PUBLICATIONS
Heterogeneous Households and Firms in an Urban Model with Open Space and Agglomeration Economies
Forthcoming, Papers in Regional Science
Abstract: This paper develops a model with heterogeneous households and firms that
can locate anywhere in the city. The main features of the model are household
preferences for open space which depend on distance to the greenbelts at the city
periphery, and agglomeration economies for firms. Numerical results show equilibrium
location patterns, rents, and wages under different model specifications.
Under most conditions, monocentric location patterns (where there is a higher
concentration of firms in the center zones compared to surrounding zones) are observed,
but duocentric location patterns for firms can emerge if both open space
values and travel costs are high.
Tradeoffs among Free-flow Speed, Capacity, Cost, and Environmental Footprint in Highway Design
Co-authored with Kenneth A. Small
Forthcoming, Transportation
Abstract: This paper investigates differentiated design standards as a source of capacity additions that are more affordable and have smaller aesthetic and environmental impacts than modern expressways. We consider several tradeoffs, including narrow versus wide lanes and shoulders on an expressway of a given total width, and high-speed expressway versus lower-speed arterial. We quantify the situations in which off-peak traffic is sufficiently great to make it worthwhile to spend more on construction, or to give up some capacity, in order to provide very high off-peak speeds even if peak speeds are limited by congestion. We also consider the implications of differing accident rates. The results support expanding the range of highway designs that are considered when adding capacity to ameliorate urban road congestion.
Commuting Distances in a Household Location Choice Model with Amenities
Journal of Urban Economics, 2008, Vo. 63, pp. 116-129
Abstract: Observed commuting distances generally exceed those predicted by standard models
of household location choice. This paper develops a model with locational amenities
and two job centers. It is shown that differences in household preferences for amenities can lead to various types of residential location patterns, some of which result
in higher average commuting distances in the city.
Click here for published version (subscription to JUE required).
Emergence of Market for Southwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Awards
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2006, No. 1951, pp. 37-43
Abstract: The Internet has facilitated the emergence of a secondary market for Southwest Airlines flight tickets awarded by its frequent flyer program. This paper explores possible reasons for the existence of this market, since Southwest bans the sale of these travel vouchers. Using data from eBay auctions, hedonic regression results show that a later expiration date, no blackout dates, and the inclusion of drink coupons have positive effects on the price of these vouchers. Additional security fees and whether a voucher is in paper or electronic form do not appear to affect the price. It is calculated that by selling the voucher, the seller receives, on average, a $34 rebate on each round-trip flight traveled on Southwest.
Click here for published version (subscription to TRR required).
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