Beyond new roads and bridges

Lenahan O’Connell, Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf and Khairul Azfi Anuar

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, 2018, vol. 30, issue 2, 175-190

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare public preferences for investment and spending on non-automobile infrastructures (mass transit and bicycling) to preferences for new roads and the repair of current highways. The study explores the factors that explain preferences for non-automobile infrastructure using a three-factor model including self-interest (personal transportation benefits), concern for community-wide benefits (political beliefs), and concern for the economic impact. The study uses a case study of the urban context of the Hampton Roads region of Southeastern Virginia (USA). Design/methodology/approach - The analysis uses data from a 2013 telephone survey of urban residents in the Hampton Roads area. Survey respondents were asked to identify their two investment priorities from four options: repairing existing roads, bridges, and tunnels; constructing new or expanding roads, bridges, and tunnels; expanding mass transit; and expanding bicycle routes and improving bike safety. Findings - Repairing existing highway infrastructure is the most popular spending priority (66 percent of residents). There is as much support (46 percent) for investing in non-automobile infrastructure as for investing in new roads, bridges, and tunnels. Significant predictors of support for non-automobile infrastructure, using the three-factor model, are: length of commute time, self-identification as liberal, use of light rail, and a belief that light rail contributes to economic development. Originality/value - The study examines public preferences for both non-traditional and traditional transportation infrastructure investments. It highlights the factors that contribute to public support for different transportation spending options.

Keywords: Infrastructure finance; Bicycle infrastructure; Infrastructure spending preference; Mass transit infrastructure; Non-automobile infrastructure preferences; Transportation finance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jpbafm:jpbafm-03-2018-0023

DOI: 10.1108/JPBAFM-03-2018-0023

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