DEFINING TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND PUBLIC POLICY FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FIRMS IN PENNSYLVANIA.

摘要

The objectives of the research were to (1) understand the relationship between transportation facilities and services and the needs of advanced technology firms, (2) determine if Pennsylvania's current transportation policies and programs adequately address these needs, (3) make recommendations if current policies and programs do not meet their needs, and (4) analyze the methodology used and suggest questions for future research.;Conclusions from the survey are: (1) markets for advanced technology firms are more widespread than for non-advanced technology firms; (2) highway transport modes are dominant for both groups of firms, but the mix of modes is different with express parcel delivery more important for advanced technology firms; (3) air transport is more important for advanced technology firms; (4) business travel by air is used to a greater extent by advanced technology firms; (5) property reasons and transportation facilities and accessibility are more important to advanced technology firms than non-advanced technology firms in their location decisions; (6) traffic problems are cited more often by advanced technology firms; and (7) highway problems are most often cited by both groups of firms as transportation system concerns.;Recommendations are offered about the relationships among the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's central and district offices, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments to solve problems expressed by the firms. Some remedies are relieving traffic congestion by assisting local officials and increasing capacity by financing new infrastructure through public/private partnerships.;The analysis of the methodology used suggests refinements to the definition of advanced technology. Questions are raised about the transportation needs of advanced technology firms and government responsibilities to address transportation problems. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).;Survey research of samples of advanced technology and non-advanced technology firms in five transportation corridors in Pennsylvania was conducted to determine locational preferences, markets for products and services, location of suppliers, modes of transportation used for business purposes, and problems with the existing transportation system. Statistical relationships are developed to determine if there are differences between advanced technology and non-advanced technology firms. Transportation improvement programs are reviewed to determine if government policy is meeting the needs of the firms.