PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD AN AUTO-FREE ZONE IN A METROPOLITAN AREA - BOSTON.

The role of the automobile in urban areas is a constant topic for discussion. Many proposals for creating an auto-free zone in metropolitan areas are advanced. This paper reports on a public opinion survey of the Boston SMSA concerning a plan to ban all automobiles from downtown Boston. The results indicate wide acceptance of the idea provided that any necessary funding would not come from new taxes. If the plan were to be put into effect, the number of trips to downtown Boston would increase. Those persons who presently travels by private cars would continue to drive as close to the downtown area as possible. Other findings are presented. Wide spread interest among people was found for an auto-free zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]