Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Accessibility

Transit Raises Property Values, Lowers Poverty

Cleveland’s RTA is facing service cuts and fare hikes. Photo: Angie Schmitt

Neighborhoods with transit access enjoy higher property values and lower poverty rates, according to a new study by researchers at Cleveland State University.

The study isolated neighborhoods in Cleveland that gained transit access after previously lacking it, using statistical modeling to control for other factors. The research team found that neighborhoods that gained access to transit saw property values rise by 3.5 percent and poverty rates fall by almost 13 percent after 10 years. Those neighborhoods saw overall employment climb 3.5 percent.

"RTA is fantastic investment for taxpayers," said Obed Pasha, an assistant professor at Cleveland State and one of the studies authors. "Not only does it help lift people out of poverty, it helps revitalize neighborhoods."

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority spends about $182 million annually in Cuyahoga County. Between commuting, rides to medical appointments, trips to school and consumer shopping trips, the study estimated the agency returns about $321 million annually in economic activity, the study estimated. That includes $23 million in annual savings for the Cleveland Municipal School District.

In addition, the study estimates the agency creates about 2,900 jobs for the region, through direct employment within the agency and boost in employment at local businesses that benefit from RTA service.

Transportation is a big obstacle for low-income workers in Cleveland. The region has a serious "spatial mismatch" problem, where entry-level jobs are located far away — in exurbs — from urban neighborhoods with high unemployment, the report notes.

The biggest entry-level job centers in Cleveland are in the exurbs, far away from urban neighborhoods with high unemployment. Map: Cleveland State University
The biggest entry-level job centers in Cleveland are in the exurbs, far away from urban neighborhoods with high unemployment. Map: Cleveland State University
The biggest entry-level job centers in Cleveland are in the exurbs, far away from urban neighborhoods with high unemployment. Map: Cleveland State University

Meanwhile, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has been struggling with budget shortfalls, and was forced to raise fares and reduce service in recent years — a pattern known to transit advocates as a "transit death spiral." But local officials have declined to introduce a tax measure that could help the struggling agency.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Life After Cars

Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars podcast on their new book, opposing views, Turtle Jesus and potential off-ramps towards car-free cities.

October 23, 2025

Truckers Back NYC Busway Plan That Trump Blocked

The federal government has obviously lost its trucking mind.

October 23, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are Driving Into Bankruptcy

A lot of people have taken on car loans they can't really afford. If only there were other ways for them to get around.

October 23, 2025

PROWAG Passed. Now What?

"Even though we do not yet have a set of comprehensive federally enforceable rules telling us how to make our streets and sidewalks accessible, there is still lots of work to do."

October 23, 2025

Embracing the E-Bike Boom: How China Is Leading on Regulations and Infrastructure

China is making big strides to regulate and support slow-speed electric micromobility — and the U.S. could take a page from their book.

October 22, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Living Just Enough for the City

President Trump is tapping into an age-old sentiment when he attacks cities. They've endured worse over the years.

October 22, 2025
See all posts