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A whole-system approach to evaluating urban transit investments

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  • Jonathan Richmond

Abstract

New transit capital expenditures are typically evaluated in isolation from the transit/transport systems to which they belong. Problems with reporting performance elements such as ridership and costs are discussed. A focus on evaluating the total transport systems impact of new transit project implementation is called for. On this basis, new US rail transit systems have generally performed poorly. Total transit ridership has generally shown only minimal improvements and, at times, has declined. Financial performance has been disappointing in most cases, particularly when understood in the context of the additional system costs imposed through the reconfiguration of bus networks to serve the new rail systems. Low-cost approaches to improving basic transit services can often be more effective than either rail or bus capital-based projects. An obsession with technology leads to the wrong questions being asked. We should instead start inquiry with the study of needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Richmond, 2001. "A whole-system approach to evaluating urban transit investments," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 141-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:transr:v:21:y:2001:i:2:p:141-179
    DOI: 10.1080/01441640116962
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    Cited by:

    1. Georgina Santos & Thomas von Brunn, 2011. "Factors influencing modal split of commuting journeys in 34 medium-sized European cities," ERSA conference papers ersa11p1019, European Regional Science Association.
    2. Bradley Lane, 2011. "TAZ-level variation in work trip mode choice between 1990 and 2000 and the presence of rail transit," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 13(2), pages 147-171, June.
    3. Winston, Clifford & Maheshri, Vikram, 2007. "On the social desirability of urban rail transit systems," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(2), pages 362-382, September.
    4. Parthasarathi, Pavithra & Levinson, David, 2010. "Post-construction evaluation of traffic forecast accuracy," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 17(6), pages 428-443, November.
    5. Ransom, Michael R. & Kelemen, Thomas, 2016. "The impact of light rail on congestion in Denver: A reappraisal," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 214-217.
    6. Lane, Bradley W., 2008. "Significant characteristics of the urban rail renaissance in the United States: A discriminant analysis," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 42(2), pages 279-295, February.
    7. Brian Taylor & Eric Morris, 2015. "Public transportation objectives and rider demographics: are transit’s priorities poor public policy?," Transportation, Springer, vol. 42(2), pages 347-367, March.
    8. Michael Duncan, 2011. "The Synergistic Influence of Light Rail Stations and Zoning on Home Prices," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 43(9), pages 2125-2142, September.
    9. Ted Balaker & Cecilia Joung Kim, 2006. "Do Economists Reach a Conclusion On Rail Transit?," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 3(3), pages 551-602, September.
    10. De Bruijn, Hans & Veeneman, Wijnand, 2009. "Decision-making for light rail," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 349-359, May.
    11. Rodier, Caroline & Shaheen, Susan A. & Blake, Tagan, 2010. "Smart Parking Pilot on the Coaster Commuter Rail Line in San Diego, California," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt06s723rw, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    12. Graham Crampton, 2003. "Economic Development Impacts of Urban Rail Transport," ERSA conference papers ersa03p295, European Regional Science Association.

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