Public preferences for distribution in the context of transport investments

Résumé

In this paper, we present a study of Swedish inhabitants' preferences for distribution in three dimensions in the context of transport investments. Using choice experiments, we study the respondents' preferences for the distribution of benefits in the geographical, gender, and income dimension in relation to aggregate benefits. We find that they have quite strong preferences for equality in all dimensions, especially in the gender dimension. Additionally, when distribution is unequal, respondents tend to prefer that it is uneven in favour of non-metropolitan regions, women and low-income earners. We also find that variables describing self-interest, some general beliefs and the extent to which respondents consider the Swedish society to be fair may explain some preference heterogeneity.