Relationships between density, transit, and household expenditures in small urban areas

Abstract

This study developed three models to estimate the relationships between density, transit ridership, and household expenditures, with a focus on small urban areas. First, a regression model was developed that estimated transit ridership in small urban areas as a function of service quantity, service characteristics, the unemployment rate, demographic characteristics, and population density. A three-stage least squares estimation model was used to account for the simultaneity between ridership and service quantity. A second model, using American Community Survey data at the Census block group level, estimated the relationships between density and use of transit for commuting, as well as the impacts of living or working in the metro area’s principal city on commuting behavior. Lastly, data from the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey were used to model relationships between dwelling type and age with household transportation expenditures. Density was shown to be positively associated with transit ridership. The estimated elasticity is 0.09. The use of transit for commuting was found to increase with block group density, total metro population, if the area is within the principal city, and if a large percentage of workers commute to the principal city. Household transportation expenditures were found to be greater for those living in single-family detached structures and lowest for those living in high rises. Among households living in single-family detached structures, those in older homes were found to spend less on transportation. Older homes tend to be in neighborhoods that are more accessible by walking, biking, and transit.

Keywords

• Land use
• Density
• Transit
• Household expenditures
• Small urban