College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Centers & Institutes > Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development > Research and Publications

Chaddick Research & Publications

​​​​​​​​​​In addition to our academic journal Issues in Aviation Law and Policythe Chaddick Institute regularly publishes reports to foster an understanding of urban planning, transportation, and the economics of cities. This page is a chronological list of Chaddick publications and research studies. Please refer to the tabs on the left side of the page for special topical areas (e.g., intercity bus research).

For details about our advertised book specials, including book Terminal Town ($15 postpaid) and When the Railroad Leaves Town ($8 postpaid), click here to be directed to our Books &​ Monographs page or email us at chaddick@depaul.edu.  Also, be sure to check out our Urban Technology Series and Talking Transportation Podcast.​  

2024 Publications​​ ​​



A Tale of Two Continents: Amazon Air Expands Hubs & Capacity in North America while Downsizing in Europe.  Thursday, March 22, 2024. By Joseph Schwieterman and Toni Jahn. Our annual brief on Amazon Air. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. Check out our coverage in Freightwaves. ​

Back on the Bus:  2024 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States. ​​ ​​​​February 6, 2024. 24 pages (PDF). Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. Check out our coverage in  BUSRide,​​​ Mass Transit and Smart City Dive.​

2023 Publications​​ ​​

The Expanding Role of Cargo-Oriented Airports in the United States since the beginning of the COVID-19 PandemicThursday, August 17, 2023.  Executive Summary (2 pgs). Study (15 pgs). Several prominent outlets cover the study, including Yahoo Finance/Freightwaves and Loadstar. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. 

GoinGreen: The Adoption of Climate Action Plans by Illinois Municipalities, 2008-2022. May 1, 2023. Research by Branson Bordenkircher, Connor Rettig, Joseph Schwieterman, and Euan Hague exploring climate action plans in the metropolitan Chicago region. This article (18 pages) appears in the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team.

Bus Station on the Brink:  City Action is Needed to Prevent the Loss of the Chicago Greyhound Terminal. April 19, 2023. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu.

Daily Double: Twice-a-day Flight Clusters at CVG Enhance Amazon Air's Capability as Recession Fears Loom. March 7, 2023. Our latest bi-annual brief on Amazon Air. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. Check out our coverage in FreightWaves

New Destinations: 2023 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry. February 7, 2023. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu. Check out the media coverage in Mass Transit and Metro.​

Municipal Design Review Network:  Creating Community, a publication featuring mission & milestones.  September 2022. Our illustrated book  (24 pages) on the many accomplishments of "MDRN",  led by a group of professionals committed to improving public spaces.  We are proud to be the organizational home of the network. To contact the network, email mdrn@depaul.edu

Takeoff in Northern Kentucky : Big Moves at "CVG" Lift Amazon Air's Delivery Capabilities September 20, 2022.  To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu.

Airport Blues: The Potential Difficulties from Disrupted Fourth of July Travel. June 28, 2022. Email chaddick@depaul to reach the study team. 

Super Sundays, Troubled Tuesdays: The Growing Challenge of Day-of-Week Fluctuations in Air Travel. June 16, 2022. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. 

Total Package: Amazon Air's Changing Network and Strategic Orientation.  March 15, 2022. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team.

Routes to Recovery: 2022 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry. February 24, 2022. The Chaddick Institute’s widely anticipated annual review of an often overlooked mode of travel in the United States. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team.

Intercity Bus Bounceback The 4th Quarter 2021 Brings Optimism to a Struggling Sector. January 6, 2022.  A review of the 2021 Intercity Bus action, highlighting fares and schedules. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. 

The Development of COVID-19 Data Dashboards in Illinois: Interactive Tools for Municipalities and Public Health Professionals.  By Euan Hague, Cassandra Follett, Joseph Schwieterman, and C. Scott Smith. Published in Illinois Municipal Policy Journal, December 15, 2021

Buses, Planes, and Trains: Three Trends to Watch during the Holidays December 8, 2021.  Our Winter E-Newsletter, including an analysis of Amazon Air on Cyber Monday.  Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team.

Holiday Stuffing: Surging Thanksgiving traffic leads to higher airfares and sold-out trains, but bus, car rental, and rail bargains can still be found. November 9, 2021. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731

Blue Skies for Amazon Air: The Expanding Capabilities of Amazon's Cargo AirlineSeptember 9, 2021. Our fourth bi-annual review of the e-commerce service provider.  Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team. See coverage in Freightwaves and Financial Times (behind paywall).

