In recent decades urban transportation policies have migrated out from forgotten corners within department of public works buildings to hip and flashy places where hot-button issues like bike-sharing, car-sharing, complete streets, and transportation equity are addressed. This article tracks why transportation has become a front and center matter for mayors across the country and why transportation is seen now as a key economic development tool.
Vehicle-based mobility in a growing agglomeration initially increases as more jobs and amenities locate in an area and can be easily accessed by automobile. As growth continues, vehicle-based mobility plateaus and finally reverses unless diversification of modes is achieved that in turn activates agglomeration growth patterns that have fewer productive inefficiencies. The costs of inefficiencies such as commute times, health outcomes, and access inequities initially accrue on the public side or become a burden on individuals without necessarily prompting action on the part of private enterprise which tends to be unconcerned with “external” costs.
Beyond a certain point, though, the productive inefficiencies cannot be ignored any longer.....
Transit as Economic Development
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| Transit as Economic Development |
| In recent decades urban transportation policies have migrated out from forgotten corners within department of public works buildings to hi... |
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Nikolaus Philipsen FAIA
Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects
Baltimore MD
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