. A particular specialized transportation system can be described by how the three policy issues have been resolved in the urban region this system serves. A specialized transportation system can be evaluated by indicators of efficiency, effectiveness, and elderly satisfaction. These descriptive and evaluative indicators are used to examine and compare specialized transportation in Greater Vancouver, Metropolitan Toronto, and the City of Edmonton. Four recommendations, based on the comparative examination, are made as to how specialized transportation in Greater Vancouver can be made more effective, efficient, and satisfactory to the elderly. These recommendations are: - further allocations of public resources to assist the transportation handicapped should be directed at specialized transportation; - greater use of telecommunications and computer technology to increase the effectiveness of scheduling and dispatching trips; - implement a block grant program to assist in the establishment of community based transportation alternatives; - implement a user side subsidy program as soon as possible; / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate