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on Transport Economics |
| By: | Bruno DE BORGER; Stefan PROOST |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the political economy of public transport pricing and quality decisions in urban areas. We consider a hypothetical two-region federation. In each region there is a demand for public transport and for car use, and the group mainly using public transport may be a majority or minority in the region; moreover, part of the users of both the public transport system and the road network may come from outside the region. In this setting, we compare regional and federal decision making on public transport fares and supply characteristics. Under regional decision-making we find that, first, the political process may result in very low public transport fares, even if car owners are a large majority of the population. The fare preferred by car owners is increasing in the toll on car use. Cost recovery always improves with the share of outside users. Second, imposing a zero deficit constraint on regional public transport operators implements the second-best welfare optimum, independent of whether car owners or non-car owners have the political majority. Third, compared to centralized decision making, decentralized decision making leads to higher fares and better cost recovery. Our findings are consistent with the lack of opposition to very large public transport subsidies in Europe, and they provide a potential explanation for the tendency towards decentralization of public transport policy-making observed in many countries over the last decades. |
| Date: | 2014–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ete:ceswps:ces14.18&r=tre |
| By: | Simone Borghesi; Chiara Calastri; Giorgio Fagiolo |
| Abstract: | The issue of transportation is of primary importance in our societies. A large share of greenhouse gases is generated by the transport sector, and road casualties are one among the most common causes of death. In the present work, we study commuter choice between alternative transport modes using an evolutionary- game model, wherein commuters can choose between using their private car or taking the bus. We examine the possible dynamics that can emerge in a homogeneous urban population, where agents are boundedly rational and imitate the others. We obtain a different number of equilibria depending on the values of the parameters of the model. We carry out comparative-static exercises and examine possible policy measures that can be implemented in order to modify the agents' payoff, and consequently the equilibria of the system, leading the society towards more sustainable transportation patterns. |
| Keywords: | Commuter choices; Transportation; Evolutionary dynamics; Environmental policy |
| Date: | 2014–08–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ssa:lemwps:2014/15&r=tre |
| By: | Goeke, D.; Schneider, M. |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:65939&r=tre |
| By: | Olaf Merk |
| Abstract: | This study aims to assess the degree of institutional fragmentation of transport and land use planning in Chicago and to assess the main challenges related to this institutional fragmentation. It provides an overview of local governments in metropolitan Chicago and mechanisms for metropolitan coordination, including organisations at the metropolitan scale, dealing with planning, land use and transport. Five main challenges related to institutional fragmentation in transport and land use planning are identified: a lack of (1) interconnectivity, (2) coherence across transit modes, (3) regional freight planning, (4) accountability and (5) implementation power of regional planning and transport objectives. These challenges are analysed. The concluding section suggests some avenues for reform that could be explored in order to overcome the challenges of metropolitan fragmentation in transport and land use in Chicago. |
| Keywords: | Chicago, public transit, urban transport, urban infrastructure, metropolitan governance |
| JEL: | R4 R5 |
| Date: | 2014–08–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:govaab:2014/8-en&r=tre |
| By: | Cinzia Daraio (Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza"); Marco Diana (Politecnico di Torino, Italy); Flavia Di Costa (Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza"); Claudio Leporelli (Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza"); Giorgio Matteucci (Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza"); Alberto Nastasi (Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza") |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes a self-contained reference for both policy makers and scholars who want to address the problem of efficiency and effectiveness of Local Public Transport (LPT) in a sound empirical way. Framing economic efficiency studies into a transport planning perspective, it offers a critical discussion of the existing empirical studies, relating them to the main methodological approaches used. The connection between such perspectives and Operations Research studies dealing with scheduling and tactical design of public transport services is also developed. The comprehensive classification of selected relevant dimensions of the empirical literature, namely inputs, outputs, kind of data analyzed, methods adopted and policy relevant questions addressed, and the systematic investigation of their interrelationships allows us to summarize the existing literature and to propose desirable developments and extensions for future studies in the field. |
| Keywords: | Public transport ; Variable and Total Cost Functions ; Efficiency ; Effectiveness ; OLS ; Translog ; DEA ; SFA ; Transport indicators ; Transit scheduling ; Tactical design |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aeg:report:2014-14&r=tre |
| By: | Chao Wei (Department of Economics/Institute for International Economic Policy, George Washington University); Shanjun Li (Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University) |
