dc.description.abstract | Most theoretical and empirical research on the subject of urban transport energy consumption has addressed the
role of urban form and urban spatial structure (primarily population density and degree of centralisation), city size
(population and/or area), the level of economic development, transport patterns, and transportation infrastructure.
Our analysis encompasses a wide range of socio-economic, spatial, transport and infrastructure indicators, as well as
energy efficiency and energy consumption indicators in a sample of 35 world cities, covering the period from 1960 to
2005. Comparative analysis indicates there are significant differences regarding the determinants of urban transport
energy consumption, especially between the US and Australian automobile-dependent cities, on the one hand, and
the wealthy Asian metropolises, on the other. Despite some recent positive trends (a decline in automobile vehiclekilometres
and reduction in urban transport energy consumption), a large number of cities in the developed world
still rely predominantly on cars, while sustainable modes of urban transport play an almost negligible role. Due to
trends of urbanization, demographic growth and a rise in living standards, the main focus of attention has shifted to
metropolises in developing countries. In the long run, the urban form itself is particularly significant, not only because
it critically influences transport demand, but also because of its inertness. | sr |