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on Transport Economics |
| By: | Miquel-Àngel Garcia-López (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona & IEB); Luz Yadira Gómez-Hernández (London School of Economics); Rosa Sanchis-Guarner (London School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides a theoretical framework to study the relationship between expanded road capacity, traffic volumes and increased economic activity. We build on Anas (2024) to show that increased traffic volumes do not necessarily lead to congestion if adjustments in economic factors, such as population or employment, are not substantial. We test our predictions obtaining key estimates with data from Great Britain between 2001 and 2020, and adopting a shift-share instrumental variable approach. We find that the elasticity of vehicle kilometers traveled to road capacity improvements is positive and statistically different from 1 across different specifications, while the elasticity of population and employment is positive but smaller than 1. In our framework this implies that the cost of driving does not increase above initial levels, resulting in higher consumer surplus through changes in travel demand and time savings. |
| Keywords: | Transportation, road capacity, aggregate travel cost, economic activity. |
| JEL: | H4 R41 R42 R48 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2024-15 |
| By: | Enriquez-Contreras, Luis Fernando; Barth, Matthew; Ula, Sadrul |
| Abstract: | As a part of an innovative Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), this paper investigates the effectiveness of transportation-based microgrid configurations in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and electricity costs. A case study at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) utilizes high-resolution California Independent System Operator (CAISO) CO2 emission data to assess the environmental impact of each microgrid configuration. It also compares electricity costs to determine potential consumer savings. The results demonstrate that a load-following transportation microgrid strategy can significantly reduce CO2 emissions (67%–84%) and achieve annual cost savings of approximately $24, 000, even when accounting for the additional demand from daily electric vehicle (EV) charging at the building. However, battery sizing is crucial for cost-effectiveness, as load-following exhibits diminishing returns. Doubling battery capacity may yield negligible reductions in electricity costs and CO2 emissions after exceeding certain threshold. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing battery capacity to achieve a balance between cost and environmental impact. The study further reveals that Level 2 chargers in a commercial building generally have minimal impact on building demand and energy charges. Conversely, a single Level 3 DC fast charger has a more significant impact, requiring increased solar and battery storage capacity for further cost reduction. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Infrastructure for charging, communication and controls, energy storage and control systems, electric vehicles |
| Date: | 2024–05–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt8br5m587 |
| By: | Omar Isaac Asensio; Elaine Buckberg; Cassandra Cole; Luke Heeney; Christopher R. Knittel; James H. Stock |
| Abstract: | Charging infrastructure is critical to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, but for chargers to be most useful, EV drivers need to know in real time where they are and whether they are working and available. We investigate the availability of real-time data from DC fast chargers on six major US Interstates and model the impacts of expanding access to real-time data to all DC fast chargers near highways. On average, between March and August 2024, 32.9% of DC fast charging stations adjacent to those six Interstates provided their real-time status on PlugShare, a major charge-finding app, with gaps of up to 1, 308 miles without real-time data. Further, we survey potential car buyers and EV owners and find low credibility of currently-available real-time data. We incorporate this data into a two-sided model of consumer vehicle choice and charging station build-out adapted from Cole et al. (2023). If universal real-time data is accompanied by improved charger uptime and driver confidence in the accuracy of the real-time data, we predict that the EV share of new vehicle sales would grow by 8.0 percentage points in 2030, expanding the EV fleet by 13.2%, and reducing 2030 carbon emissions by 22.5 mmt, versus baseline projections for 2030. |
| JEL: | Q50 R40 |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33342 |
| By: | Lu, Hongyu; Liu, Haobing; Guin, Angshuman; Rodgers, Michael O; Guensler, Randall |