| Abstract: | During the recent economic crisis, many countries have adopted stimulus programs designed to achieve two goals: to stimulate economic activity in lagging durable goods sectors and to protect or even enhance environmental quality. The environmental benefits are often viewed and much advocated as co-benefits of economic stimulus. This paper investigates the potential tradeoff between the stimulus and environmental objectives in the context of the popular U.S. Cash-for-Clunkers (CFC) program by developing and estimating a dynamic discrete choice model of vehicle ownership. Results from counterfactual analysis based on several specifcations all show that the design elements to achieve environmental benets significantly limit the program impact on demand stimulus: the cost of vehicle demand stimulus after netting out environmental benets can be up to 77 percent higher under the program than that from an alternative policy design without the design elements aimed at the environmental objective. |
| Keywords: | Stimulus, Dynamic Discrete Choice Model, Vehicle Scrappage |
| JEL: | E62 H23 H31 |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gwi:wpaper:2014-12&r=tre |
| By: | Veelenturf, L.P.; Kidd, M.P.; Cacchiani, V.; Kroon, L.G.; Toth, P. |
| Abstract: | On a daily basis, relatively large disruptions require infrastructure managers and railway operators to reschedule their railway timetables together with their rolling stock and crew schedules. This research focuses on timetable rescheduling for passenger trains at a macroscopic level in a railway network. An integer programming model is formulated for solving the timetable rescheduling problem, which minimizes the number of cancelled and delayed trains while adhering to infrastructure and rolling stock capacity constraints. The possibility of rerouting trains in order to reduce the number of cancelled and delayed trains is also considered. In addition, all stages of the disruption management process (from the start of the disruption to the time the normal situation is restored) are taken into account. Computational tests of the described model on a heavily used part of the Dutch railway network show that we are able to find optimal solutions in short computation times. This makes the approach applicable for use in practice. |
| Date: | 2014–07–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ems:eureri:51678&r=tre |
| 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); Bruno Faivre D'Arcier (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); Tiphaine Hervé (Interface Transport - Interface Transport); Fernando Zubillaga (Mobility and Logistics Cluster Euskadi - Cluster Movilidad y logística Euskadi); Zeljko Jeftic (Ertico - Ertico ITS); Jean-Baptiste Thebaud (Interface Transport - Interface Transport); Georgia Aifandopoulou (Hellenic Institute or Transport - Center of Research and Technologie Hellas) |
| Abstract: | The deployment of urban logistics solutions is one of the main pending questions in the field of urban goods transport research and practice. Indeed, although several solutions and projects have been tested in the last years, only few of them reach an operational phase and remain viable in time. Through the example of a recently finished demonstration project, this paper presents the main issues related to the deployment of urban logistics solutions form research and development results. More precisely, this paper aims to focus on how the conclusions of pilot actions can be used to forecast the possibilities of deployment for an urban logistics service. First, we present the main stages in deploying a technological or organizational solution, based on the FREILOT project's deployment research and analysis. Then, one of the analysed technologies in the project is presented: the delivery space booking service. After presenting the main business model elements, an example of cost-benefit analysis is proposed, defining the method and the main hypotheses, as well as the main conclusions from the analysis. Then, the main barriers to the deployment of delivery space boking devices are presented. Finally, the paper shows a set of guidelines for public authorities and transport practitioners to deploy urban logistics solutions. |
| Keywords: | urban logistics services; deployment; cost-benefit analysis; barriers; business model |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00784075&r=tre |
| By: | van der Hoorn, S.; Knapp, S. |
| Abstract: | __Abstract__ Shipping activity has increased worldwide and maritime administrations are trying to enhance risk mitigation strategies by using proactive approaches. We present and discuss a conceptual framework to minimize potential harm based on a multi-layered approach which can be implemented in either real time for operational purposes or in prediction mode for medium or longer term strategic planning purposes. We introduce the concept of total risk exposure which integrates risk at the individual ship level with vessel traffic densities and location specific parameters such as weather and oceanographic conditions, geographical features or environmental sensitivities. A comprehensive and robust method to estimate and predict risk exposure can be beneficial to maritime administrations to enhance mitigation strategies and understand uncertainties. We further provide a proof of concept based on 53 million observations of vessel positions and individual risk profiles of 8,900 individual ships. We present examples on how endpoints can be visualized for two integrated risk layers – ship specific risk and vessel traffic densities. We further identify and discuss uncertainties and present our ideas on how other risk layers could be integrated in the future. |
| Keywords: | econometrics, shipping industry |
| JEL: | C10 |
| Date: | 2014–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ems:eureir:51748&r=tre |
| By: | Hideki MURAKAMI (Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University); Yoshihisa AMANO (Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University) |
