Eric Jaffe reports on new research by urban travel behavior expert Bradley Lane of U. of Texas/El Paso on elasticity of gas prices and bus and rail ridership. Interestingly, rail ridership spiked twice as much as bus ridership when gas prices rose.
More well-known is the connection of land use, particularly residential density, to public transit, than gas prices, adding to the value of Lane's research. Lane's premise is that America's love for the automobile can partially be attributed to the underpricing of gasoline. In addition to elasticity, Lane reports on the 'lagged effect' - the fact "that some elasticities - such as switching your commute from car to train - don't appear until several months after the initial change in fuel cost."
"Lane examined fluctuations in gas prices in 33 U.S. cities during a period stretching from January 2002 to March 2009. He then compared these changes to transit ridership patterns in the same cities over the same time.
In all cities he looked at bus ridership, while in 21 places, including Los
Angeles and Chicago and Washington, he considered rail travel as well.
Lane found a pretty strong link between changes in gas prices and shifts in transit ridership. Every 10 percent increase in fuel costs led to an increase in bus ridership of up to 4 percent, and a spike in rail travel of up to 8 percent. ..."
From report abstract: "The results indicate a small but consistently significant amount of transit ridership fluctuation is due to gasoline prices... There is considerable variability across cities in the magnitude of the effect on transit ridership...The results are discussed in light of their implications for transit operations, using cost to influence travel behavior, and transportation sustainability."
Thanks to Pat Carstensen
FULL STORY: How Americans Really React to High Gas Prices
U.S. Experiences Second-Highest Transit Ridership Since 1957
According to a new report, U.S. transit ridership increased to 10.5 billion rides in 2012 - a 1.5% increase over 2011, despite transit shutdowns and reductions caused by Superstorm Sandy. High gas prices, and their volatility, was a major cause.
How Transportation Costs Vary Across US Cities
A new analysis reveals how annual transportation costs compare around the country.
FHWA: Driving on US Roads at All-Time High
The end of some remote work policies and lower gas prices led to a rise in driving last year.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie