Evaluating the nonuse values of expressways

Abstract

This paper investigates the nonuse values for expressways. The values represent travellers' willingness-to-pay regardless of any direct or indirect uses for the transport facility. Option, vicarious, altruistic, bequest, and existence benefits are among the typical motives for the passive use. Contingent valuations based on a dichotomous choice survey were developed to evaluate the nonuse value of expressways. A questionnaire was drafted to elicit travellers' willingness-to-pay that is compatible with the Hicksian compensating variation. A focus group interview, pretest, and pilot survey were conducted to revise and finalize the questionnaire. Two hundred urban dwellers and also 200 rural residents were interviewed. A logistic regression model was employed to analyse the survey data. The monetary values emanating from those that were surveyed were examined by the entire sample and demographic and/or socioeconomic group. Lastly, the themes for further research including the methodological and application issues regarding evaluation of nonuse values of expressways were recommended in the concluding remarks.