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Pricing, capacity and long-run cost functions for first-best and second-best network problems

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  • Verhoef, Erik T.
  • Koh, Andrew
  • Shepherd, Simon

Abstract

This paper considers the use of 'long-run cost functions' for congested networks in solving second-best network problems, in which capacity and tolls are instruments. We derive analytical results both for general cost and demand functions and for specific functional forms, namely Bureau of Public Roads cost functions and constant-elasticity demand functions. The latter are also used in a numerical simulation model. We consider second-best cases where only a sub-set of links in a network is subject to tolling and/or capacity choice, and cases with and without a self-financing constraint imposed. We will demonstrate that, under certain assumptions, second-best long-run cost (or actually: generalized price) functions can be derived for most of the cases of interest, which can be used in an applied network model as a substitute for the conventional short-run user cost functions. Doing so reduces the dimensionality of the problem and should therefore be helpful in speeding up procedures for finding second-best optima.

Suggested Citation

  • Verhoef, Erik T. & Koh, Andrew & Shepherd, Simon, 2010. "Pricing, capacity and long-run cost functions for first-best and second-best network problems," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 44(7), pages 870-885, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transb:v:44:y:2010:i:7:p:870-885
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    Cited by:

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    3. Wu, Di & Yin, Yafeng & Lawphongpanich, Siriphong, 2011. "Optimal selection of build–operate-transfer projects on transportation networks," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 45(10), pages 1699-1709.
    4. Wang, Guangmin & Gao, Ziyou & Xu, Meng, 2019. "Integrating link-based discrete credit charging scheme into discrete network design problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 272(1), pages 176-187.
    5. Lindsey, Robin, 2012. "Road pricing and investment," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 49-63.
    6. Andrew Koh & Simon Shepherd & Agachai Sumalee, 2009. "Second best toll and capacity optimisation in networks: solution algorithm and policy implications," Transportation, Springer, vol. 36(2), pages 147-165, March.
    7. Meng, Qiang & Lu, Zhaoyang, 2017. "Quantitative analyses of highway franchising under build-operate-transfer scheme: Critical review and future research directions," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 105-123.
    8. Anna Dolinayova & Vladislav Zitricky & Lenka Cerna, 2020. "Decision-Making Process in the Case of Insufficient Rail Capacity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-21, June.
    9. Hoang-Tung, Nguyen & Viet Hung, Do & Kato, Hironori & Binh, Phan Le, 2021. "Modeling ceiling price for build-operate-transfer road projects in developing countries," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 28(C).
    10. Chiou, Suh-Wen, 2015. "A cutting plane projection method for bi-level area traffic control optimization with uncertain travel demand," Applied Mathematics and Computation, Elsevier, vol. 266(C), pages 390-403.
    11. Watling, D.P. & Shepherd, S.P. & Koh, A., 2015. "Cordon toll competition in a network of two cities: Formulation and sensitivity to traveller route and demand responses," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 93-116.
    12. Misui, Yuki & 味水, 佑毅 & Nemoto, Toshinori & 根本, 敏則, 2011. "Policy Issues Associated With Road Capacity Optimization Through Social Marginal Cost Charging," Hitotsubashi Journal of commerce and management, Hitotsubashi University, vol. 45(1), pages 39-57, October.
    13. Wang, Guangmin & Gao, Ziyou & Xu, Meng & Sun, Huijun, 2014. "Joint link-based credit charging and road capacity improvement in continuous network design problem," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 1-14.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Traffic congestion Road pricing Road capacity choice Second-best Networks;

    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities

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