Transport Economics Matters

This book reveals and discusses existing and potential problems derived from the transport economics domain in relation to their environment, and the social, political and economic impacts, with reference to a wide range of transport modes. It is suitable not only for academics or students, but also for people working in the transport industry. From this book, readers will learn how to apply economic principles to transport, drawing specifically upon a number of case studies of different areas of Great Britain. This book is particularly useful for those who are interested in the subject of transport economics, but may not have studied economics, statistics or mathematics.

This book offers material for strategic thinking featuring contributions from key figures in Europe, the US and Asia. The focus of the book expands from economic to legal issues, bankruptcy and safety and security. The carefully selected papers offer a thorough and structured analysis of major current developments in the air transport industry. Fully up to date, topics covered include competitive strength, capacity utilisation and risk. The most likely future scenarios are more or less known. Only, the timeframe remains uncertain. The speed at which the various market players in the air transport chain will implement their strategies remains the key question. This depends on a whole range of exogenous and endogenous variables, as this book aspires to demonstrate. As both an overview of the current issues affecting the industry and as a cohesive set of strategic documents, therefore, this collection will prove invaluable for policy makers and researchers alike.

'This Handbook is a stellar compilation of up-to-date knowledge about the important topics in transport economics. Authors include the very best in the field, and they cover the most important topics for today's research and policy applications. Individual chapters contain sound, readable, well referenced explanations of each topic's history and current status. I cannot think of a better place to start for anyone wanting to become current in the field or in any of its parts.' – Kenneth Small, University of California-Irvine, US Bringing together insights and perspectives from close to 70 of the world's leading experts in the field, this timely Handbook provides an up-to-date guide to the most recent and state-of-the-art advances in transport economics. The comprehensive coverage includes topics such as the relationship between transport and the spatial economy, recent advances in travel demand analysis, the external costs of transport, investment appraisal, pricing, equity issues, competition and regulation, the role of public–private partnerships and the development of policy in local bus services, rail, air and maritime transport. This Handbook is designed both for use on postgraduate and advanced undergraduate courses and as a reference for anyone working in the field. It also complements the textbook Principles of Transport Economics.

Transport continues to present considerable challenges for both policymakers and economists throughout the world. This book provides a rigorous analytical approach to transport economics and transport policy, showing how economic principles can be applied to problems and practical solutions derived. As well as providing detailed coverage on the conventional topics of demand, costs, market structure, externalities, investment appraisal and regulation, the book also examines the wider role of transport in the economy as a whole. In addition, the authors address the important link between transport and issues of location, urban and regional development, and economic growth. Throughout the book there are frequent references to policy issues at both the national and EU level, complemented by a comprehensive discussion on the different ways in which policy has evolved in various European countries. The concluding chapter draws together some of the problems encountered in moving from the theories and models developed in the book to the actual implementation of specific policy measures. The authors believe that only policies based on a thorough understanding of the economics of transport can help solve some of the pressing problems facing governments across Europe.This unique book addresses a wide range of issues and makes use of cutting-edge data to provide a set of universal tools to analyse and inform policy at all levels. It assumes only a basic knowledge of economics and will be essential reading for students at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate level following courses on transport economics, regional science, urban studies and geography. It will also prove a valuable source of reference for policymakers involved in the provision and regulation of transport and researchers interested in transport planning and policy.

'In the 3rd edition of Transport Economics Button draws together the burgeoning literature in transportation economics. It is a comprehensive standalone text covering all aspects of the field including new sections on logistics and congestion pricing. It should be required reading for every student of transportation and on the library shelf of all transportation researchers and practitioners, an excellent book.' David Gillen, University of British Columbia, Canada Acclaim for the second edition: 'To the literature in the field of transport economics, this is a most welcome addition. Primarily a textbook on theory, it also contains many references to applied studies. . . The book is written in a lucid style and consequently is easy to read and understand.' J.P. Hanlon, Transport 'It is admirably structured, with an introductory chapter placing transport in its economic context and relating transport and location economics.' Urban Studies 'This book is written in a clear, easy to understand style. It is essential reading for those studying for the Institute's Transport Economics examination as well as for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the subject. . . The book offers good value for money and is strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in transport economics.' M.R. Cairns, Transport ' . . . this book does read very much like a textbook; it explains economic concepts clearly, often in both words and mathematical equations, and identifies their relevance in the transport field. . . Transport Economics does provide a good basis with which to understand most of the issues behind what is one of the fastest moving areas of environmental activity in an area where most books will be out of date almost as soon as they are written anyway.' Marcus Enoch, Environmental Politics Transport Economics is a thoroughly revised edition of a well-established textbook which applies economic analysis to transport issues. Each chapter has been carefully reworked and includes new material dealing with the regulation of transport markets. The theoretical content is supported with considerable empirical evidence drawn from a wide range of international sources. Although aimed primarily at university students, this volume is accessible to non-specialists who have an interest in transport economics. It has no modal bias but rather examines in general terms the many aspects of the demand for, and supply of, transport together with the various methods of government intervention needed to ensure that social and environmental criteria are attained. This successful and widely adopted textbook has been meticulously revised and updated for the third edition. As the best intermediate text currently available, it will be welcomed by students, policymakers and all those concerned with the supply of transport services.

This book is designed to provide an analytical approach to transport economics with reference to the development of both national and EU transport policy.

The Routledge Handbook of Transport Economics offers the first state of the art overview of the discipline of transport economics as it stands today, reflective of key research and policy. Transport is an important area of study and one which is problem rich, stimulating a great deal of debate in areas which impact on everyday lives. Much of this focuses on the practicalities of the modern-day phenomenon of mass movement and all of the issues which surround it. The discipline of economics is central to this debate, and consequently the study and application of transport economics has a chief role to play in seeking to address subjects relating to major transport issues. It can be argued that at the very heart of any transport issue or problem lies the underlying economics of the situation – understand that and you alleviate the problem. Featuring contributions from world-leading scholars and practitioners from across the globe, all of the chapters within this book are written from a practical perspective; theory is applied and developed using real-world examples. The book examines concepts, issues, ideas and practicalities of transport provision in five key topic areas: public transport public transport reform economic development and transport modelling transport and the environment freight transport. A real strength of the book is in linking theory to practice, and hence the ‘economics’ that are examined in this text are not the economics of the abstract, but rather the economics of everyday living. Practical and insightful, this volume is an essential reference for any student or researcher working in all areas of transport provision, ranging from planning, appraisal, regulation and freight; and for all practitioners looking to develop their professional knowledge and who are seeking professional accreditation.