Information and communication technologies (ICT) have not had the predicted effect of substantially altering work and work-based travel patterns. Some researchers argue that one of the reasons may be the inability of ICT to effectively replicate characteristics of face-to-face communication. To examine the differences between computer-mediated and face-to-face communication, this article explores theories of face-to-face communication and synthesizes lessons from studies of virtual and face-to-face teams and groups. Findings on the comparative production outcomes and performance of virtual versus face-to-face teams are mixed, suggesting that it is not clear whether face-to-face communication is necessarily superior to computer-mediated communication for many collaborative processes. Planning can gain from a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of computer-mediated communication so that it may more effectively implement virtual strategies.
Development of a comprehensive historical archive of regional real-time multimodal multiagency transportation system data makes possible more detailed study of impacts of major transport investments on travel and system performance. We illustrate with a case study of a new light rail transit line. We use transit, freeway, and arterial data of high spatial and temporal resolution to examine transportation system performance impacts of the Exposition (Expo) light rail line (Phase 1) in Los Angeles. Using a quasi-experimental research design, we explore the impact of the Expo Line on transit ridership, freeway traffic, and arterial traffic within the corridor it serves. Our results suggest a net increase in transit ridership, but few effects on roadway traffic system performance. Given the latent travel demand in this heavily congested corridor, results are consistent with expectations. The benefits of rail transit investments are in increasing transit accessibility and person throughput within high-demand corridors; effects on roadway traffic are small and localized.
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