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on Transport Economics |
| By: | Hannah Salzberger; Tobias Just |
| Abstract: | The future of office buildings is undergoing a major reassessment as remote working is persistently as well as widely used and cost-benefit analysis reshapes its spatial dynamics. Offices are evolving into spaces for creativity and collaboration, with solitary tasks increasingly completed remotely. While productivity, cost savings and reduced distractions are key benefits, travel time remains the primary driver for working from home. Despite below-average leasing activity in Germany’s top seven cities, the office market is showing signs of stabilizing, with top rents rising. In contrast, office vacancy rates in the US continue to surge, although some cities, such as New York, are experiencing rising property prices and renewed popularity. These trends are influenced by urban structures as well as differences in residential/commercial separation and amenity mix. This research constructs a framework to identify optimal office locations that minimize aggregate travel costs, considering different work modes. First, an analytical model examines commuting costs to central business districts (CBDs) versus peripheral areas, assuming a monocentric city with a denser population near the CBD. Adding satellite offices and amenities evaluates how they affect the attractiveness of centrality. Two working arrangements are examined: team-dependent tasks and independent tasks. Simulations test different team sizes to determine the optimal office location. First, a circular city model is used. Then, in order to minimize total times for different team sizes, real office and residential data is incorporated, with travel times calculated for each office. The methodology uses OpenStreetMap and a KDTree to link residential and office addresses to network nodes, with Dijkstra’s algorithm calculating shortest paths. First, it measures 15- ans well as 30-minute accessibility on foot, by car, or by public transport. Second, it aggregates travel times for randomly selected teams (2-5 people) over 100.000 iterations, highlighting the most frequently selected optimal office locations based on minimum travel time. The initial analysis focuses on Berlin, expanding to Frankfurt before comparing it to New York and Los Angeles to explore the effects of sprawl and centrality. Overall, the results identify the most accessible office locations and explore how urban structures influence accessibility, providing insights into optimal office locations under different working modes. This study contributes to the discourse on the development of office space, focusing on commuting costs and the spatial needs of collaborative and individual work. |
| Keywords: | Office location; Real Travel Time; Team Size; Work-from-home |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arz:wpaper:eres2025_49 |
| By: | Bruno Felipe de Oliveira; Alessandro V. M. Oliveira |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to discuss the impacts of low-cost airlines on the air transport market and, in particular, to present the most recent findings from the specialized literature in this field. To this end, several papers published on the topic since 2015 were selected and analyzed. Based on this analysis, the main subjects addressed in the studies were categorized into five groups: (i) impacts of low-cost airlines on competing carriers; (ii) impacts on airports; (iii) general effects on air transport demand; (iv) effects on passengers' choice processes; and (v) broader effects on geographical regions. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2511.00932 |
| By: | Handan Kaplan; Kerem Yavuz Arslanli |
| Abstract: | In response to the global acceleration of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, this study repositions EV charging stations as strategic urban real estate assets rather than mere technical infrastructure. It highlights the untapped potential of charging infrastructure to contribute to sustainable urban mobility, spatial efficiency, and real estate value generation when optimally located. Recognizing current limitations in site selection—often driven by technical feasibility alone—the research proposes a location-based, investment-oriented site selection model that integrates urban planning, spatial accessibility, and economic feasibility into a cohesive decision-support framework. Focusing on Istanbul as a case study, the model operates under a fixed investment budget, aiming to identify optimal locations that maximize usage potential and return on investment (ROI). The analytical framework is grounded in the DIKW (Data–Information–Knowledge–Wisdom) hierarchy and applies a four-stage methodology: data collection, spatial analysis, multi-criteria decision-making (AHP, Fuzzy AHP, SWARA), and portfolio-based evaluation. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to process and visualize key indicators, including population density, transportation networks, land values, and existing charging station locations. The study’s criteria are categorized into urban, economic, and environmental dimensions. While energy infrastructure data were limited, the model is designed to be scalable and adaptable for future data integration. Rooted in location theory, Highest and Best Use (HBU) analysis, and portfolio management principles, the model frames EV charging stations as components of a broader urban investment strategy. Ultimately, the research offers a spatially explicit, data-driven tool for public and private stakeholders, facilitating strategic decision-making in EV infrastructure deployment. The model’s flexible structure allows for adaptation across diverse urban contexts, contributing to both economic and spatial sustainability in EV infrastructure planning. |
| Keywords: | EV Charging Stations; Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MDM); Real Estate Investment; site selection |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arz:wpaper:eres2025_292 |