Spring Surprise:  Air & Train Fares Surge While Bus Fares Fall for Trips Less Than 500 MilesBy Joseph Schwieterman and Crystal Bell. Chaddick Policy Brief. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to reach the study team.

The Rise of Cargo Focused Airports: Pandemic Year 2020 March 25, 2021. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731

Primed and Positioned: Strategic Moves by Amazon Air Winter 2021. February 16, 2021. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731

On the Brink:  2021 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry.
 January 29, 2021. Our widely anticipated annual review of the state of the industry and prognosis for the future.   Contact chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5732 to reach the study team.   See coverage in Mass Transit and Metro

Amazon Air's Summer Surge: Strategic Shifts for a Retailing GiantSeptember 10, 2020. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731 

Insights into Amazon Air: 2020's Transportation Juggernaut. May 22, 2020. Check out our media coverage for the study here! To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731.

 21 Key Takeaways from Partnerships between Public Transit Providers and Transportation Network Companies in the United States. April 16, 2020.Check out our infographic here and webinar slides from April 16, 2020 here.

E-Scooter Mobility: Estimates of the Time-Savings and Accessibility Benefits Achieved via Chicago's 2019 E-Scooter Pilot Program. March 12, 2020.To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731.

The Evolution of New York - Washington DC Intercity Bus Service From 2000 to 2020March 6, 2020. To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731.

2020 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States. To reach the study team email, chaddick@depaul.edu or call  312.362.5731. 

Driving Toward Efficiency: How SpotHero and Other Parking Booking Intermediaries Add Value to Off-Street Parking in Chicago. To reach the study email, chaddick@depaul.edu or call  312.362.5731.

A Day in the Life of Chicago's E-Scooter Pilot Program: Measuring System Performance Using Real Time Data.  Also, check out the feature in the Chicago Tribune! To reach the study team, email chaddick@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731.

New Directions: 2019 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States Check out our interactive map of premium intercity bus services. For media requests or to reach the study team email chaddick@depaul.edu. Check out our  autumn intercity bus news update as well as summer 2019 to see what's new in scheduled bus service.

E-Scooter Scenarios: Evaluating the Potential Mobility Benefits of Shared Dockless Scooters in Chicago December 12, 2018. Our analysis of the potential time saving benefits of e-scooter travel in various parts of the city of Chicago. See our event page for info on the discussion session we will hold on December 18 regarding the report. To reach the authors, contact chaddick@depaul.edu.

Partners in Transit: A Review of Partnerships between Transportation Network Companies and Public Agencies in the United States. August, 2, 2018. This study explores innovations underway at cities and transit agencies across the country to build synergy between Lyft & Uber and transit systems.

Uber Economics: Evaluating the Monetary and Nonmonetary Tradeoffs of TNC and Transit Service in Chicago, IL. May 10, 2018. Plus, check out our short overview of the potential synergies between TNCs and transit here. The report's press release can be viewed here.

Dimensions of Divvy: Exploring the performance of bikesharing in Chicago in a period of growth and expansion. February 15, 2018. This study characterizes the three phases of Chicago’s Divvy system beginning with its initial rollout in 2013 through its first and second expansions, in 2015 and 2016, respectively, paying special attention to service and performance gaps.

Driving Demand: 2018 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States. January 29, 2018. Our annual report on industry trends and disruptive forces. Please also see the press release available here. Plus, check out our mid-year intercity bus newsletter from summer 2018 to see what's new in scheduled bus service.

Illinois Municipal Policy Journal, Volume 2. December 2017. Click here to access individual articles and issue briefs.

Ground Transportation Gaps: The Most Heavily Traveled Intercity Routes Without Express Coach or Rail Passenger Service in the United States November 17, 2017. Check out our interactive map. Note: to reach the study team, email Chaddick@depaul.edu.

Running Express: 2017 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States. January 13, 2017. Our annual review of industry trends, potential disruptive forces, and the evolving competitive landscape.

Policies for Pedaling: Managing the Tradeoff between Speed & Safety for Biking in Chicago. December 12, 2016. An analysis of the speed, convenience and predictability of bicycle travel in Chicago, as well as policy options to help manage the growth of biking as a means of transportation in the city.

Illinois Municipal Policy Journal: Volume 1, Issue 1. December 2, 2016. A new journal exploring best practices and recommendations for municipal and state policymaking.

When Sharing is Taxing: Comparing the Tax Burden on Carsharing Services in Major US Cities. July 21, 2016. A review of the rising taxes and fees facing neighborhood carsharing companies at 80 U.S. locations.

