HOW DOES FINE PARTICULATE MATTER IMPACT PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERSHIP?

Abstract

We explore how a rapid rise in air pollutants impacts the ridership of public transportation. Based on the individual purchase history, our comprehensive analyses document evidence that an elevated level of concentrations of fine particulate matter caused a substantial change in individual decisions on public transit ridership in relation to individual social and economic characteristics. The estimated effect primarily arose from the fear of exposure to pollutants and, consequently, is substantially different from other macroeconomic influences. Our empirical results contribute important inferences about commuters’ choices of transit modes during the period of ambient air pollution and offer significant guidance for policymakers and practitioners.