Impacts of urban transportation congestion and pollution reduction policies: Analytical studies of two Latin American cities (Puerto Rico, Mexico)

Analytical models to asses impacts of traffic related congestion and air pollution reduction policies are developed for two Latin American cities: San Juan, Puerto Rico and Mexico City, Mexico. The problems of outdated and scarce data are addressed in each case by using well-known estimation methods and obtaining data from unconventional sources. In the first study an Input Output (IO) model is constructed to measure the economic impact of the investment in construction of Tren Urbano (TU), the first heavy rail public transportation system in Puerto Rico. Coefficients for the TU construction industry (divided into under-ground, above-ground and at-grade segments) are estimated by using cost files obtained from the seven contractors involved in construction. The economic impact is found to be substantial. In the second study, the IO framework is used to determine the impact of TU on cars and car related expenses in San Juan. Because cars are all imported, the reallocation of expenditures away from cars and on to other goods and services produces a net economic expansion through local multipliers. However, local car related industries suffered losses mitigating the benefits. In the third and final study, an Urban Transportation Model is created for Mexico City. The purpose of the model is to add geographic resolution to an air quality study of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. The use of the model is illustrated by calculating the impact of congestion defined in terms of the value of lost time to drivers in Mexico City.