nep-tre New Economics Papers
on Transport Economics
Issue of 2014‒05‒17
twelve papers chosen by
Erik Teodoor Verhoef
VU University Amsterdam

  1. Explaining the Adoption of Diesel Fuel Passenger Cars in Europe By Linn, Joshua
  2. Joint econometric models of freight transport chain and shipment size choice By Abate, Megersa; Vierth, Inge; de Jong , Gerard
  3. Port Pricing: Principles, Structure and Models. By Meersman, Hilde; Strandenes, Siri Pettersen; Van de Voorde, Eddy
  4. VRP algorithms for decision support systems to evaluate collaborative urban freight transport systems By Jesus Gonzalez-Feliu; Josep-Maria Salanova Grau
  5. “What hurts the dominant airlines at hub airports?” By Xavier Fageda
  6. What drives the high price of road freight transport in Central America ? By Osborne, Theresa; Pachon, Maria Claudia; Araya, Gonzalo Enrique
  7. “Are traffic violators criminals? Searching for answers in experiences of European countries” By José I. Castillo-Manzano; Mercedes Castro-Nuño; Xavier Fageda
  8. MOTIVATIONS FOR INNOVATION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT: THE BENEFITS OF A LOW COST PERSPECTIVE By Milena Klasing Chen; Sophie Hooge; Blanche Segrestin; Armand Hatchuel
  9. A conceptual framework to understand retailers'logistics and transport organization-illustrated for groceries'goods movements in France and Germany By Corinne BLANQUART; Saskia SEIDEL; Barbara Lenz
  10. In Turbulent Waters: British Columbia Ferry Service Inc., 1985-2012 By Malcolm G. BIRD
  11. Costs of traffic accidents with wild boar populations in Sweden By Häggmark Svensson, Tobias; Gren, Ing-Marie; Andersson, Hans; Jansson, Gunnar; Jägerbrand, Annika
  12. Becoming A Subway User: Managing Affects And Experiences By Oksana Zaporozhets

  1. By: Linn, Joshua (Resources for the Future)
    Abstract: Compared with gasoline engines, diesel fuel engines significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, but they emit more nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. Across countries, the market share of diesel fuel engines in passenger vehicles varies from close to zero to more than 80 percent. Using a structural model of vehicle markets in seven European countries, I show that vehicle taxes and willingness to pay for fuel costs, rather than fuel prices or supply, explain adoption. The model is used to compare the environmental implications of fuel taxes and carbon dioxide emissions rate standards.
    Keywords: vehicle demand estimation, demand for fuel economy and performance, fuel taxes, vehicle taxes, carbon dioxide emissions rates
    JEL: L62 Q4 Q5
    Date: 2014–04–14
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-14-08&r=tre
  2. By: Abate, Megersa (VTI); Vierth, Inge (VTI); de Jong , Gerard (Significance)
    Abstract: In freight transportation, decisions regarding the choice of transport mode (or chains of modes) and shipment size are closely linked. Building on this basic insight, in this paper we estimate and review various joint econometric models using the Swedish National Commodity Flow surveys. Robust parameter estimates from this exercise will be used to update the current deterministic Swedish national freight model system (the SAMGODS model) to a stochastic one.
    Keywords: Discrete–continuous models; Mode choice; Shipment size choice; Freight; Modeling
    JEL: L91 R00
    Date: 2014–05–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ctswps:2014_009&r=tre
  3. By: Meersman, Hilde (University of Antwerp); Strandenes, Siri Pettersen (Dept. of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration); Van de Voorde, Eddy (University of Antwerp)
    Abstract: Price level and price transparency are input to shippers’ choice of supply chain and transport mode. In this paper, we analyse current port pricing structures in the light of the pricing literature and consider opportunities for improvement. We present a detailed overview of pricing criteria, who sets prices and who ultimately foots the bill for port-of-call charges, cargo-handling fees and congestion charges. Current port pricing practice is based on a rather linear structure and fails to incorporate modern pricing tools such as price differentiation or revenue management. Consequently, ports apply neither profit maximising pricing nor pricing designed to exploit available capacity more efficiently.
    Keywords: Infrastructure pricing; pricing models; seaports.
    JEL: D49 R48
    Date: 2014–04–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nhheco:2014_014&r=tre
  4. By: Jesus Gonzalez-Feliu (LET - Laboratoire d'économie des transports - CNRS : UMR5593 - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État [ENTPE] - Université Lumière - Lyon II); Josep-Maria Salanova Grau (Hellenic Institute or Transport - Center of Research and Technologie Hellas)
    Abstract: This paper proposes a comparison between genetic and semi-greedy algorithms for a collaborative VRP in city logistics. In order to compare the performance of both algorithms on real-size test cases, we develop a cluster-first route second algorithm. The clustering phase is made by a seep algorithm, which defines the number of used vehicles and assigns a set of customers to it. Then, for each vehicle, we build a min-cost route by two methods. The first is a semi-greedy algorithm. The second is a genetic algorithm. We test both approaches on real-size instances Computational results are presented and discussed.
