Eric Jaffe discusses findings reported in the upcoming issue of Transport Policy that compare the relative effectiveness of subsidizing fares, regulating auto use, and expanding systems to increase transit ridership.
Using data from 41 major cities around the world, a group of Chilean researchers led by Louis de Grange of Diego Portales University ran a total of 16 econometric models comparing the three methods identified above.
According to Jaffe, "After controlling for key demographics the researchers found a consistent pattern: System expansion increases transit ridership a little. Car regulation increases it a lot. And fare subsidies have no effect at all."
"Despite the poor showing of fare subsidies, De Grange and colleagues don't mean to imply they should be eliminated. Rather, the numbers just suggest that subsidizing transit is the wrong policy to implement if a major city's main goal is increased transit ridership or decreased car use."
FULL STORY: What Really Matters for Increasing Transit Ridership: Rail Edition
Free Public Transit for Chicago?
The CTA just raised fares, but some think if the service were truly committed to equity it should be made free.
Op-Ed: Rideshare Beats Streetcars for Short Trips
Especially for parties with more than one passenger, summoning a car can make more sense, according to a recent op-ed. Transit still wins out for longer trips, but streetcars might just not be worth it downtown.
Should Transit Systems Break from the Low Fare Orthodoxy?
A proposal for a radical reinvention of the fare structure for the country's transit systems—one that balances the cost of transit with that of driving, generates more revenue from fares, and enables more capital investments.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
NYC Open Streets Organizers Call for City Support
The number of open streets projects has dropped year after year as volunteer groups struggle to fund and staff them.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service