nep-tre New Economics Papers
on Transport Economics
Issue of 2016‒10‒16
twelve papers chosen by
Erik Teodoor Verhoef
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  1. Innovations in Barge Transport for Supplying French Urban Dense Areas: A Transaction Costs Approach By Emeric Lendjel; Marianne Fischman
  2. Identifying settlements involved in Hungary’s transit traffic By Kincses, Áron; Tóth, Géza; Tömöri, Mihály; Michalkó, Gábor
  3. Management transport at using innovative forwarding tools. By Katarzyna Sukiennik; Tomasz Szczepanik; Robert Sałek; Wioletta Skibińska
  4. Analysis of the lowest airfares considering the different business models of airlines, the case of Budapest By Dudás, Gábor; Boros, Lajos; Pál, Viktor; Pernyész, Péter
  5. Group-specific analysis of commuting in the most disadvantaged areas of Hungary By Alpek B., Levente; Tésits, Róbert; Bokor, László
  6. Building connections: Political corruption and road construction in India By Jonathan Lehne; Jacob N. Shapiro; Oliver Vanden Eynde
  7. Effects of Logistics Capabilities on Efficiency of Automotive Parts Industry in Thailand By Phat Pisitkasem
  8. High-speed rail in China By Yatang Lin; Yu Qin; Zhuan Xie
  9. Maglev (603 km/h), Hyperloop (1102 km/h). Vers un "retour sur terre" de la très grande vitesse ? By Yves Crozet
  10. Sovereign Wealth Funds and Infrastructure Development in Africa By Seedwell Hove
  11. Economics of Pipelines: the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) and the case for government intervention By Anastasia Charalampidou
  12. The Political Economy of Road Management Reform: Papua New Guinea's National Road Fund By Matthew Dornan

  1. By: Emeric Lendjel (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Marianne Fischman (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)
    Abstract: Experimentations and innovations that involve barge transport flourish in France as the main leg for urban distribution of goods. Based on a study of existing container barge transport (CBT) chains, this article identifies several obstacles impeding their use for urban river logistics: the complexity of these chains, on the one hand, and the level of specificity of assets involved in the loading and unloading phases, on the other hand. With the help of transaction costs economics, the article shows that several innovations involving barge transport to supply French cities share a common aim to diminish transaction costs, especially in those phases. This article also shows that coordination and pooling issues lead to adopt integrated or quasi-integrated governance structures to organize regular inland shipping lines necessary to supply dense French urban areas.
    Keywords: transaction costs economics, coordination, governance structure,urban river logistics, innovation
    Date: 2015
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01302684&r=tre
  2. By: Kincses, Áron; Tóth, Géza; Tömöri, Mihály; Michalkó, Gábor
    Abstract: As one of the transit countries in Europe, Hungary plays a significant role both in the east-west and north-south passenger traffic of the continent. Approximately one-third of foreigners (14 million) arriving yearly in Hungary travel through the country. A turnover like this can generate changes at the micro level in the everyday life of affected settlements and have social, economic, and physical impacts. In order to examine this, it is important to identify settlements involved in transit. The study introduces methodological approaches that can be applied to outline the crystallising points of transit tourism in Hungary. With the help of GIS-based delineation and the logit model the settlements involved in transit have been identified. The study concluded that settlements involved in transit traffic (1) are located at the intersections of roads enabling the shortest travel time between different border sections, (2) possess a motorway junction, and (3) are situated at the intersection of two main roads. Finally, it is shown that transit impacts the local economy of these settlements.
    Keywords: transit tourism, tourist spending, Hungary
    JEL: L83 O18 R11 R12 R58
    Date: 2016–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:74508&r=tre
  3. By: Katarzyna Sukiennik (Czestochowa University of Technology); Tomasz Szczepanik (Czestochowa University of Technology); Robert Sałek (Czestochowa University of Technology); Wioletta Skibińska (Czestochowa University of Technology)
    Abstract: In the article was presented managing transport in the forwarding enterprise using modern tools. The transport process requires joining many crucial elements Which in the direct way influence the quality of services provided and the position of the company on the competitive market. Customers more and more often before making a decision on choice of the transit company draw on own experience. At present the product should be delivered in the shortest time the most possible, at lowest costs and keeping the appropriate Return quality of provided services. Forwarding tools used for managing transport are in our times well-known in many companies. The process finding the Competent transit company and delivering the parcel in the set time is time-consuming and requires having Suitable experience and Qualifications. Tools used in this process should be modernized what lets the Possibility of the company Increase. The main aim is to show the latest tools forwarding and ways to use them to improve the quality of transport services.
    Keywords: Management, transport, freight forwarding, forwarding tools, innovations
    JEL: M21
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:4106779&r=tre
  4. By: Dudás, Gábor; Boros, Lajos; Pál, Viktor; Pernyész, Péter
    Abstract: This study reports the findings of a research that compared the lowest airfares of full-service network carriers and low-cost airlines and mapped the cost distance between Budapest and European cities. The study investigated return air tickets for three time periods in 48 European cities for travellers who originated from Budapest. The study was based on quantitative research methods using automated internet data collection and a unique GIS-based mapping method to compare airfares and visualise the cost distance between European cities and Budapest. Our findings showed that low-cost airlines outperform full-service network carriers by offering lower-fare air tickets, while the cost distance maps showed that cities accessible by low-cost airlines are ‘closer’ to Budapest in general.
