The influence of infill development on travel behavior. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merlin, Louis A.
• Is Part Of: Research in transportation economics. Volume 67(2018)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: R41; Infill development -- Vehicle miles traveled -- Travel behavior -- Difference-in-differences; Transportation -- Periodicals; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2017.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-8859

Abstract

Abstract: While the evidence that the built environment can influence travel behavior to date is fairly robust, the influence of specific, identifiable policy actions is limited. One policy action that can potentially change travel behavior is increasing infill development, particularly if that development is located near the center of a major metropolitan region. This study examines the influence of a large-scale, infill development, Atlantic Station, which opened in 2005 just west of Midtown Atlanta. The study uses propensity scores and differences-in-differences research designs to identify how travel patterns changed for new residents and for existing residents of the area around Atlantic Station, respectively. Atlantic Station reduced vehicle miles traveled and increased alternative mode share for its new residents, but it did not reduce the vehicle miles traveled or increase alternative mode share for the existing residents of the area around Atlantic Station.