Population and Economic Data in Transit Analysis

An investigation is made on the nature of impacts of public investment in a Light Rail Rapid Transit System in Buffalo, New York. In particular, the impact of the public investment is measured against population and employment declines that have occurred in the region in the last ten years. By assuming that the investment in rail is justified by more than the usual travel measures, associated redevelopment trends in the CBD, the focus of the transit development, are noted. While regional employment declines, service-oriented employment increases. This increase coupled with an increase in the number of women in the labor force, and increases in household income make private investment in the CBD more attractive. New construction, related to these trends (offices, hotels, retail space) has begun, reinforcing the transit decision.