| By: | Luisito Bertinelli (DEM, Université du Luxembourg); Evie Graus (DEM, Université du Luxembourg); Jean-François Maystadt (UC Louvain, B); Silvia Peracchi (UC Louvain, B) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the causal impact of road access on child health in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1980 and 2012 by combining geolocated data on child anthropometric outcomes with spatial data on road networks. To address endogeneity, we employ an instrumental variable approach based on the inconsequential units framework, constructing hypothetical road networks that connect historical cities and active mines. Our results show that closer proximity to paved roads significantly improves child health. The main mechanisms operate through improved healthcare access and utilization, higher household wealth, early signs of structural transformation, and cropland expansion. We find no evidence that these gains are offset by adverse environmental or epidemiological effects of improved road access. Overall, the findings underscore the role of road infrastructure in fostering development across Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Keywords: | roads, Sub-Saharan Africa, child health, causal analysis. |
| JEL: | O15 I15 O18 O55 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:luc:wpaper:25-18 |
| By: | Alix Le Goff (LAET - Laboratoire Aménagement Économie Transports - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - ENTPE - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Martin Koning (AME-SPLOTT - Systèmes Productifs, Logistique, Organisation des Transports et Travail - Université Gustave Eiffel); Guillaume Monchambert (LAET - Laboratoire Aménagement Économie Transports - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - ENTPE - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Clément Marchal (Start Up Ecov); Jean-Baptiste Ray (Start Up Ecov) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the impacts of several implementations of daily mobility policies and external shocks on social costs, with a particular focus on carpooling. This social cost is calculated considering consumer's cost, external costs, as well as the expenses and incomes of public authorities and private companies. Four transport modes are considered: solo driver, carpool driver, carpool passenger and public transport. A modal choice model is then applied to trips with 6, 287 different origin-destination of the eastern Lyon area. Simulations of time-gain and monetary scenarios are then realized to observe impacts on demand and consequently on the other parameters affecting the social costs. Our results show that consumer's costs explain the majority of the total social cost. Values commonly used for externalities barely impact the social cost in the simulations and traffic reduction measures impact more public and private revenues than they reduce externalities, leading to higher total social costs. Moreover, results illustrate significant variations at the geographical scale, depending on the ODs where the policies are applied. These results suggest implementing daily-carpooling incentives should be decided conscientiously considering the local context. |
| Keywords: | Social cost analysis, Transport policies, Carpooling, Daily mobility |
| Date: | 2025–11–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04465555 |
| By: | Garlick, Robert; Field, Erica; Vyborny, Kate |
| Abstract: | This paper studies whether commuting barriers constrain women’s labor supply in urban Pakistan. This study randomized offers of gender-segregated or mixed-gender commuting services at varying prices. Women-only transport more than doubled job application rates, while mixed-gender transport had minimal effects on men’s and women’s application rates. Women valued the women-only service more than large price discounts for the mixed-gender service. The results are similar for baseline labor force participants and non-participants, suggesting there are many “latent jobseekers’’ close to the margin of participation. These findings highlight the importance of safety and propriety concerns in women’s labor decisions. |
| Date: | 2025–11–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11256 |
| By: | Iimi, Atsushi |
| Abstract: | Access to jobs is essential for economic growth. In Africa, unemployment rates are notably high. This paper reexamines the relationship between transport mobility and labor market outcomes, with a particular focus on the direct and indirect effects of transport connectivity. As predicted by theory, wages are influenced by the level of commuting deterrence. Generally, higher earnings are associated with longer commute times and/or higher commuting costs. Local accessibility is also important, especially for individuals with time constraints. Both direct and indirect impacts are found to be significant in South Africa, where job accessibility has been challenging since the end of apartheid. For the direct impact, the wage elasticity associated with commuting costs is significant. Returns on commute are particularly high for women. Local accessibility to socioeconomic facilities, such as shops and health services, is also found to have a significant impact, consistent with the concept of mobility of care. To enhance employment, therefore, it is crucial to connect people not only to job locations but also to various socioeconomic points of interest, such as markets and hospitals, in an integrated manner. This integration will enable individuals to spend more time working and commuting longer distances. |
| Date: | 2025–11–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11255 |
| By: | Rahman, Md Hamidur (The University of Texas at Austin); Karner, Alex (The University of Texas at Austin) |
| Abstract: | Sufficient accessibility means that all individuals have a minimum level of access to essential opportunities such as work, school, healthcare, and leisure, making it possible to meet their basic needs. In this study, we integrate “measured accessibility” and “perceived accessibility” within a quality-of-life (QoL) framework to empirically determine what constitutes “sufficient” accessibility. Using community survey data from Austin, Texas, we combine a composite accessibility index—built from both primal (cumulative opportunity) and dual (minimum cost) measures across auto and transit modes—with self-reported QoL and perceived accessibility. We develop a sufficiency threshold by identifying the level of perceived accessibility associated with median QoL under different levels of measured accessibility. Our results indicate that perceived accessibility is a stronger predictor of QoL than measured access. A sufficiency threshold is derived using a normative regression-based approach, identifying the minimum perceived accessibility score required to reach the median QoL benchmark under typical access conditions. Logistic regression analyses further reveal that women, renters, long-term residents, and full-time workers are significantly less likely to report sufficient perceived accessibility—suggesting that social and structural barriers persist even in areas with good physical access. The study underscores the importance of integrating user- and system-level indicators into transport equity analyses. Policy applications include using sufficiency thresholds to evaluate whether new investments help lift disadvantaged groups out of accessibility poverty and enable more equitable QoL outcomes. |
