Impacts of bus rapid transit (BRT) on income-segmented housing markets in El Paso, Texas: A spatial hedonic and difference-in-differences analysis

This study evaluates the impact of introducing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on housing market dynamics across three diverse urban corridors in El Paso, Texas, utilizing spatial hedonic pricing and AITS-DID models. The research aims to understand how the BRT system influences property values, hypothesizing that the effects vary between developed and underdeveloped areas. Initial findings reveal an increase in property values in the affluent Mesa area until the BRT opening in 2014, followed by a decline, suggesting a shift in market perceptions post-implementation. Conversely, less affluent areas along the Alameda and Dyer corridors exhibit a reduction in the negative impact on property values over time, indicating growing appreciation for the BRT and associated urban improvements. The study contributes to urban planning and policy by highlighting the mixed impacts of BRT systems on property values across different urban fabrics and underscores the importance of context-sensitive transit planning. It also points to the necessity for comprehensive communication with stakeholders to ensure transit solutions meet community needs and support equitable urban development.