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• 1. [Article] Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Congestion?

  The net effects of sprawl or compact development on area-wide traffic congestion have been a subject of debate among transportation researchers. This project aims to settle the debate using: Congestion ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Congestion? Author: Ewing, Reid Year: 2017 The net effects of sprawl or compact development on area-wide traffic congestion have been a subject of debate among transportation researchers. This project aims to settle the debate using: Congestion data from the Texas Transportation Institute’s Urban Mobility Scorecard database; Compactness/sprawl metrics developed at the University of Utah. Compact development may help at the margin, but the greatest reduction in congestion appears to be achieved through expansion of surface streets and higher highway user fees. Title: Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Congestion? Author: Ewing, Reid Year: 2017 The net effects of sprawl or compact development on area-wide traffic congestion have been a subject of debate among transportation researchers. This project aims to settle the debate using: Congestion data from the Texas Transportation Institute’s Urban Mobility Scorecard database; Compactness/sprawl metrics developed at the University of Utah. Compact development may help at the margin, but the greatest reduction in congestion appears to be achieved through expansion of surface streets and higher highway user fees. Close

• 2. [Article] Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Traffic Congestion?

  From years of research, we know that compact development that is dense, diverse, well-designed, etc. produces fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than sprawling development. But compact development also ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Traffic Congestion? Author: Ewing, Reid, Tian, Guang, Lyons, Torrey Year: 2017 From years of research, we know that compact development that is dense, diverse, well-designed, etc. produces fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than sprawling development. But compact development also concentrates origins and destinations. No one has yet determined, using credible urban form metrics and credible congestion data, the net effect of these countervailing forces on area-wide congestion. Using compactness/sprawl metrics developed for the National Institutes of Health, and congestion data from the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) Urban Mobility Scorecard Annual Report database, this study seeks to determine which opposing point of view of sprawl and congestion is correct. It does so by (1) measuring compactness, congestion and control variables using the best national data available for U.S. urbanized areas and (2) relating these variables to one another using multivariate methods to determine whether compactness is positively or negatively related to congestion. Our model (and earlier studies by the same authors) suggest that an increase in compactness reduces the amount of driving people do, but also concentrates the driving in smaller areas. The former effect is slightly larger than the latter. The relationship between compactness and congestion falls short of statistical significance at the conventional 0.05 level. This analysis does not support the idea that sprawl acts as a “traffic safety valve,” as some have claimed. However, it also does not support the reverse idea that compact development offers a one-stop solution to congestion, as others have claimed. Developing in a more compact manner may help at the margin, but the greatest reduction in congestion appears to be achievable through expansion of surface streets and higher highway user fees. Title: Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Traffic Congestion? Author: Ewing, Reid, Tian, Guang, Lyons, Torrey Year: 2017 From years of research, we know that compact development that is dense, diverse, well-designed, etc. produces fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than sprawling development. But compact development also concentrates origins and destinations. No one has yet determined, using credible urban form metrics and credible congestion data, the net effect of these countervailing forces on area-wide congestion. Using compactness/sprawl metrics developed for the National Institutes of Health, and congestion data from the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) Urban Mobility Scorecard Annual Report database, this study seeks to determine which opposing point of view of sprawl and congestion is correct. It does so by (1) measuring compactness, congestion and control variables using the best national data available for U.S. urbanized areas and (2) relating these variables to one another using multivariate methods to determine whether compactness is positively or negatively related to congestion. Our model (and earlier studies by the same authors) suggest that an increase in compactness reduces the amount of driving people do, but also concentrates the driving in smaller areas. The former effect is slightly larger than the latter. The relationship between compactness and congestion falls short of statistical significance at the conventional 0.05 level. This analysis does not support the idea that sprawl acts as a “traffic safety valve,” as some have claimed. However, it also does not support the reverse idea that compact development offers a one-stop solution to congestion, as others have claimed. Developing in a more compact manner may help at the margin, but the greatest reduction in congestion appears to be achievable through expansion of surface streets and higher highway user fees. Close