    Keywords: city logistics systems; two-echelon vehicle routing; cross-docking; simulation; collaboration
    Date: 2014–02–17
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-00986648&r=tre
  5. By: Xavier Fageda (Faculty of Economics, University of Barcelona)
    Abstract: This paper estimates a frequency equation to explain the determinants of network airline service levels at their hub airports. Drawing on European data for 2002-2013, we find that network airlines reduce frequencies when the share of low-cost airlines increases both on the route and at the hub airport. On the contrary, frequency choices of network airlines are not affected by competition from low-cost airlines operating in nearby secondary airports. We also find some evidence that mergers in Europe may result in a re-organization of the route structure in favor of the hubs of the larger airline.
    Keywords: hub airports, competition, network airlines, low-cost airlines JEL classification:
    Date: 2014–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ira:wpaper:201414&r=tre
  6. By: Osborne, Theresa; Pachon, Maria Claudia; Araya, Gonzalo Enrique
    Abstract: In Central America, like many other developing regions, high transport costs are cited as an impediment to trade and economic growth. Prices for road freight transport -- a key mode of transport comprising a significant share of total transport costs for intra- and extra-regional trade, are particularly high. Averaging 17 cents per ton-kilometer on main trading routes, these rates stand out even relative to other inefficient developing country markets (e.g., central and west Africa). However, the policy and other factors associated with increased prices have not been well understood. This paper uses data from a survey of trucking companies operating on the region's main trade corridors to analyze the determinants of firms'costs of providing service, as well as the effect of market structure and competition on prices. The analysis finds that whereas improved cost efficiencies could reduce prices by 3 cents per ton-kilometer, increased competition on national routes -- those entirely within a nation's borders -- would reduce prices by significantly more. Although there are many trucking companies, including small and somewhat informal operators, the degree of competition varies by route because of domestic restraints on competition and the prohibition on international competition on national routes. The paper shows empirically that imperfect competition accounts for at least 35 percent of mean prices on national routes. In addition, a lack of competition is likely to explain the persistence of an inefficient market structure, as well as a lack of innovation to reduce costs and enhance the quality of service.
    Keywords: Transport Economics Policy&Planning,Markets and Market Access,Economic Theory&Research,Roads&Highways,Airports and Air Services
    Date: 2014–04–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6844&r=tre
  7. By: José I. Castillo-Manzano (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, University of Seville (Spain)); Mercedes Castro-Nuño (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, University of Seville (Spain)); Xavier Fageda (Faculty of Economics, University of Barcelona)
    Abstract: The connection between road traffic safety and criminal behavior has recently become a topic of interest in the literature, although little emphasis placed on the relationship with road accidents. Evidence worldwide shows that people who commit other offences characteristic of antisocial attitudes, are more prone to suffer road traffic accidents and infringe traffic laws. Here we examine the records of the 28 current member states of the European Union over the period 1999-2010. Our aim is to test the hypothesis that crime rates (and specifically, motor vehicle-related crimes) may be considered as predictors of fatal road traffic accidents. If they may, this could justify, at least prima facie, the tendency in several countries to consider traffic offences as crimes in their penal codes and to toughen the punishment imposed on those who commit them. We also analyze the effect of the severity of the legal system applied to traffic offences. Our results reveal that road traffic fatality rates are higher in countries whose inhabitants have more aggressive behavior, while the rates are lower in countries with more severe penal systems.
    Keywords: Road fatalities, Motor Vehicle Crime, Law enforcement, Panel Data, European Union JEL classification: C33, I18, K42, R41.
    Date: 2014–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ira:wpaper:201415&r=tre
  8. By: Milena Klasing Chen (CGS - Centre de Gestion Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris); Sophie Hooge (CGS - Centre de Gestion Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris); Blanche Segrestin (CGS - Centre de Gestion Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris); Armand Hatchuel (CGS - Centre de Gestion Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris)
    Abstract: The public transport sector faces several challenges today, due to increasing demand, aggravated by limited funding. Although the dual need for original solutions and cost reductions has been identified, a lack of innovation has been pointed out in literature. Through a systematic review of scholars' literature and its comparison to a low cost approach by a public transport operator, this article aims to provide relevant data on what really counts to drive public transport innovations. We also show that a low cost perspective can bring benefits to the sector as a powerful innovation driver.
