Social and financial impact of urban mass transportation

Abstract

Introduction: They studied urban mobility as an essential element for the development of contemporary cities. They recognized that efficient, sustainable and cost-effective public transport is key to improving quality of life and economic growth. They considered that economics applied to transportation allowed understanding and optimizing resources, guiding decisions towards collective welfare. Within this framework, they analyzed the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, taking as an example the Macrobús in Guadalajara.
Development: They applied economic principles such as increasing and decreasing returns, common and joint costs, and economies of scale and scope. Through these concepts, they evaluated the economic impacts of the BRT system. They identified that they achieved significant operational savings through substitution of conventional units, automation of fare collection and reduction of pollutant emissions. They estimated more than 8 billion pesos in operational savings over 20 years, 312 million pesos for reduced revenue losses and 96 million pesos for reduction of pollutants.
They also evaluated travel time savings as a significant social benefit. They determined that the improvement in travel speed allowed users to use their time for other productive or personal activities. In addition, they noted that the BRT business organization replaced the man-truck model, allowing for a more efficient and safer operation.
Conclusions: They concluded that the BRT system represented an integral solution for urban mobility. Through planning based on sound economic principles, they were able to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and promote more equitable and sustainable urban development.