A framework for evaluating multimodal transportation investment in Texas

An efficient transportation system requires a coordinated transfer for people and goods moving from one mode to another. In the past, neither the process of planning nor the environment for supporting analysis of the total transportation system has been viewed from a multimodal perspective. Tremendous changes in federal and state policies have created a new contextual environment for transportation. Based on these changes, the private sector is rapidly embracing the advantages of an intermodal transportation system. For the future, a total system, or social, cost analysis of transportation must be pursued to address mobility problems and other state and national priorities. The framework, illustrated below, includes all costs associated with transportation. Various studies have demonstrated that inclusion of all system costs in analyzing transportation alternatives will yield transportation operations different from what now exists. This model will assist decision-makers in evaluating alternative transportation policies, particularly if combined with a multi-attribute methodology. While additional work is needed to evaluate marginal costs, this report establishes a point of departure for more efficient analysis of transportation alternatives.