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Impact of light rail implementation on labor market accessibility: A transportation equity perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Fan, Yingling

    (University of Minnesota)

  • Guthrie, Andrew E

    (University of Minnesota)

  • Levinson, David M

    (University of Minnesota)

Abstract

This study seeks to examine transit’s role in promoting social equity by assessing before-after impacts of recent transit changes in the Twin Cities, including opening of the Hiawatha light rail line, on job accessibility among workers of different wage categories. Geo-spatial, descriptive and regression analyses find that proximity to light rail stations and bus stops offering direct rail connections are associated with large, statistically significant gains in accessibility to low-wage jobs. These gains stand out from changes in accessibility for the transit system as a whole. Implications of the study results for informing more equitable transit polices are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan, Yingling & Guthrie, Andrew E & Levinson, David M, 2012. "Impact of light rail implementation on labor market accessibility: A transportation equity perspective," The Journal of Transport and Land Use, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, vol. 5(3), pages 28-39.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:jtralu:0089
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    transit; social equity; Twin Cities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General

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