| Abstract: | This report summarizes the impact on corridor-level energy use and emissions associated with the 2018 opening of the I-75 Northwest Corridor (NWC) and I-85 Express Lanes in Atlanta, GA. The research team tracked changes in vehicle throughput on the managed lane corridors (extracted from GDOT’s Georgia NaviGAtor machine vision system after comprehensive QA/QC) and performed a difference-in-difference analysis to exclude regional changes, pairing test sites vs. control sites not influenced by the openings. The results show a large increase in overall peak-period vehicle throughput on the NWC, especially on I-575, due to the congestion decrease (20 mph speed increases at some locations). The increase in corridor-level energy use and emissions was smaller than vehicle throughput, but still significant. Predicted downwind maximum CO concentrations only increased from 1.81 ppm to 1.93 ppm (which remains extremely low). The increase in morning peak activity on the corridor likely resulted from diversion of some traffic into the peak from the shoulder periods, diversion of some traffic from other nearby freeway corridors, and diversion of local road traffic into the corridor. Unfortunately, without overall control volume totals and/or pre-and-post travel behavior surveys for the alternative commute routes, it is not possible to quantify the likely reductions in traffic flow and emissions that occurred along the other corridors that likely resulted from morning commute shifts. Hence, the team cannot draw reliable conclusions related to net regional or sub-regional impacts associated with the new managed lane corridors. The impact observed on the I-85 corridor was much smaller than on the NWC, especially at Indian Trail/Lilburn Road (far from the Express Lane Extension). After the Express Lanes opened, energy use and emission rates at Old Peachtree Road increased slightly (as uncongested vehicle speeds increased), but this increase may be short-lived as traffic on the corridor changes over time. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Managed lane, high-occupancy lane, high-occupancy toll lane, emissions modeling, energy use modeling |
| Date: | 2024–08–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt93j728pn |
| By: | Lipman, Timothy; Penev, Misho; Holden, Jacob |
| Abstract: | The goal of the “Advanced Network Analysis of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Automated Vehicles for Goods Delivery” (ATLAS) project is to examine the costs and energy system impacts of using hydrogen (H2) fuel cell electric vehicles (FCVs) for medium-duty goods delivery applications, with human drivers and some degree of automated operation in the future. Direct goods delivery to residences and commercial operations is an expanding transportation element that has been growing at approximately 9% per year in recent years, with an estimated $343 billion global industry value in 2020. |
| Keywords: | Engineering |
| Date: | 2024–06–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsrrp:qt1902181w |
| By: | Ibrahem Shatnawi; Jeyhun I. Mikayilov |
| Abstract: | The adoption of more stringent fuel economy standards represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving net zero emissions in the transportation sector. By steadily increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles, this approach drives a gradual but consistent decline in emissions. When coupled with the simultaneous integration of electric and alternative fuel vehicles into the market, the goal of net zero emissions becomes increasingly feasible. |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2412.02167 |
| By: | Klumpenhouwer, Willem; Karner, Alex |
| Abstract: | Distributive concerns in transportation equity can be evaluated either in terms of inequality (e.g., how equal are distributions?) or sufficiency (e.g., how many and what kinds of people lack access to the transportation resources they need?). Sufficiency analyses offer more actionable insights that can be used to mitigate transportation disadvantage, but related analytical methods are not well developed. To advance this area of research and practice, this paper investigates three approaches to measuring sufficiency through the lens of public transport access to jobs: (i) Fraction of total regional destinations, (ii) Competitiveness with auto access, and (iii) population-weighted percentile measures. We use a class of decomposable Foster-Greer-Thorbecke poverty measures to understand the sensitivity of overall levels of disadvantage to the choice of disadvantage lines and other parameters, in the context of seven U.S. urban regions. We find that fractional and auto competitiveness measures produce similar results and are highly sensitive to the choice of disadvantage line, that population-weighted percentile measures may allow for better comparisons across demographic groups, and that by most reasonable definitions of transport poverty the vast majority of residents (80+%) in an area might be considered to be in transport disadvantage. |
| Date: | 2025–01–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:95qbv |
| By: | YOO Sunbin; KUMAGAI Junya; MATSUSHIMA Hiroshi; Madhu KHANNA; MANAGI Shunsuke |
| Abstract: | Transportation is a major contributor to global carbon emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels, with railways often cited as a promising solution for emission reduction. However, empirical evidence of railways’ effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions has been limited. Our study reveals that the expansion of Japan’s railway net- work over the past 30 years has led to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, ranging from 97.44 to 110.73 million metric tons. This translates to an annual reduction of up to 1.697% of Japan’s transportation sector emissions in 2019, a finding that demonstrates the broader environmental implications of systemic railway development. In contrast, station openings have led to a slight overall increase in emissions, contributing an additional 2.5 million metric tons over the same period. These findings emphasize the greater impact of comprehensive network expansions in reducing carbon emissions compared to localized station openings and underscore the importance of strategic railway expansion as a key measure for mitigating carbon emissions and advancing sustainable urban development. |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:25006 |
