This book provides the perfect comprehensive introduction to mass transit for anyone interested in transportation planning as a career, as well as for those who simply have a personal interest in the subject area. It is a policy-oriented book that contains some technical material, but avoids in-depth coverage of the electric and mechanical engineering aspects.

Distinctly factual, and not ideological, the book offers readers a balanced view of the debate between highways and transit - carefully presenting both sides of controversial issues. The intent is to give readers the solid understanding necessary to analyze problems objectively, and to assure that transit proposals are rationally planned and evaluated.

The book dedicates a full three chapters to historical and political background, and three others to the transit technologies or "modes" currently in use. Furthermore, readers will find coverage of the design of transit networks, operations and management, and impacts on land use, energy consumption, and the environment. Lastly, two chapters cover ridership characteristics, and two deal with economics and finance.