Price Elasticities of Surface Travel Demand: A Meta-analysis of UK Evidence

摘要

This paper reports the largest meta-analysis yet of price elasticities of travel demand, covering 167 UK studies and 1,633 elasticities for the surface modes of car, rail, bus, and underground. A large number of influences on price elasticities have been examined and methodological issues addressed. Generally plausible relationships with journey purpose, mode, ticket type, area, and distance have been recovered, while important insights are provided into how price elasticities vary between the short and long run, according to data type and model formulation, and over time. The elasticities implied generally support official recommendations and conventional wisdom, but provide some challenges.