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Evaluating Transportation Improvements Within Cities Using Quantitative Spatial Models

Author

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  • Christopher Severen

Abstract

I describe the use of quantitative spatial models (QSMs) to evaluate the effects of transportation infrastructure within cities. After discussing the motivation for QSMs relative to other economic measurement techniques, I develop a simple QSM and detail the components that enter into the model. Next, I consider identification challenges and practical implementation. Finally, I highlight several shortcomings common in applications of QSMs, as well as growth areas where QSMs show promise for future development.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Severen, 2026. "Evaluating Transportation Improvements Within Cities Using Quantitative Spatial Models," Working Papers 26-13, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedpwp:102896
    DOI: 10.21799/frbp.wp.2026.13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Woan Foong Wong & Simon Fuchs, 2022. "Multimodal Transport Networks," FRB Atlanta Working Paper 2022-13, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, revised Oct 2024.
    2. Yuhei Miyauchi & Kentaro Nakajima & Stephen J Redding, 2025. "The Economics of Spatial Mobility: Theory and Evidence Using Smartphone Data," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 140(4), pages 2507-2570.
    3. Train,Kenneth E., 2009. "Discrete Choice Methods with Simulation," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521766555.
    4. Michael L. Anderson, 2014. "Subways, Strikes, and Slowdowns: The Impacts of Public Transit on Traffic Congestion," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(9), pages 2763-2796, September.
    5. Panle Jia Barwick & Shanjun Li & Andrew Waxman & Jing Wu & Tianli Xia, 2024. "Efficiency and Equity Impacts of Urban Transportation Policies with Equilibrium Sorting," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 114(10), pages 3161-3205, October.
    6. Treb Allen & Dave Donaldson, 2020. "Persistence and Path Dependence in the Spatial Economy," NBER Working Papers 28059, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Stephen J. Redding, 2025. "Evaluating transport improvements in spatial equilibrium," CEP Discussion Papers dp2080, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    8. Wong, Maisy, 2018. "A tractable approach to compare the hedonic and discrete choice frameworks," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 135-141.
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    Cited by:

    1. Miquel-Àngel Garcia-López & Rosa Sanchis-Guarner & Elisabet Viladecans-Marsal, 2026. "Transportation and housing markets in cities," Working Papers wpdea2601, Department of Applied Economics at Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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