Full Citation

Title: A volatile relationship: The effect of changing gasoline prices on public support for mass transit

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2014

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Abstract: The determinants of public opinion toward public transit is a little-researched topic, though a better understanding of what makes consumers willing to support transit may reveal which attributes of transit consumers value most. One determinant of peoples will-ingness to support investments in mass transit may be the price of fuel for transits principal competition, the private automobile. In this paper, I examine the relationship between the cost of gasoline and stated willingness to invest public money in mass transit improvements. I hypothesize that fuel price volatilityin addition to price itselfis a determinant of support for more mass transit funding, controlling for other factors. As the price of gasoline becomes more uncertain, the public should, all else equal, support investment in mass transportation, a form of transportation that may provide some measure of protection from the price of fuel. Results suggest a strong effect of price volatility on consumers willingness to support transit expenditures.

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Authors: Smart, Michael J.

Periodical (Full): Transportation Research

Issue:

Volume: 61

Pages: 178-185

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Other

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