Cost benefit analysis of a transport improvement in the case of search unemployment

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We examine the implications of search unemployment for the evaluation of a transport investment in a conventional cost benefit analysis (CBA) assuming perfect competition. Lower transport costs induce search over a larger area and longer commuting distances. The expected duration of vacancies is reduced with ensuing benefits outweighing the loss to increased transport. The search imperfection drives a wedge between the marginal product of labour and the wage, such that the final benefits of a transport improvement exceed those of a conventional CBA. Using a simulation model we find these additional benefits may be substantial.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Transport Economics and Policy
Volume42
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)23-42
Number of pages20
ISSN0022-5258
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2008

ID: 181872848