• 3. [Article] Commuter Rail Transit and Economic Development

  Commuter rail transit (CRT) is a form of rail passenger service connecting downtowns and other major activity centers with suburban commuter towns and beyond. Between 1834 and 1973, only three public CRT ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Commuter Rail Transit and Economic Development Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Miller, Matt, Kim, Keuntae, Ganning, Joanna P., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 Commuter rail transit (CRT) is a form of rail passenger service connecting downtowns and other major activity centers with suburban commuter towns and beyond. Between 1834 and 1973, only three public CRT systems were built in the U.S. serving New York, Chicago and then Boston. There are now 25 such systems. Modern CRT systems aim to expand economic development in metropolitan areas. But do they? This paper evaluates the economic development performance of five modern CRT systems. The authors find that several economic sectors perform well within 0.50 miles of CRT stations. The authors offer planning and policy implications. Title: Commuter Rail Transit and Economic Development Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Miller, Matt, Kim, Keuntae, Ganning, Joanna P., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 Commuter rail transit (CRT) is a form of rail passenger service connecting downtowns and other major activity centers with suburban commuter towns and beyond. Between 1834 and 1973, only three public CRT systems were built in the U.S. serving New York, Chicago and then Boston. There are now 25 such systems. Modern CRT systems aim to expand economic development in metropolitan areas. But do they? This paper evaluates the economic development performance of five modern CRT systems. The authors find that several economic sectors perform well within 0.50 miles of CRT stations. The authors offer planning and policy implications. Close

• 4. [Article] How Does Transportation Affordability Vary Among TODs, TADs, and Other Areas?

  Transit-oriented development (TOD) has gained popularity worldwide as a sustainable form of urbanism; it concentrates development near a transit station so as to reduce auto-dependency and increase ridership. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: How Does Transportation Affordability Vary Among TODs, TADs, and Other Areas? Author: Scheer, Brenda, Ewing, Reid, Park, Keunhyun, Khan, Shabnam Sifat Ara Year: 2017 Transit-oriented development (TOD) has gained popularity worldwide as a sustainable form of urbanism; it concentrates development near a transit station so as to reduce auto-dependency and increase ridership. Existing travel behavior studies in the context of TOD, however, are limited in terms of small sample size, inconsistent TOD classification methods, and failure to control for residential self-selection. Thus, this study has three research questions. First, how can we distinguish between Transit-oriented development (TOD) and Transit-adjacent development (TAD)? Second, how do travel behaviors vary between TODs and TADs? Third, how does transportation affordability vary between TODs and TADs? This study utilizes cluster analysis to classify station area types and propensity score matching to control residential self-selection. From cluster analysis with built-environment factors—density, diversity, and walkability—in a half-mile buffer, this study classifies existing station areas as TOD, TAD or Hybrid types. After controlling for residential self-selection, it shows that a TOD motivates its residents to walk more and take transit more while using personal vehicles less. The significant difference between TOD and TAD in both VMT and the number of auto trips demonstrates that TODs make the personal vehicle trips shorter and fewer. Travel behavior in the Hybrid type demonstrates the possibility of gradual and practical change. Finally, the percentage of household income spent on transportation is lower in TOD households than TAD households. This shows that a TOD household is likely to save enough money on vehicle ownership and use that, while it likely spends more on transit, the final result is a significantly lower financial burden from transportation. Title: How Does Transportation Affordability Vary Among TODs, TADs, and Other Areas? Author: Scheer, Brenda, Ewing, Reid, Park, Keunhyun, Khan, Shabnam Sifat Ara Year: 2017 Transit-oriented development (TOD) has gained popularity worldwide as a sustainable form of urbanism; it concentrates development near a transit station so as to reduce auto-dependency and increase ridership. Existing travel behavior studies in the context of TOD, however, are limited in terms of small sample size, inconsistent TOD classification methods, and failure to control for residential self-selection. Thus, this study has three research questions. First, how can we distinguish between Transit-oriented development (TOD) and Transit-adjacent development (TAD)? Second, how do travel behaviors vary between TODs and TADs? Third, how does transportation affordability vary between TODs and TADs? This study utilizes cluster analysis to classify station area types and propensity score matching to control residential self-selection. From cluster analysis with built-environment factors—density, diversity, and walkability—in a half-mile buffer, this study classifies existing station areas as TOD, TAD or Hybrid types. After controlling for residential self-selection, it shows that a TOD motivates its residents to walk more and take transit more while using personal vehicles less. The significant difference between TOD and TAD in both VMT and the number of auto trips demonstrates that TODs make the personal vehicle trips shorter and fewer. Travel behavior in the Hybrid type demonstrates the possibility of gradual and practical change. Finally, the percentage of household income spent on transportation is lower in TOD households than TAD households. This shows that a TOD household is likely to save enough money on vehicle ownership and use that, while it likely spends more on transit, the final result is a significantly lower financial burden from transportation. Close

