| By: |
Belloc, Ignacio (University of Zaragoza);
Gimenez-Nadal, J. Ignacio (University of Zaragoza);
Molina, José Alberto (University of Zaragoza) |
| Abstract: |
In this paper, we analyze whether diesel fuel taxes can be an effective tool
to boost the daily commuting of US workers towards the use of green modes of
transport. To that end, we use data from the American Time Use Survey
2003-2019 and explore the factors influencing commuting time and the
proportion of commute using alternative modes of transport, including walking
and cycling. Our results indicate that diesel fuel taxes are linked to a
reduction in the total time devoted to commuting, and to the proportion of
commuting by private car, and to an increase in the proportion of commuting
done by green modes of transport such as public transport and walking. This
relationship is not homogeneous in the urban dimension, as the effects on
total commuting time and the percentage of commuting by public transport is
present in urban areas only. In a context where many countries are
implementing policies aimed at increasing the use of sustainable modes of
personal mobility, our results indicate that taxing fuels used for personal
mobility may be an efficient way to decrease the use of more polluting modes
of transport and encourage more eco-friendly alternatives while commuting. |
| Keywords: |
commuting time, green mobility, state diesel taxes, American Time Use Survey |
| JEL: |
D1 Q4 R4 |
| Date: |
2022–07 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15416&r= |