Network effects and total economic impact in transport appraisal

Abstract

It is claimed that transport infrastructure projects have network effects which are not taken into account in the appraisal of these projects. This paper reviews the concept of network effects, relates this to transport appraisal practice, and links to the concept of 'total economic impact'. The limitations of transport modelling and appraisal in estimating total economic impact are reviewed. Good quality appraisals should be capable of picking up relevant network effects in the transport market, but the state of the art remains limited on the linkages between transport and the wider economy.

Efficiency and spatial equity impacts of high-speed rail extensions in urban areas

“…These effects on the performance of the transport network as a whole are termed "network effects" (Laird, Nellthorp, & Mackie, 2005), and are thus related to issues such as "network efficiency", (Gutierrez et al, 1998;Lopez & Monzon, 2010). We will use the term "efficiency" in this research work to describe the accessibility benefits conferred by a new transport infrastructure.…”

Port of Patimban as A Solution to Fulfill the Capacity Demand of Port Terminal in Indonesia

“…Conceptually, a transport network is simply a set of links and nodes that are interconected, and there are also interactions between transport and the economy [11]. Therefore, in view of industrialization complexity in West Java it was needed the development of environmental friendly transport infrastructure, safe and convenient that could accommodate economic activity.…”

Using contact potential measurements to analyse future intercity links made possible by the Tours–Bordeaux High-Speed Rail line

“…What strategies could be adopted by smaller cities (like Angoulême or Libourne on the line to Bordeaux) that are in a position to develop metropolitan scale contact potential as a result of the high-speed line? They benefit from a network effect (Laird, Nellthorp and Mackie, 2005) since, though not big enough in themselves to merit such an infrastructure, they have the opportunity to be located on the route of the new high-speed train line.…”