• 5. [Article] Retail Rent with Respect to Distance from Light Rail Transit Stations in Dallas and Denver

  A growing body of recent research is challenging the assumptions underlying the half-mile-circle in planning for development around transit stations. In this article we review this literature and extend ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Retail Rent with Respect to Distance from Light Rail Transit Stations in Dallas and Denver Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Eskic, Dejan, Ganning, Joanna P., Hamidi, Shima, Petheram, Susan J., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 A growing body of recent research is challenging the assumptions underlying the half-mile-circle in planning for development around transit stations. In this article we review this literature and extend it to include retail land uses. We estimate the rent premium conferred on retail properties in metropolitan Dallas and metropolitan Denver, both of which have extensive light rail transit systems. We find that consistent with half-mile-circle assumptions, retail rent premiums extend only to about 0.30 mile from transit stations with half the premium dissipating after a few hundred feet and three quarters within the first 0.10 mile. We offer implications for planners and public officials. Title: Retail Rent with Respect to Distance from Light Rail Transit Stations in Dallas and Denver Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Eskic, Dejan, Ganning, Joanna P., Hamidi, Shima, Petheram, Susan J., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 A growing body of recent research is challenging the assumptions underlying the half-mile-circle in planning for development around transit stations. In this article we review this literature and extend it to include retail land uses. We estimate the rent premium conferred on retail properties in metropolitan Dallas and metropolitan Denver, both of which have extensive light rail transit systems. We find that consistent with half-mile-circle assumptions, retail rent premiums extend only to about 0.30 mile from transit stations with half the premium dissipating after a few hundred feet and three quarters within the first 0.10 mile. We offer implications for planners and public officials. Close

• 6. [Article] Do TODs Make a Difference? NS Streetcar Line Portland, Oregon

  This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Do TODs Make a Difference? NS Streetcar Line Portland, Oregon Author: Liu, Jenny H., Mumuni, Zakari, Berggren, Matt, Miller, Matt, Nelson, Arthur C., Ewing, Reid Year: 2014 This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs more resilient to economic downturns? Q4: Do TODs create more affordable housing measured as H+T? Q5: Do TODs improve job accessibility for those living in or near them? The first question investigates which types of industries are actually transit oriented. Best planning practices call for a mix of uses focused around housing and retail, but analysis provides some surprises. The second question tests the economic development effects of transit—do locations provided with transit actually experience employment growth? The third question is intended to determine the ability of employers near transit to resist losing jobs; or having lost jobs, to rapidly regain them. The fourth research question confronts the issue of affordable housing and transit. Transit is often billed as a way to provide affordable housing by matching low-cost housing with employment. Yet proximity to transit stations is also expected to raise land values. Proximity to transit, however, may increase actual affordability, regardless of increases in housing costs, because of the reduction in transportation costs. The final research question considers the relationship between workplace and residence locations. To be able to commute by transit, both the workplace and home must be near transit. Effective transit should increase both the number and share of workers who work and live along the transit corridor. Title: Do TODs Make a Difference? NS Streetcar Line Portland, Oregon Author: Liu, Jenny H., Mumuni, Zakari, Berggren, Matt, Miller, Matt, Nelson, Arthur C., Ewing, Reid Year: 2014 This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs more resilient to economic downturns? Q4: Do TODs create more affordable housing measured as H+T? Q5: Do TODs improve job accessibility for those living in or near them? The first question investigates which types of industries are actually transit oriented. Best planning practices call for a mix of uses focused around housing and retail, but analysis provides some surprises. The second question tests the economic development effects of transit—do locations provided with transit actually experience employment growth? The third question is intended to determine the ability of employers near transit to resist losing jobs; or having lost jobs, to rapidly regain them. The fourth research question confronts the issue of affordable housing and transit. Transit is often billed as a way to provide affordable housing by matching low-cost housing with employment. Yet proximity to transit stations is also expected to raise land values. Proximity to transit, however, may increase actual affordability, regardless of increases in housing costs, because of the reduction in transportation costs. The final research question considers the relationship between workplace and residence locations. To be able to commute by transit, both the workplace and home must be near transit. Effective transit should increase both the number and share of workers who work and live along the transit corridor. Close

