LAND USE TRANSPORTATION MODELS FOR POLICY ANALYSIS

Abstract

The objective is to assess the ability of land use transportation models to address some current policy issues. The nature of the relationship between land use and transportation is examined briefly in terms of empirical evidence and the results from modeling exercises. Two studies that use such models and that are being carried out in Britain are examined. Despite these and some convincing arguments by experts, there is little evidence of widespread use of such models. A number of current policy issues are discussed, and then a set of policy instruments that can be used to meet the policy objectives are identified. Evidence on the ability of land use transportation models to represent the impacts of the policy instruments is presented. It is shown how such models can contribute significantly in some areas of policy analysis, for example, reducing congestion and energy use, but can contribute very little to the objective of moving toward a market economy.