PLANNING FOR FARE CHANGES: A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING AND USING FARE ELASTICITY INFORMATION FOR TRANSIT PLANNERS

The transit planner is given guidance on derivation and use of fare elasticity information. While knowledge of fare elasticity values is some-what useful, applications to forecasting ridership and the patronage implications of fare changes are limited. The procedure outlined does enable the planner to analyze the historical data from the system under study to develop a process which is useful in appraising possible fare policies. Accuracy of the typical transit system's operating statistics place limits on what can be learned from them. The time series patronage model offered is inexpensive, has been used successfully, and can be more effective than some other procedures that have been utilized. The steps in in estimating the patronage model are: (1) Appraisal of available data; (2) Choosing of an available software package; (3) Estimation of the model. It is concluded that the method often makes reliable analysis of systemwide patronage data, and can give strong insights into the factors influencing the more disaggregate market sectors, even when credible quantitative relationships prove difficult to derive.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Urban Institute

    2100 M Street, NW
    Washington, DC  United States  20037
  • Authors:
    • Kemp, M A
  • Publication Date: 1980-12

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; References;
  • Pagination: 65 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00393508
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Working Paper 142805
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 29 1985 12:00AM