| By: | Harold, Brian; Rodier, Caroline; Perrin, Jack |
| Abstract: | While the United States has long supported basic needs of residents through social welfare programs, policies supporting affordable transportation for lower income individuals have been much more limited. Federal support for transportation includes subsidies to transit agencies and requirements to offer discounted fares to certain groups such as seniors and riders with disabilities, but income-qualified discounts are not required. This study explores opportunities for improving access to transportation affordable programs by gathering insights from existing income qualified transportation benefits. Researchers compare examples of these programs to design features of existing non-transportation benefits to characterize opportunities for increased coordination and standardization. Finally, as the U.S. has seen an increase in recent years of Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) pilots that provide flexible transportation funds, the study incorporates insights from UBM evaluations to understand how UBM design features may be useful to agencies who are pursuing transportation affordable discounts and subsidies. The results suggest that there is significant potential for income-qualified transportation program enrollment both for agencies that do not currently offer these benefits and for agencies that already offer them, and that inter-organizational coordination among stakeholders may be essential in implementing successful transportation affordable discounts or subsidies. Additionally, the structure of income-qualified transportation benefits may vary depending on agency resources. Finally, with transportation equity as growing priority for California and its transit agencies, program administrators may opt for programs with easy access and enrollment rather than those that create barriers to participation through strenuous application and verification procedures. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Social and Behavioral Sciences, Transit, fares, transportation equity, low-income programs, accessibility, affordability, discounts, Universal Basic Mobility, subsidies |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt1xk2830q |
| By: | Rosa Sanchis-Guarner (Universitat de Barcelona & IEB); Nikodem Szumilo (University College London); Antoine Vernet (University College London) |
| Abstract: | We study the impact of improved rail access on entrepreneurship rates in England and Wales. We use data from the Census spanning 2001, 2011, and 2021 to analyse self-employment rates in granular geographic areas of around 200 residents. Specifically, we study how they respond to changes in the distance to the nearest train station occurring due to 56 new station openings. We find that all else equal, moving 1 km further away from a station reduces self-employment rates by 0.12 percentage points, with the effect dissipating beyond 7 km. Secondary results suggest that access to rail makes it easier to become self-employed while not making it more attractive compared to employment. Our findings suggest that rail infrastructure improvements can support local entrepreneurship and economic activity, contributing to regional development and reducing economic inequality. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship, Rail, Self-employment |
| JEL: | L26 R11 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2024-11 |
| By: | Rentschler, Johannes |
| Abstract: | Intermodal transportation refers to the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit, which uses successively two or more modes—such as rail, road, and maritime—without handling the goods themselves in changing modes. This approach capitalizes on the strengths of each transportation mode, optimizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This dissertation investigates continental intermodal transportation in Europe. It thereby focuses on the configuration of intermodal transportation networks and the transformative impact of digitalization. The European intermodal transportation market, characterized by diverse actors, varying laws, and non-standardized processes, presents distinctive challenges. These differences necessitate tailored approaches to address unique circumstances effectively. Given this complexity, multiple research methodologies on different planning levels are employed to systematically explore the structural configuration of transportation networks and the impact of digitalization. Qualitative methods, such as case studies and expert interviews, complement quantitative models by providing contextual and experiential insights and practical knowledge from industry professionals and stakeholders. Case studies are particularly suitable for analyzing the European intermodal transportation market. They allow for in-depth exploration of specific contexts, capturing nuances that broader methods might miss, providing a nuanced understanding of intermodal transportation systems, and helping to develop actionable solutions. The main body of this dissertation is based on five research papers. The first two papers investigate the structural configuration of intermodal transportation networks and its impact on overall system performance. By integrating strategic hub location and tactical service network design models, the research provides deeper insights into network structure, leading to optimized configurations that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. A case study involving a German intermodal operator demonstrates that this integration leads to more realistic and efficient network designs, considering economies