    Keywords: airfare, low-cost airline, cost distance, air transport, GIS
    JEL: L93 O18 R10 R11 R41
    Date: 2016–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:74502&r=tre
  5. By: Alpek B., Levente; Tésits, Róbert; Bokor, László
    Abstract: The study aims to examine the commuting opportunities of the most disadvantaged job seeker groups living in Hungary's most disadvantaged regions, as well as Hungary’s spatial and group-specific boundary conditions. The study also aims to develop and present an indexation process (fMFÁ model), allowing the measurement of the mobility degree of different territorial units (in this case, the municipalities) and effects of certain factors determining commuting (transport subsidies, individual choices and options). The index measures the degree of mobility by considering individual and several types of public transport, expenses and expected time of commuting. The present document defines mobility for territorial units, separating its objective and subjective types. The group-specific analysis of boundary conditions is implemented through a questionnaire survey and logical models, the aim of which is twofold. On one hand, the model specifies the maximum commuting distance, which would be accepted rationally for the most disadvantaged job seekers. On the other hand, it presents a decision-making dilemma, namely the choice between commuting to work and local employment. Thus, the study provides insights into the specific features of labour market mobility of the target group. The Average Mobility Level Model and the Adjusted Mobility Index also evaluate the regional structure of the group-specific features of commuting. Through all these, the present study may promote a more efficient spatial allocation of employment policy measures. Strengthening of local employment in areas where group-specific mobility degrees are lower and support to improve commuting opportunities and employment centres where the mobility degrees are appropriate can contribute to the decrease of unemployment.
    Keywords: commuting, unemployment, disadvantaged groups, disadvantaged areas, regional mobility, Adjusted Mobility Index
    JEL: R10 R11 R12
    Date: 2016–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:74499&r=tre
  6. By: Jonathan Lehne (PSE - Paris-Jourdan Sciences Economiques - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC), PSE - Paris School of Economics); Jacob N. Shapiro (WWSPIL - Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs - Princeton University [Pinceton]); Oliver Vanden Eynde (PSE - Paris-Jourdan Sciences Economiques - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC), PSE - Paris School of Economics)
    Abstract: Politically-driven corruption is a pervasive challenge for development, but evidence of its welfare effects is scarce. Using data from a major rural road construction programme in India we document political influence in a setting where politicians have no official role in contracting decisions. Exploiting close elections to identify the causal effect of coming to power, we show that the share of contractors whose name matches that of the winning politician increases by 63% (from 4% to 6.4%). Regression discontinuity estimates at the road level show that political interference raises costs, lowers quality, and increases the likelihood that roads go missing.
    Keywords: Elections,Corruption
    Date: 2016–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-01349350&r=tre
  7. By: Phat Pisitkasem (Rangsit University)
    Abstract: This research aims to study the effects of logistics capabilities in terms of customer services, flexibility, and technology on the efficiency of automotive parts industry in Thailand and its efficiency in terms of costs, time, and reliability. 408 questionnaires were sent to selected automotive parts companies in Thailand listed in “Thai Automotive Industry Directory 2014†agribusiness organizations in Thailand. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted for data analysis including percentages, averages, standard deviations, and multiple regressions.Of 408 responders, most organizations have the registered capitals of less than 50 million Baht, Thai nationality, average number of employees of 173.4, and average operation period of 18.95 years. Most responders are assistant managers, male, bachelor degree, and average age of 30.15 years old with 10.12 years of experiences. Hypothesis tests indicate that customer service capability has an effect on cost and reliability efficiencies, flexibility capability have an effect on time efficiency, and information technology capability has an effect on cost, time and reliability efficiencies.
    Keywords: Logistics Capabilities, Efficiency, Automotive Parts Industry
    JEL: M10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:4106644&r=tre
  8. By: Yatang Lin; Yu Qin; Zhuan Xie
    Abstract: Encouraging innovation is a perennial policy goal - and one common approach is to promote the adoption of foreign technology. Yatang Lin and colleagues examine the impact of China's technology transfer policy, which has not only built a huge national high-speed railway system but has also made the country a global leader in the industry.