| Abstract: | We analyzed the dynamic changes in carriers' airfares and outputs and computed the changes in the consumers' surplus year by year after new Japanese carriers entered thriving routes and started to compete with Japanese full-service airlines (FSAs). Using unbalanced panel data of 222 route-and-carrier-specific sample observations, we found that new carriers discounted airfares significantly as soon as they entered new markets, but two early-comers, Skymark Airlines and AIRDO that had entered with very low airfares raised their price year by year.The two FSAs All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines responded to the new entrants and lowered their airfares to a much lesser extent than new entrants did, and kept their airfare levels almost unchanged for at least four years from the first entry, although a tiny fluctuation of airfares was recognized. The consumers' surplus increased significantly in the first year of new entries but gradually reduced as new entrants raised their airfares. |
| Keywords: | Japanese airlines, entry, dynamic change in airfare, consumers' surplus |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kbb:dpaper:2013-31&r=tre |
| By: | Drexl, M.; Schneider, M. |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:65940&r=tre |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Banks and Banking Reform Transport Economics Policy and Planning Social Protections and Labor - Labor Policies Economic Theory and Research Roads and Highways Finance and Financial Sector Development Transport Macroeconomics and Economic Growth |
| Date: | 2014–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:19996&r=tre |
| By: | Calderon, Cesar; Serven, Luis |
| Abstract: | Academics and policy makers have long considered an adequate supply of infrastructure services to be essential for economic development. This paper reviews recent theoretical and empirical literature on the effects of infrastructure development on growth and income distribution. The theoretical literature has employed a variety of analytical settings regarding the drivers of income growth, the degree to which infrastructure represents a public or a private good, and the extent of market distortions, notably in capital markets. In turn, the empirical literature has used various econometric methodologies on time-series and cross-section macro and microeconomic data to test for the effects of infrastructure development. However, these empirical tests face challenging issues of measurement, identification, and heterogeneity. Overall, the literature finds positive effects of infrastructure development on income growth and, more tentatively, on distributive equity. Still, the precise mechanisms through which these effects accrue, and their full impact on welfare, remain relatively unexplored. |
| Keywords: | Transport Economics Policy&Planning,Banks&Banking Reform,Public Sector Economics,Economic Theory&Research,Infrastructure Economics |
| Date: | 2014–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7034&r=tre |
| By: | Torsten Ehlers |
| Abstract: | What is holding back infrastructure investment, even though real long-term interest rates are low and the potential supply of long-term finance is ample? The answer matters to policy makers, because infrastructure is a key determinant of the growth potential of an economy. This paper identifies some key obstacles for better and greater infrastructure finance and investment. One such obstacle is the lack of investable projects. Often, projects are not properly designed and contractual arrangements imply a distribution of risks and returns that create the wrong incentives among the various partners. The greater involvement of private investors and the design of economically rational financing structures can mitigate such problems. They also improve the efficiency and success of infrastructure projects. A pipeline of investable projects would allow large investors to commit a greater share of their financial resources to infrastructure. Tapping the vast resources of capital markets, which thus far have been underutilised, could significantly boost infrastructure finance. A greater variety of financial instruments for infrastructure finance would help to make infrastructure more attractive for a broader group of investors and would allow a better diversification of risks. |
| Keywords: | infrastructure finance, G20 initiatives, syndicated project loans, infrastructure bonds |
| Date: | 2014–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bis:biswps:454&r=tre |
| By: | Biller, Dan; Andres, Luis; Dappe, Matias Herrera |
| Abstract: | The South Asia region is home to the largest pool of individuals living under the poverty line, coupled with a fast-growing population. The importance of access to basic infrastructure services on welfare and the quality of life is clear. Yet the South Asia region's rates of access to infrastructure (sanitation, electricity, telecom, and transport) are closer to those of Sub-Saharan Africa, the one exception being water, where the South Asia region is comparable to East Asia and the pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. The challenge of increasing access to these services across the South Asia region is compounded by the unequal distribution of existing access for households. This study improves understanding of this inequality by evaluating access across the region's physical (location), poverty, and income considerations. The paper also analyzes inequality of access across time, that is, across generations. It finds that while the regressivity of infrastructure services is clearly present in South Asia, the story that emerges is heterogeneous and complex. There is no simple explanation for these inequalities, although certainly geography matters, some household characteristics matter (like living in a rural area with a head of household who lacks education), and policy intent matters. If a poorer country or a poorer state can have better access to a given infrastructure service than in a richer country or a richer state, then there is hope that policy makers can adopt measures that will improve access in a manner in which prosperity is more widely shared. |
| Keywords: | Regional Economic Development,Transport Economics Policy&Planning,Urban Slums Upgrading,Urban Services to the Poor,Rural Poverty Reduction |
| Date: | 2014–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7033&r=tre |