Have App Will Travel: Comparing the Price and Speed of Fifty CTA and UberPool Trips in Chicago. June 27, 2016. Our analysis of the performance of carpooling services in transit oriented markets in Chicago. - See our extended blog post on NewGeography.com!

The Remaking of the Motor Coach: 2015 Year in Review of Intercity Bus Service in the United States, our 8th annual review of notable developments in this growing sector.

The Chaddick Institute has a series of working papers entitled, "The Digitally Connected Commuter: The Rising Use of Personal Electronic Devices on Chicago Commuter Trains," that measures the growth in technology usage among passengers on Metra trains.

Our Institute regularly publishes travel forecasts for the intercity bus industry at various major travel holidays. Click here for our 2015 Independence DayLabor DayThanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's Day Reports.

Adding on Amenities, Broadening the Base: 2014 Year-in-Review of Intercity Bus Service in the United States by Joseph P. Schwieterman, Brian Antolin, Gary Scott and Martin Sellers. Download a copy of this study. Email chaddick@depaul.edu to contact a member of the study team.

Joseph P. Schwieterman'sTerminal Town: An Illustrated Guide to Chicago's Airports, Bus Depots, Train Stations, and Steamship Landings: 1939-Present. (Lake Forest College Press, 2014, 301 pages). Includes 215 color photographs and 20 custom maps. Featured in the Chicago Tribune! Click here for more information.

"The Person Tech Tidal Wave: The Rising Use of Electronic Devices on Intercity Buses, Planes, and Trains" - 2014 Update (July 2, 2014). Click here to download a copy.

"The Traveler's Tradeoff: Comparing Intercity Bus, Plane, & Train Fares across the United States" (April 15, 2014). The Traveler's Tradeoff.

"CTA Red Purple Modernization Briefing," Joseph P. Schwieterman and Laurence F. Audenaerd (May 1, 2013). View briefing

"Gaining Insight into GLMRIS: An Investigation of the Benefits & Costs of the Alternatives in the Great Lakes & Mississippi River Interbasin Study" (February 6, 2014) View Report

"Motoring into the Mainstream: Intercity Bus Service in the United States" Part C of Technology in Intercity Travel Study 2013 Year-in-Review. (January 14, 2014). View Report

"The Personal Tech Tidal Wave: The Surging Use of Electronic Devices on Intercity Buses, Planes, and Trains 2012-2013" - 2013 Update. Click here to download a copy

"Tablets Take Flight: The Rise of Personal Electronic Devices & the Growing Cost of the FAA Ban on Technology Use During Takeoffs/Landings" (May 29, 2013). Click here to download a copy

"The Store Next Door: How Ethnic Grocery Stores Contribute to Neighborhood Life & Cross-Cultural Food Consumption in Chicago" Released on March 20, 2013. View Report

"2012 Intercity Bus Study: The Motor Coach Metamorphosis 2012: Year-in-Review of Intercity Bus Service in the United States." (January 6, 2013). View Report.

"Tending to Transit: The Benefits and Costs of Bringing Public Transport in the Chicago Region into Good Repair." (October 10, 2012). Chaddick Institute Study Tending to Transit.
 
"The 20 'Top Transit Suburbs' of Metropolitan Chicago." (July 26, 2012).  Top Transit Suburbs Final Report.
 
"Staying Connected En Route: The Growing Use of Tablets and other Portable Electronic Devices on Intercity Buses, Trains, and Planes" (January 20, 2012). Click here to download a copy
"The Chicago Community Area of Rogers Park: A Bicycle Infrastructure Analysis of North Sheridan Road Between North Touhy Road and Juneway Terrace Park." (August 2011).  RPBA Bicycle Lane Research Report.

"Are Taxes on Carsharing Too High? A Review of the Public Benefits and Tax Burden of an Expanding Transportation Sector." (June 21, 2011).  DePaul University Study on Taxation of Carsharing.
"An Analysis of the Economic Effects of Terminating Operations at the Chicago River Controlling Works and O'Brien Locks on the Chicago Area Waterway System." (April 7, 2010). DePaul University Study on Terminating Lock Operations.
 
"Companion Animals and Chicago Communities: A Strategic Assessment for the City of Chicago." (March 2010).  Companion Animal Final Report and Appendix.

"Sales Tax Rates and Buying Behavior: Evidence from Communities Near the Cook County Boundary." (May 9, 2009). Sales Tax Policy Paper - Chaddick Institute.pdf

"A Kaleidoscope of Culture: Measuring the Diversity of Chicago's Neighborhoods." (July 1, 2008).  Chaddick Diversity Study 2008.