    Keywords: Innovation, Foreign Technology Transfer, Knowledge Spillover, China
    JEL: O25 O33 O38
    Date: 2016–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:cepcnp:484&r=tre
  9. By: Yves Crozet (LET - Laboratoire d'économie des transports - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État [ENTPE] - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IEP Lyon - Sciences Po Lyon - Institut d'études politiques de Lyon)
    Abstract: La vitesse physique de 603 km/h, atteinte par le Maglev le 21 avril 2015 au Japon – ou celle de 1 102 km/h qu’affiche le projet Hyperloop aux Etats-Unis –, deviendra peut-être une réalité pour le transport public et ses usagers. Malgré son coût en technologie, en construction et en exploitation, certains en font le pari. Mais ils semblent écarter un peu vite la question pourtant essentielle des conditions permettant la fréquentation des transports, et favorisant la mobilité sur un territoire donné. Plusieurs critères, tels la valeur du temps selon l'individu, la vitesse généralisée sociale qui intègre le salaire horaire du voyageur, ou le coût généralisé à partir duquel l’on peut dresser une comparaison entre modes de transport, entrent en ligne de compte. Ils aident à mieux évaluer la pertinence du coût social engendré par la mise en service d’une ligne à grande vitesse, et de fait à mieux appréhender le coût financier pour la collectivité. En effet, la très grande vitesse est loin d’être l’unique variable de décision des consommateurs et des pouvoirs publics. Outre les critères évoqués, de nouveaux usages du transport comme le covoiturage, sans parler de l’arrivée prochaine de l’autocar, contribuent à changer la donne.
    Keywords: ligne à grande vitesse (LGV),coût social,coûts d'infrastructure de transport,train à sustentation magnétique,évaluer la pertinence,critères d'évaluation
    Date: 2015
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01327296&r=tre
  10. By: Seedwell Hove (Quantum Global Research Lab)
    Abstract: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are increasingly becoming major sources of finance in many African countries. This paper analyses the potential role that SWFs could play in financing infrastructure development in Africa. The paper documents the state of infrastructure and its financing needs in Africa, dissects the anatomy of sovereign wealth funds on the continent, and assesses the extent to which sovereign wealth funds can bridge the infrastructure financing gap. The analysis shows that Africa’s infrastructure needs new sources of finance to cover the existing financing requirements. Although African SWFs are still small compared to those in other countries of the world, they have the potential to contribute meaningfully towards financing infrastructure development and fostering economic development in Africa. Putting in place favorable conditions for business and ensuring stable political and governance conditions can also attract global sovereign wealth funds to invest their massive resources in Africa. The paper also highlights some risks and opportunities for infrastructure investments on the continent.
    Keywords: Sovereign wealth funds, Infrastructure development, asset allocation
    JEL: E69 G15
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iefpro:4206708&r=tre
  11. By: Anastasia Charalampidou (University of Strathclyde- Business School)
    Abstract: In the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), private negotiations determine the terms of third party access to infrastructure and often hinder high complexity. Given the fact that the market is vertically integrated, where the infrastructure owners are also developers in their own producing fields, a misalignment of commercial and technical interests is observed. Considering the high capital cost of replicating existing infrastructure, the infrastructure owners, who are natural monopolies within their geographical market, find themselves gaining the bargaining advantage in the negotiations charging in several cases disproportionately high fees. In general, natural monopoly in capital intensive industries is linked with the concept of economies of scale- a situation where one firm can produce the market’s desirable output at a lower average cost comparing to two companies operating in a smaller scale. Therefore, economic literature views competition in the industry as socially undesirable as the existence of a large number of firms would result in needless duplication of capital equipment. Many authors emphasise also the fact that the extensive need for capital is probably the most important exogenous structural barrier. However, although production efficiency arguments suggest that network infrastructure should be provided by a single firm, economic inefficiencies, such as pricing to access, may arise due to unregulated market outcomes creating a case for government intervention in order to ensure that high levels of output grown are achieved. This research work is concerned with the economics of the UKCS oil and gas infrastructure, the ownership of transportation structures and the market inefficiencies under the existing regulatory environment. The issue of third party access is analysed by applying the economics of regulation of natural monopoly to the case of the pipeline transportation infrastructure in the North Sea. The economic and structural challenges the ultra-mature UK basin faces can have a potential negative effect on exploration outcomes not allowing, the full utilisation of the remaining reserves. The issue of access to UKCS infrastructure seems to adversely affect new entrants for undertaking exploration activities. The possibility for government intervention is linked with the maturity of the basin which changes the efficiency of natural monopoly that might require additional supervision. The market of oil and gas infrastructure networks could be efficient for the current participants but unable to attract new entrants. This research aims to analyse the effect of access in oil and gas infrastructure on exploration under the presence of incomplete contracts.
    Keywords: oil and gas industry, pipeline economics, natural monopoly, government intervention
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:4106452&r=tre
  12. By: Matthew Dornan
    Abstract: Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) road system is in a parlous state after decades of neglect. More than half of the roads in the country require urgent rehabilitation. The PNG Government sought from 2003 to address the problem through the establishment of a Road Fund designed to earmark revenue for road management. Development partners supported these efforts, which were similar to reforms implemented in other parts of the world. This article examines the establishment of an independent road fund and road management agency in PNG. It finds that these reforms have not markedly improved road conditions, and that they have been undermined by a lack of support from political leaders and parts of the civil service. The article's conclusion, that the establishment of a road fund is no panacea against political obstacles to road maintenance funding, is relevant to a broader literature concerning the establishment of independent institutions to address governance challenges.
    Keywords: political economy, economic reform, road management, road fund, Papua New Guinea
    Date: 2016–10–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201634&r=tre

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