This book takes an interdisciplinary, institutional, and historically informed approach to the economics of transport, providing a more nuanced and complete understanding of human transport choices, individually and collectively, and the related choice of location, including the formation of cities.
The first principles of standard economic theory – referred to here as the core model – are systematically analysed, with a particular focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the simplifying assumptions used. The economic dynamics of modern transport systems are explored in light of theory and practice, covering such topics as the role of incentives, technological change and economic growth, and the enabling role that transport plays in productivity. Many historical and present-day examples are provided to explore the real-world nuance and subtlety that crops up repeatedly in transport activity, using additional disciplinary lenses such as planning, engineering, psychology, and sociology. Overall, the book examines the implications of the unique particularities of human beings, including the quirks of their psychologies and physical bodies, for transport planning, development, and implementation. A focus is kept on the “real world” policy complications that arise so frequently in the transport arena.
The book, while aimed at university students, will also appeal with its holistic, thoughtful approach to researchers interested in transport, urban planning, and its effective delivery. Policy-makers and practitioners seeking a broad overview of the field beyond their specialisations will also enjoy this book.
By:
Cameron Elliott Gordon
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 246mm,
Width: 174mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032396804
ISBN 10: 1032396806
Pages: 430
Publication Date: 08 August 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Table of Contents Acknowledgements List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Glossary of Main Transport and Economics Terms Useful Websites and Further Reading Section 1: Transport economics basics 1. Introduction 2. Basic elements 3. Markets 4. Geography Section 2: Transport Demand 5. User travel choices 6. Modes and mode choice 7. Cost 8. Transport and the human body Section 3: Transport supply 9. Infrastructure and vehicles 10. Finance and funding 11. Planning, management and governance 12. Operational issues Section 3: “System” policy issues 13. Externalities and other market failures 14. Justice, equity, disadvantage and social exclusion 15. Economic evaluation of transport 16. Logistics, freight, and supply and value chains 17. Resilience and sustainability 18. Political economy 19. Human factors 20. Micro-mobility versus large networks and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) 21. Some conclusions above the past, present and future Index
Cameron Elliott Gordon is Adjunct Associate Professor (Australian National University) and has been on the faculties of the City University of New York and University of Southern California; served on Transportation Research Board (TRB) programme committees; and worked in the US federal, and New York City governments.
Reviews for Transport Economics: An Institutional, Policy, and Human Factors Approach
“A compelling read, that flies through a vast range of ways that urban transport affects society and its space-time dimensions. It traces changes over time in technologies and economies to show how they have shifted roles of urban transport, viewed through an interdisciplinary lens that incorporates foundational economic theory.” Glen Weisbrod, founder and former CEO, Economic Development Research Group, US “A non technical approach to transport economics, enlivened by real life case studies of transport issues. Maybe a text book in name but the topics are so interestingly presented with relevant vignettes in boxes that knowledge is gained without effort.” Corinne Mulley, Professor Emerita, University of Sydney, Australia
