Evaluating Transportation Improvements Within Cities Using Quantitative Spatial Models

Christopher Severen

No 26-13, Working Papers from Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

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.

Keywords: quantitative spatial models; transportation infrastructure; transit; urban economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O18 R40 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 31
Date: 2026-03-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-uep
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DOI: 10.21799/frbp.wp.2026.13

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