SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

A simplified approach is proposed to quickly evaluate at a gross level various alternatives for providing public transportation services. The alternatives, ranging from very simplified bus-oriented systems to high-speed rail facilities operating on dedicated rights-of-way, are reviewed in terms of meeting specified criteria for public transportation services. The sketch-planning procedure reviews and evaluates alternatives without substantial outlays in time or resources. Computer capabilities are not required. At this level of analysis, sketch planning enables the planner to differentiate between alternatives that have merit and those that should not be given a more detailed analysis. The data required for sketch planning come from two sources--the socioeconomic and demographic variables enumerated in census reports and origin-and-destination data available from metropolitan area transportation studies. Criteria for evaluation should be established for each area under study to provide for differences among urban areas. The planning procedures proposed here are generally more applicable to medium-sized and small urban areas.