    Keywords: low cost; public transport; innovation
    Date: 2014–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00988174&r=tre
  9. By: Corinne BLANQUART (IFSTTAR/AME/SPLOTT - Systèmes Productifs, Logistique, Organisation des Transports et Travail - IFSTTAR - PRES Université Paris-Est); Saskia SEIDEL (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt - -); Barbara Lenz (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt - -)
    Abstract: The article proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing the key drivers for retailers’ transport demand more systematically. Certainly, a better understanding of the reasons behind the growth in transport demand is crucial in formulating effective measures to manage and reduce emissions. Regarding to retailer-led supply chains, analyzing the retailers’ transport demand and its key drivers seems to be indispensable. This issue is even more important on an urban scale as retailers have a high share of urban freight transport. The authors’ main assumption is that retailers’ transport strategies are dependent to non-transport-related context, both internally to the non-transport strategies and also externally to the company’s environment. A classification of the context in three layers is suggested: The macro-context represents retailers’ upstream context which includes the competitive and regulatory framework of retail industry, as well as consumers’ consumption patterns. The meso context refers to the retailer’s sectorial dynamic. It includes aspects such as the vertical integration of distribution of wholesale stage or new relationships with suppliers e.g. through the development of own-brand products. The micro context is related to the strategy of the individual retailer and encompasses economic strategies (type of retail format, marketing area etc.). Furthermore, the paper illustrates the chains of interdependencies between different layers of context and their consequences for logistics and transport organization, using the example of food retailers in France and Germany. As one result, the influence of retailers’ sales related strategies on logistics and transport can be demonstrated.
    Keywords: LOGISTIQUE;TRANSPORT DE MARCHANDISE;ECONOMIE
    Date: 2014–01–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00985969&r=tre
  10. By: Malcolm G. BIRD (University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
    Abstract: BC Ferries is a provincially owned and operated provider of marine transportation services in British Columbia on Canada’s Pacific West coast. In 2012, it moved over 20 million people and 7.8 million vehicles and is a critical component of the provinces’ transportation infrastructure. Almost one-third of the province’s population is dependent on it services and as such both it, and its operations, are highly sensitive political concerns for the government of BC. It is a firm that faces significant challenges since it has large capital expenses, a very high and rigid operational cost structure and, most critically, its user rates have been stagnant for the last twenty years, due to structural factors outside of its control. As such, both its operational and subsidy costs have grown in proportion to its user numbers, and its fares, too, have increased considerably. Despite efforts to depoliticize this firm’s operations, and to make it an independent operating entity, this is a futile exercise given the intense popular and political sensitivities surrounding its operations.
    Keywords: State-owned Enterprise, Crown corporation, Institutional change, Institutional evolution, Ferry service provider
    Date: 2013–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crc:wpaper:1305&r=tre
  11. By: Häggmark Svensson, Tobias (Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences); Gren, Ing-Marie (Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences); Andersson, Hans (Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences); Jansson, Gunnar (Grimsö Wildlife Research Station); Jägerbrand, Annika (Environmental Unit, Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute)
    Abstract: Traffic accidents with wild boar have increased rapidly over the last years in Sweden. This paper calculates and predicts costs of current and future accidents, totally and for different Swedish counties, based on estimates of wild boar populations. A logistic population model is assumed, and econometric methods are used for calculating populations with panel data on traffic accidents, traffic load, hunting pressure, and landscape characteristics for each county. The results show an annual average growth rate of 0.48, which varies between 0.39 and 0.52 for different counties. This, together with predictions on changes in traffic load, forms the basis for calculations of costs of traffic accidents for a 10 year period. In total, the predicted costs can increase from 60 million SEK in 2011 to 135 or 340 million SEK in 2021 in present value depending on assumed hunting pressure. The variation is, however, large among counties; costs can increase by ten times in Stockholm and Södermanland where the wild boar populations are relatively small and by 50% in counties with mature populations.
    Keywords: traffic accidents; costs; wild boar; econometrics; land scape characteristics; Sweden.
    JEL: Q29 Q57
    Date: 2014–05–11
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:slueko:2014_005&r=tre
  12. By: Oksana Zaporozhets (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
    Abstract: This paper focuses on a subway user, one of the main characters of mundane mobility in big cities. It is based on the field research conducted by the author in two Russian cities (Moscow and Kazan) in 2013-2014. The subway is considered not only as public transportation, but more broadly as a regulation tool that is used by homo mobilis to construct a wide network of relationships: with a city, with time, with one's daily activities. The notion of “affect management” - the urbanite's ability to manage their own emotional states and experiences - is suggested to describe the role of the subway in everyday life planning.
    Keywords: mundane mobility, subway, subway user, affect management, Moscow, Kazan
    JEL: Z
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:52hum2014&r=tre

This nep-tre issue is ©2014 by Erik Teodoor Verhoef. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at http://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the School of Economics and Finance of Massey University in New Zealand.