Three essays on the relevance of transport accessibility infrastructure : labor market size, Covid-19 contagion, and school absences

Abstract

This thesis investigate the relationship between transport accessibility and several key soci- etal phenomena in Brazil. The three chapters offer unique insights, employing rigorous analyt- ical tools, geographical data manipulation, and rich datasets to discover previously unexplored causal relationships. The first paper delves into the influence of highways on long-distance commuting, underscoring the role of transport infrastructure in providing access to broader la- bor markets. The second paper illuminates the impact of highways on COVID-19 mortality rates, highlighting the essential role of transportation networks in disease spread and control. Lastly, the third paper presents an exploration into the role of commuting distances on school absenteeism, a critical factor in shaping future outcomes, especially for low-income residents in peripheral areas. In essence, the thesis delineates the nuanced and substantial effects that transportation infrastructure has on the labor market, public health, and education. Chapter 1. Highways and Travel to Work: Evidence from Brazil A recent report from the National Confederation of Transport (CNT, 2017) stated that invest- ments in Brazil’s transportation infrastructure have stagnated at deficient levels since the 1970s. This is alarming, as transportation solutions are essential for promoting growth, especially for a continental country like Brazil. Among studies that consider the determinants of city growth for Brazil, few treat the impact of transportation infrastructure specifically. Using Census data and regression analysis with instrumental variable, we investigate how proximity to a highway causally affects urban employment growth and travel to work from 2000 to 2010. We adopted a distinct identification strategy based on the construction of Brasília, the capital city of Brazil, which influenced the configuration of the national highway system. We found a positive causal relationship between proximity to highways and daily commuting to a different city, which implies that transportation infrastructure can offer workers access to a broader labor market. Chapter 2. The Impact of Highways on COVID-19 Mortality: A Case Study for Brazil This study explores the causal relationship between the extent of highways and the COVID-19 mortality rate in Brazil, shedding light on the role of transportation infrastructure in the spread of infectious diseases. We implemented an instrumental variables regression to investigate this relationship, utilizing maps of the Brazilian railway network from the 1960s as an instrumental variable, given the shared geographical challenges of constructing railways and highways. We discovered a positive effect, where cities with twice the average length of highways experienced a 14% higher COVID-19 mortality rate. This research emphasizes the need for considering broader societal factors like transportation networks in the design and implementation of disease control measures. Chapter 3. Commuting and School Absenteeism: Evidence from Brazil School absenteeism hinders the development of important non-cognitive skills and behaviors in students. Thus, understanding the causes of this problem is essential for effectively address- ing the issue. Few studies have explored the impact of commuting on absenteeism in school, particularly for developing countries. Using a rich survey dataset, this study employs causal inference analysis to explore the impact of travel distance on student absenteeism on Recife, a densely populated city with significant transportation challenges particularly for low-income residents in peripheral areas. The instrumental variable strategy leverages the city government’s enrollment policy, which plays a role in influencing school choice. The findings reveal a signif- icant association between commute distance and absenteeism, indicating that a doubling of the distance leads to an 18.8% increase in absences. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of school attendance in shaping future outcomes.