• 7. [Article] Do TODs Make a Difference? MAX Yellow Line Portland, Oregon

  This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Do TODs Make a Difference? MAX Yellow Line Portland, Oregon Author: Liu, Jenny H., Mumuni, Zakari, Berggren, Matt, Miller, Matt, Miller, Arthur C., Ewing, Reid Year: 2014 This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs more resilient to economic downturns? Q4: Do TODs create more affordable housing measured as H+T? Q5: Do TODs improve job accessibility for those living in or near them? The first question investigates which types of industries are actually transit oriented. Best planning practices call for a mix of uses focused around housing and retail, but analysis provides some surprises. The second question tests the economic development effects of transit—do locations provided with transit actually experience employment growth? The third question is intended to determine the ability of employers near transit to resist losing jobs; or having lost jobs, to rapidly regain them. The fourth research question confronts the issue of affordable housing and transit. Transit is often billed as a way to provide affordable housing by matching low-cost housing with employment. Yet proximity to transit stations is also expected to raise land values. Proximity to transit, however, may increase actual affordability, regardless of increases in housing costs, because of the reduction in transportation costs. The final research question considers the relationship between workplace and residence locations. To be able to commute by transit, both the workplace and home must be near transit. Effective transit should increase both the number and share of workers who work and live along the transit corridor. Title: Do TODs Make a Difference? MAX Yellow Line Portland, Oregon Author: Liu, Jenny H., Mumuni, Zakari, Berggren, Matt, Miller, Matt, Miller, Arthur C., Ewing, Reid Year: 2014 This analysis was intended to help answer the following policy questions: Q1: Are TODs attractive to certain NAICS sectors? Q2: Do TODs generate more jobs in certain NAICS sectors? Q3: Are firms in TODs more resilient to economic downturns? Q4: Do TODs create more affordable housing measured as H+T? Q5: Do TODs improve job accessibility for those living in or near them? The first question investigates which types of industries are actually transit oriented. Best planning practices call for a mix of uses focused around housing and retail, but analysis provides some surprises. The second question tests the economic development effects of transit—do locations provided with transit actually experience employment growth? The third question is intended to determine the ability of employers near transit to resist losing jobs; or having lost jobs, to rapidly regain them. The fourth research question confronts the issue of affordable housing and transit. Transit is often billed as a way to provide affordable housing by matching low-cost housing with employment. Yet proximity to transit stations is also expected to raise land values. Proximity to transit, however, may increase actual affordability, regardless of increases in housing costs, because of the reduction in transportation costs. The final research question considers the relationship between workplace and residence locations. To be able to commute by transit, both the workplace and home must be near transit. Effective transit should increase both the number and share of workers who work and live along the transit corridor. Close

• 8. [Article] Transit and Economic Resilience

  Do fixed-guideway transit systems facilitate resilience with metropolitan areas? There is little literature making this connection theoretically and none testing it empirically. This paper helps close ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Transit and Economic Resilience Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Miller, Matt, Ganning, Joanna P., Stoker, Philip, Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 Do fixed-guideway transit systems facilitate resilience with metropolitan areas? There is little literature making this connection theoretically and none testing it empirically. This paper helps close this gap in both respects. In evaluating metropolitan areas with light rail transit systems the authors find evidence that transit corridors on the whole performed better than control corridors during the recovery period of two recessions: that of the early 2000s and the so-called Great Recession. In particular, during the Great Recession transit corridors outperformed control corridors among many economic sectors. Outcomes were more impressive during recoveries from both the recession of the early 2000s and the Great Recession. The authors offer implications for the role of these forms of fixed-guideway transit on economic resiliency. Title: Transit and Economic Resilience Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Miller, Matt, Ganning, Joanna P., Stoker, Philip, Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 Do fixed-guideway transit systems facilitate resilience with metropolitan areas? There is little literature making this connection theoretically and none testing it empirically. This paper helps close this gap in both respects. In evaluating metropolitan areas with light rail transit systems the authors find evidence that transit corridors on the whole performed better than control corridors during the recovery period of two recessions: that of the early 2000s and the so-called Great Recession. In particular, during the Great Recession transit corridors outperformed control corridors among many economic sectors. Outcomes were more impressive during recoveries from both the recession of the early 2000s and the Great Recession. The authors offer implications for the role of these forms of fixed-guideway transit on economic resiliency. Close

