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Enhancing private transportation: The positive spillovers from Santiago’s subway expansion

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  • Arcos, Ariel
  • Lara, Bernardo
  • Paredes, Dusan

Abstract

In Latin America, where traffic congestion is severe, governments often expand subway systems to reduce traffic. Evaluation of the efficacy of these investments poses challenges, notably due to the scarcity of real-time data. This study uses Uber Movement data, which provides detailed information on daily travel times, to examine the effects of subway expansions on car transportation in Santiago, Chile. We find that introducing a new subway line reduces car travel times by an average of 1.5% (0.309 min), with a greater reduction of up to 0.571 min during peak traffic hours.

Suggested Citation

  • Arcos, Ariel & Lara, Bernardo & Paredes, Dusan, 2025. "Enhancing private transportation: The positive spillovers from Santiago’s subway expansion," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:172:y:2025:i:c:s0967070x25002781
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.07.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R42 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government and Private Investment Analysis; Road Maintenance; Transportation Planning

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