Transit Impacts on Jobs, People and Real Estate, from the University of Arizona, represents the culmination of nearly a decade of research into the economic effects of transit. To unpack the dense and substantial findings from 17 LRT, 14 BRT, 9 SCT, and 12 CRT systems in 35 metro areas across the United States, the final report is split into five volumes. Arthur C. Nelson and fellow researchers Robert Hibberd, Kristina Currans and Nicole Iroz-Elardo of UA have completed the final phase of research into the development outcomes of light rail, bus rapid transit, streetcar, and commuter rail. The findings shed light on the complex interactions between transit station location and design, real estate rents, and where people live and work. The report also offers ideas for consideration of how to improve these outcomes through better transit design and investment.

The overall report itself is comprised of five substantive elements. The first is crafting a scientifically sound framework for identifying landscapes within the metropolitan areas we studied. The second is applying those Place Typologies and spatial analysis to economic and demographic change for the transit system in each metropolitan area. The third is analyzing how real estate markets respond to transit system proximity with special reference to the Place Typologies. Fourth, this is followed by specialized studies into how urban form and society are shaped by transit systems. The fifth is providing an overall perspective of our research as well as a framework for unlocking the potential to leverage economic benefits of transit to advance social well-being.

For a deeper dive into each volume, read the Project Briefs (linked below on this project page).

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