This research examines the relationship between mass transit and urban development. A brief consideration of location theory follows this introduction. The major discussion in this report then follows. This discussion reviews the relationship between the development of mass transit systems and urban development generally in the Northeastern United States from the early history of the country to the contemporary period.
A Brief Consideration of Location Theory
Location decisions and patterns are capable of having significant impacts on regional economic growth (Fusfeld and Bates 91). Studies have demonstrated that a variety of factors, including infrastructure development, such as mass transit, are capable of exerting significant impacts on location decisions (Gordon and Richardson 99).
Location theory, among other things, attempts to explain and predict the locational decisions, and the spatial patterns of that are the products of the aggregate locational decisions. While urban economics is concerned with location patterns of households, firms, and other entities which locate in densely developed areas, the body of knowledge also encompasses such considerations as how the patterns of location evolve and change, how the patterns of location are affected by government expenditures, taxes, and regulations, and how the patterns of location affect the economic performance of both firms and households (Levy 9).
The composition of the population of any given community is a significant factor in the determination of the mix of the publicly provided goods in that community (Lowry, 1991, p. 96). Conversely, government may develop a specific mix of publicly provided goods with an intention of attracting and manipulating a population mix for an area. Road improvements, as an example, may make it possible for more people to locate in a specific area, because access between that area and major job location centers is facilitated b...