Principles of Transport Economics

By Emile Quinet and Roger Vickerman

Book Overview

Transport continues to present considerable challenges for both policymakers and economists throughout the world. This book provides a rigorous analytical approach to transport economics and transport policy, showing how economic principles can be applied to problems and practical solutions derived. As well as providing detailed coverage on the conventional topics of demand, costs, market structure, externalities, investment appraisal and regulation, the book also examines the wider role of transport in the economy as a whole. In addition, the authors address the important link between transport and issues of location, urban and regional development, and economic growth. Throughout the book there are frequent references to policy issues at both the national and EU level, complemented by a comprehensive discussion on the different ways in which policy has evolved in various European countries. The concluding chapter draws together some of the problems encountered in moving from the theories and models developed in the book to the actual implementation of specific policy measures. The authors believe that only policies based on a thorough understanding of the economics of transport can help solve some of the pressing problems facing governments across Europe. This unique book addresses a wide range of issues and makes use of cutting-edge data to provide a set of universal tools to analyse and inform policy at all levels. It assumes only a basic knowledge of economics and will be essential reading for students at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate level following courses on transport economics, regional science, urban studies and geography. It will also prove a valuable source of reference for policymakers involved in the provision and regulation of transport and researchers interested in transport planning and policy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1845422562
• ISBN13: 9781845422561
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Honestly, the best text for the field at an upper undergrad or first-year grad level

Let me begin by saying that texts of economic subfields come in two varieties: the excessively simple and the mathematically precise. The former is meant for a survey course for freshmen or sophmores, the latter is meant for a serious student in a dedicated field of study. This book falls in the latter. While there are a small number of obvious (and annoying) errors, if you work through the derivations of the formulas as you should, instead of blithely copying them down, you will catch the bulk of them. The surveys of research are thorough and fairly complete, and since the authors represent European universities there is a fair amount of European literature included (some from non-English reviews). The formulas are a welcome addition, explained thoroughly and so complement classroom lecture or a serious student of mathematics and economics. If you aren't too solid on the math, I'd recommend a good review of mathematical econ, ie Takayama's classic tome.