of scale and density. In the third paper, the feasibility and benefits of continental intermodal transportation as a possible solution for connecting Asia and Europe are studied. The qualitative analysis of the Trans-Caspian Corridor through interviews with logistics companies and political authorities revealed the intricate geopolitical and strategic challenges influencing the corridor's development.The fourth paper focuses on ETA forecasts in the pre-and post-haulage of intermodal transportation. Digitalization and real-time data significantly improve operational processes in intermodal transportation by enhancing visibility and enabling dynamic adjustments to routing and scheduling. A simulation study shows that ETA forecasts lead to an average cost reduction of 7%. The fifth paper investigates how digitalization drives the evolution of intermodal transportation towards synchromodal transportation, where different transportation modes are seamlessly integrated, providing flexible and adaptive real-time solutions. The integration of digital technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI further supports this transition, offering advanced tools for real-time monitoring, data analytics, and decision-making. The findings of this dissertation contribute to both academic knowledge and practical applications, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in the field of intermodal transportation. |
| Date: | 2025–01–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:152591 |
| By: | Marzouk, Osama Ahmed |
| Abstract: | We collected data about 13 urban air mobility (UAM) electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from 12 UAM companies in the world. While none of these models has yet reached a large-scale commercial operation (particularly as air taxis), some of them progressed well in the certification process and may have their UAM models widely operated within a few years. This article focuses on the variability in the configurations of these UAM eVTOL aircraft for aerial e-mobility; such as single-fixed-wing, tandem-tilt-wing, canard wing, fixed-rotor fixed-wing, full tilt-rotor, partial tilt-rotor, V-shaped tail, tailless, twin tail, conventional tail assembly, distributed propulsion, multicopter, rear forward thrust propeller, ducted fans, and a hybrid airplane-helicopter design. The 13 UAM eVTOL aircraft covered here are: (1) EH216-S (by EHang), (2) VoloCity (by Volocopter), (3) Lilium Jet (by Lilium), (4) VoloRegion (by Volocopter), (5) CityAirbus NextGen (by Airbus), (6) Passenger Air Vehicle - PAV (by Boeing), (7) S-A2 (by Hyundai), (8) Joby (by Joby Aviation), (9) VX4 (by Vertical Aerospace Group), (10) Midnight (by Archer Aviation), (11) Eve (by Eve Air Mobility), (12) Jaunt (by Jaunt Air Mobility), and (13) Generation 6 (by Wisk Aero). Out of these 13 UAM eVTOL aircraft models for aerial e-mobility and/or air taxis, we found that 11 models utilize a wing configuration, while only two use a wingless multirotor concept (as in hobbyist drones). A fixed-wing design is associated with a faster travel speed, at the expense of added restrictions on maneuvering and low-speed travel (or hovering). Six models are intended to have an onboard human pilot, while the remaining seven models are designed to be pilotless. One model demonstrated the ability to use hydrogen as a clean source of energy through a fuel cell system. |
| Date: | 2025–01–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:m5sd9 |
| By: | Weed, Caleb C.; Rodgers, Michael O. |
| Abstract: | This report outlines the technical development and application of the Total Cost of Ownership Spreadsheet Tool (TCOST), a Microsoft Excel-based calculator that simplifies and integrates the main functions, data, and outputs of pre-existing models (MOVES-Matrix and the GREET Model) and other external sources of economic data. The tool accommodates twenty-one user-input variables to produce comparative total cost of ownership figures for diesel and battery-electric trucks within any use case, broken down by cost type (capital, operation, and maintenance), both as a gross number and on a per-mile basis. The tool also provides a series of visualizations comparing cost breakdowns, breakeven points, and expected tailpipe and fuel-cycle emissions for both technologies. A hypothetical regional container drayage use-case example was developed using quantitative and qualitative data, to which TCOST was applied to demonstrate the application of the tool and its value to fleet managers and policymakers in its ability to model the cost effects of minor parameter adjustments or the multiplicative effects of simultaneous parameter adjustments quickly and easily. TCOST may be used to help inform the decision-making process for fleet vehicle acquisition and planning, helping decision makers to visualize a variety of future scenarios and map those scenarios onto their fleet operations to assess risks and make informed choices about the future technological makeup of their fleets. TCOST will help policymakers quickly model the cost impacts of potential policy levers from a business perspective. View the 2021 NCST Project Webpage and the 2023 NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Electric Vehicles, Trucks, Freight, Electrification, Energy, Emissions, CO2 |
| Date: | 2024–12–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt3vs604k1 |
| By: | Balboni, Clare |