| Date: | 2025–10–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:6ayvm_v1 |
| By: | David H. Feldman; Adam D. Jutt (Economics Department, William & Mary); Roswell Miller (Economics Department, William & Mary) |
| Abstract: | We evaluate the impact of walking distance from dormitory to classroom on academic performance among first-year students at William & Mary. Leveraging a natural experiment created by the university’s randomized dorm assignments, we analyze student-class level data from two cohorts (2016–17 and 2017–18). We find a statistically significant negative impact of distance, both for all classes and for the subset of “first classes of the day, †as the distance measure may reflect actual travel more accurately for these classes. The effect is robust to student fixed effects and various class-level controls, and is particularly pronounced in large-enrollment and early morning classes. This is consistent with attendance-related frictions driving the effect. These findings support institutional policies that minimize first-year students’ walking distance to class. |
| Keywords: | distance; dorm; GPA |
| JEL: | C93 I21 I23 R41 |
| Date: | 2025–11–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:174 |
| By: | Marianna Magagnoli (Universitat de Barcelona & IEB); Filippo Tassinari (Universitat Pompeu Fabra & BSE & IEB) |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the causal impact of street noise on housing prices. It focuses on a very dense urban environment and its entire soundscape, using granular data on listed flats and street noise. We employ a combination of hedònic price and fixed effects model, exploiting the regular grid shape of the Eixample district, in Barcelona. Our results indicate that doubling the perceived street noise generates an average depreciation of 3.4% on sales and 2% on rents. We show that the lower semi-elasticity with which the rental market adjusts for the negative externality is associated with a higher turnover of tenants in louder streets. Moreover, we collect several pieces of evidence which suggest that the effect is not driven by sorting by neighbors. Lastly, we use our results to perform two costbenefit analyses of policies which help reducing noise. Based on our findings, we formulate policy recommendations and highlight specific interventions that can mitigate the negative impact of urban noise. |
| Keywords: | Cities, housing prices, noise |
| JEL: | R31 R41 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2025-10 |
| By: | Luz, Gregorio; van Wee, Bert; Rodriguez, Daniel A.; Pereira, Rafael H. M.; Farber, Steven |
| Abstract: | Accessibility measures are widely used to assess transport equity and identify groups at risk of transport-related social exclusion (TRSE). Yet little guidance exists on how to select measures that are both theoretically robust and practically usable, and many researchers and practitioners remain unaware of the implications, biases, and consequences of their methodological choices. This paper proposes an analytical framework that consolidates dispersed arguments in the literature into a single, structured reference for evaluating accessibility measures. Developed through a comprehensive review and validated by an international expert survey, the framework comprises thirteen criteria—ten theoretical and three practical. It clarifies the ideal conditions for assessing TRSE, the trade-offs between theoretical rigor and practical feasibility, and the biases that arise from different methodological decisions. Rather than prescribing a single ideal measure, the framework makes explicit the assumptions, strengths, and limitations underlying different approaches, supporting more transparent and context-sensitive TRSE evaluations. |
| Date: | 2025–11–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:9rsgu_v1 |
| By: | Sotirios Thanos; Jean Dubé |
| Abstract: | Difference-in-difference (DiD) exploit exogenous shocks to capture causal effects in hedonic pricing (HP) models but rely heavily on fixed effects (FE) to, both, define the quasi-experimental settings and satisfy the assumptions of no spatial and temporal omitted variable bias (OVB). Bishop et al (2020, p:271-2) explain the function of time and space FEs: a)“generalizing the DiD model by interacting price function parameters with time-period dummies, allows the shape of the price function to change over time”; and b) “the geographic scale for these [spatial] dummy variables presents a bias-variance trade-off: defining neighborhoods to be smaller reduces bias by better controlling for omitted amenities but increases variance by relying on less within-neighborhood variation in the amenity of interest”. To help address the reliance on FEs and bias-variance trade-off, we develop a causal identification strategy that integrates DiD and the “Differenced-Price-Peers” (DPP) (Thanos and Dubé, 2022) approach. The DPP approach is based on comparable sales occurring in close spatial proximity and tight time-window before a house sale. By differencing out common spatial observables and unobservables between comparables, DPP delivers a spatiotemporal OVB treatment without relying on FEs or sacrificing any variance, which is especially useful in cases of sparse and challenging data. We first evidence the advantages of our approach by replicating the influential Linden and Rockoff (2008) results with improved statistical significance. We procced to employ the rare exogenous shock of airport closure in order to construct a quasi-experimental setting for aviation noise valuation, which is otherwise not possible due to the bias-variance trade-off. We find a 0.73% price increase per decibel of noise reduction for houses above the background noise level of 55 decibels, which suggests, on average, a €14, 000 increase to affected properties due to the airport closure and aviation noise termination. Our approach also allows to examine nonlinearities, as for instance we find a 2% price increase per decibel for noise reductions above 65 decibels. This translates to a substantial € 43, 000 increase to properties affected by aviation noise levels of 70 decibels. |
| Keywords: | aviation noise; difference-in-difference; House Prices; Omitted Variable Bias |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arz:wpaper:eres2025_27 |