Browsing by Autor "C. Erik Vergel-Tovar"

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Bus rapid transit impacts on land uses and development over time in Bogotá and Quito
(University of Minnesota, 2022) C. Erik Vergel-Tovar; Daniel A. Rodrı́guez
Despite the worldwide popularity of bus rapid transit (BRT), empirical evidence of its effects on land uses and development remains limited. This paper examines BRT’s impacts on land use and development in Bogotá and Quito, by using a parcel-level difference-in-differences research design. We estimate a propensity score-weighted regression model of parcel development characteristics in treatment and control areas. In Bogotá, although parcels in close proximity to the BRT are subject to fewer changes in terms of development intensity (changes in built-up area) in relation to parcels in the control area, they are more likely to change uses, shifting toward commercial activities. In Quito, the results are mixed; parcels in one BRT corridor are more likely to be subject to redevelopment, but the parcels in a more recent BRT corridor are less likely to be subject to development activity in relation to parcels in the control corridor. Taken together, our results suggest that changes in land use are important but frequently overlooked impacts produced by BRT implementation. Attempts to capture value from mass transit investments should also consider the ancillary planning decisions required to allow changes in land use.
Estimation of the anticipation effects of the metro project on real estate dynamics in Bogotá, Colombia
(University of Minnesota, 2025) C. Erik Vergel-Tovar; Juan Felipe García Sierra; Jorge Nicolás Álvarez; Simón Mesa; Ingrid Lorena Molano; Leonardo Canon-Rubiano; Laura M. Correa-Garzón
Studies of the impacts of rail-based mass transit systems on land values and real estate prices are scarce in the Colombian context. Most studies have focused on estimating the impacts of bus rapid transit systems (BRT), mainly in Bogotá. There is an emerging literature on rail-based systems impacts on urban development and land values in Medellín, Colombia, while there is also an emerging interest regarding the effects of the announcements of the two metro projects of Bogotá in the city’s urban spatial structure. This paper develops a quasi-experimental research design looking at the anticipatory effects of the two lines of the Bogota Metro program on real estate market dynamics between 2007 and 2023. We used databases generated by the private sector with new housing developments including housing unit attributes and we estimated spatial variables and urban attributes associated with the location of each real estate development project. Through hedonic price models with control variables that incorporate attributes at different scales, our study estimates the effects of the Bogota Metro Line 1 project (in construction since 2021) on prices per square meter of real estate development projects over time. Results of the analysis suggest that the regulations implemented by the city, establishing an 800-meter impact area along Line 1, have had positive effects on real estate market prices after 2016, while results found no changes on real estate development dynamics in terms of prices per square meter due to the announcements of the planned second line of the metro project. We also included statistical analysis using isochrones based on walking distances to future metro stations. We found that the positive effects are taking place in all isochrones for the first line, while there are differences in the case of the second line of the metro project. Based on these findings, we provide guidelines for future research including public policy recommendations for the local and national government regarding value capture opportunities associated with the announcement of large-scale rail based urban transport projects.
The environment around bus rapid transit stops in Indore and Ahmedabad, India
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) C. Erik Vergel-Tovar
An understanding of the environment around transit stops provides useful information concerning key urban design features that can promote sustainable urban development and mass transit systems. Although several researchers have analysed the associations between the built environment and transit ridership for rail-based systems, few have examined this relationship for Bus Rapid Transit systems. This research expands in India the data collection and the analysis of direct demand models I previously tested in Latin America by examining associations between built environment attributes and BRT ridership in Indore and Ahmedabad. I found positive associations for high-quality pedestrian environments, the level of non-motorized transport friendliness and the presence of affordable housing. However, I found negative associations for vacant land, low urban density, and large blocks. My findings suggest the importance of a high-quality pedestrian infrastructure and the necessity of the presence of affordable housing to make BRT systems more sustainable.