COSTS AND BENEFITS OF NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2003

Subject Area

operations - traffic, economics - pricing, economics - benefits, mode - rail

Keywords

Valuation, Train traffic, Residential location, Railroad traffic, Pricing, Place of residence, Noise control, Noise abatement, Netherlands, Methodology, Methodologies, Highway traffic, Economic analysis, Cost benefit analysis, Consumers' preferences, Consumer preferences, Case studies, Benefit cost analysis

Abstract

This paper proposes the use of a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate possible noise abatement measures in the Netherlands. These measures are all aimed at improving technical characteristics of road and railway traffic. Benefits are calculated according to consumer's preferences for dwellings, and values applied are derived from hedonic pricing and contingent valuation methodologies. Results show that these noise abatement measures are effective in reducing noise level and improving human well-being, and are also effective in economic terms. The estimated benefits largely exceed the costs of the measures. One limitation of this study is that only effects on human well-being in residential areas could be monetized. Other weaknesses of the methodology are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.

Comments

Transport Policy Home Page: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0967070X

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