• 9. [Article] Effect of Light-Rail Transit on Traffic in a Travel Corridor

  This study seeks to quantify the effect of the University TRAX light-rail line on traffic near the University of Utah, providing quantitative data that can be used to shape future transportation policies ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effect of Light-Rail Transit on Traffic in a Travel Corridor Author: Ewing, Reid, Tian, Guang, Spain, Allison Year: 2014 This study seeks to quantify the effect of the University TRAX light-rail line on traffic near the University of Utah, providing quantitative data that can be used to shape future transportation policies aimed at reducing traffic congestion, energy consumption, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and parking costs. Travel demand models have long been used to estimate and evaluate the effects of transportation improvements, like LRT investments, on network travel flows and times as part of long-range planning studies, using four-step models or more sophisticated urban simulation studies. However, these are usually ex ante studies. Few ex post evaluations have been done, and in this sense, the effects of transit on traffic volumes and associated energy consumption and air pollution have not been rigorously evaluated to support or refute the justification for subsidized transit. Such quantification is required for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. Our aim is to provide the first hard evidence of light-rail’s impact on traffic in a travel corridor, to quantify the associated savings on energy consumption, air pollution, and parking costs, and to compare cost savings to transit subsidies. Title: Effect of Light-Rail Transit on Traffic in a Travel Corridor Author: Ewing, Reid, Tian, Guang, Spain, Allison Year: 2014 This study seeks to quantify the effect of the University TRAX light-rail line on traffic near the University of Utah, providing quantitative data that can be used to shape future transportation policies aimed at reducing traffic congestion, energy consumption, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and parking costs. Travel demand models have long been used to estimate and evaluate the effects of transportation improvements, like LRT investments, on network travel flows and times as part of long-range planning studies, using four-step models or more sophisticated urban simulation studies. However, these are usually ex ante studies. Few ex post evaluations have been done, and in this sense, the effects of transit on traffic volumes and associated energy consumption and air pollution have not been rigorously evaluated to support or refute the justification for subsidized transit. Such quantification is required for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. Our aim is to provide the first hard evidence of light-rail’s impact on traffic in a travel corridor, to quantify the associated savings on energy consumption, air pollution, and parking costs, and to compare cost savings to transit subsidies. Close

• 10. [Article] Office Rent Premiums With Respect To Distance From Light Rail Transit Stations In Dallas And Denver

  It seems an article-of-faith that real estate markets respond more favorably to location within one-half mile of transit stations. Planning and public decision-makers have thus drawn half-mile (or smaller) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Office Rent Premiums With Respect To Distance From Light Rail Transit Stations In Dallas And Denver Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Eskic, Dejan, Ganning, Joanna P., Hamidi, Shima, Petheram, Susan J., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 It seems an article-of-faith that real estate markets respond more favorably to location within one-half mile of transit stations. Planning and public decision-makers have thus drawn half-mile (or smaller) circles around rail transit stations assuming larger planning areas would not be supported by the evidence. Recent research, however, has shown market-responsiveness well beyond one-half mile. We contribute to this literature by evaluating the distance-decay function of office rents in metropolitan Dallas and Denver with respect to light rail transit (LRT) station distance. Using a quadratic transformation of distance we find office rent premiums extending in the range of two miles away from LRT stations with half the premium dissipating at about two-thirds on one mile and three quarters dissipating at about one mile. We offer planning and policy implications including the need to expand LRT station planning areas, perhaps considerably. Title: Office Rent Premiums With Respect To Distance From Light Rail Transit Stations In Dallas And Denver Author: Nelson, Arthur C., Eskic, Dejan, Ganning, Joanna P., Hamidi, Shima, Petheram, Susan J., Liu, Jenny H., Ewing, Reid Year: 2015 It seems an article-of-faith that real estate markets respond more favorably to location within one-half mile of transit stations. Planning and public decision-makers have thus drawn half-mile (or smaller) circles around rail transit stations assuming larger planning areas would not be supported by the evidence. Recent research, however, has shown market-responsiveness well beyond one-half mile. We contribute to this literature by evaluating the distance-decay function of office rents in metropolitan Dallas and Denver with respect to light rail transit (LRT) station distance. Using a quadratic transformation of distance we find office rent premiums extending in the range of two miles away from LRT stations with half the premium dissipating at about two-thirds on one mile and three quarters dissipating at about one mile. We offer planning and policy implications including the need to expand LRT station planning areas, perhaps considerably. Close