| Abstract: | Coasts contain a disproportionate share of the world's population, reflecting historical advantages, but environmental change threatens a reversal of coastal fortune in the coming decades as natural disasters intensify and sea levels rise. This paper considers whether large infrastructure investments should continue to favor coastal areas. I estimate a dynamic spatial equilibrium framework using detailed geo-referenced data on road investments in Vietnam from 2000 to 2010 and find evidence that coastal favoritism has significant costs. The results highlight the importance of accounting for the dynamic effects of environmental change in deciding where to allocate infrastructure today. |
| Keywords: | transport infrastructure; regional development; natural disaster risk; climate change; path dependence; spatial misallocation; sea level; floods; Vietnam |
| JEL: | J61 O18 O53 Q54 R11 R12 R13 R42 |
| Date: | 2025–01–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:126336 |
| By: | Elbert, R.; Tang, Y. |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:152719 |
| By: | Henderson, Richard; Gastelle, Jesse; Caffarelli, Peter |
| Abstract: | This report provides a breakout by mode of corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, and barley movements to either domestic markets or U.S. ports for export between 1984 and 2022. It is the fourteenth update of an initial modal share study completed in 1992. The purpose of this series of reports is to provide the latest information about changes and trends in the relative competitiveness and efficiency among the different transportation modes in moving grain. Estimates of the tonnages (and shares) of grain railed, barged, and trucked are developed from a variety of secondary sources. This data can be used to identify trends and implications on transportation from factors, such as changes in production volumes and commodity mix, as well as changes in the relative demand for U.S. grain for domestic purposes versus export. Tables included: Tonnages of U.S. Grains Transported, by Type of Crop and Type of Movement, 2005-2022 --- Tonnages and Modal Shares for U.S. Corn, 2005–2022 --- Tonnages and Modal Shares for U.S. Wheat, 2005-2022 --- Tonnages and Modal Shares for U.S. Soybeans, 2005-2022 --- Tonnages and Modal Shares for U.S. Sorghum, 2005-2022 --- Tonnages and Modal Shares for U.S. Barley, 2005-2022. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2024–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uamstr:349143 |
| By: | Doran, Elizabeth M.B.; Reichard, Will; Boothe, Morgan; Donnell, Grace; Fan, Huiying; Rowangould, Gregory; Guensler, Randall |
| Abstract: | Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related mortality in the United States, and extreme heat events are projected to continue to increase in geographic extent, frequency, and severity in the United States as climate change progresses. Transportation infrastructure is a significant driver of the urban heat island (UHI) effect and exacerbating extreme heat events. Efforts to mitigate UHI impacts often focus on reflecting incoming solar radiation (i.e., increasing surface albedo) and providing shade (e.g., planting street trees). However, advanced and novel materials (ANM) for pavements that reduce heat storage, and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) that promotes evaporative cooling, can provide additional heat mitigation pathways. Sidewalks facilitate non-motorized transportation, and are relatively low-risk, low-cost, and have simple structural requirements compared to other transportation infrastructure. Hence, sidewalks and adjacent planting strips can offer a logical test bed for new materials and designs. With the thermal comfort, safety, and efficiency of users in mind, environmentally responsible designs can also minimize energy embedded in construction materials and help maintain natural ecosystem processes. Although ANMs hold significant promise for heat mitigation, they have not yet achieved widespread implementation. This project systematically reviewed the growing literature related to theapplication of ANMs and GSI to reduce UHI effects and implemented a survey of urban planners and public works engineers to assess the current and planned use of these strategies and identify barriers to implementation. This report summarizes the emergent themes from the systematic literature review, survey results and policy recommendations for an anticipated reading audience of urban policy makers, planners, and practitioners. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Urban heat island, green stormwater infrastructure, advanced pavements, alternative pavements, cool pavements, novel materials, decision-making, transportation planning, thermal comfort |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt9x00066h |
| By: | Velez, Andres (Dept. of Business and Management Science, Norwegian School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper addresses the challenge of congestion in time-expanded networks, focusing on a case study related to maritime evacuations. The problem is made complex by an endogenous relationship between inputs and outputs, where the assignment of flow to an edge leads to increased congestion, which reflects in later arrivals and changes on the overall network topology. This dynamic interaction between flow and congestion is central to the problem, as it results in a feedback loop that complicates the identification of optimal evacuation paths. The study presents an iterative algorithm inspired by the network simplex method, designed to handle the evolving nature of congestion while minimizing evacuation time. |
| Keywords: | Onboard safety; Guidance system; Wireless communication; Lifeboat Assignment; Network flows |
| JEL: | C44 |
| Date: | 2025–01–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nhhfms:2025_002 |