How can you evaluate new transportation options?

1 Define your objectives

The first step is to define your objectives and criteria for evaluating new transportation options. What are the problems or needs that you want to address? What are the goals and outcomes that you want to achieve? How will you measure the performance and impacts of the new options? For example, you may want to improve accessibility, safety, efficiency, equity, sustainability, or resilience of the transportation system. You may use indicators such as travel time, cost, mode share, emissions, crashes, or user satisfaction.

2 Identify and compare alternatives

The next step is to identify and compare the alternatives that can meet your objectives. You may use different sources of information, such as literature reviews, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or case studies, to generate and screen potential options. You may also use tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), traffic models, or cost-benefit analysis, to estimate and compare the effects of the alternatives on the transportation system and the society. You may consider different scenarios, such as different demand levels, time periods, or external factors, to test the robustness and sensitivity of the alternatives.

3 Engage stakeholders and public

The third step is to engage the stakeholders and the public in the evaluation process. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups that have an interest or influence in the transportation system, such as users, operators, providers, regulators, or advocates. Public is the broader community that may be affected by or have opinions on the transportation system. You may use various methods, such as workshops, meetings, surveys, or online platforms, to communicate and consult with the stakeholders and the public. You may seek their input, feedback, preferences, or concerns on the new transportation options.

4 Select and refine preferred option

The fourth step is to select and refine the preferred option based on the evaluation results and the stakeholder and public input. You may use a decision-making framework, such as multi-criteria analysis, ranking, or voting, to weigh and prioritize the different objectives and criteria. You may also consider the feasibility, risks, and uncertainties of the preferred option. You may make adjustments or modifications to the preferred option to address any issues or gaps that may arise.

5 Develop and implement plan

The final step is to develop and implement a plan for the preferred option. The plan should include the details of the design, operation, management, and financing of the new transportation option. The plan should also include the timeline, milestones, responsibilities, and resources for the implementation. You may use tools such as project management software, contracts, or agreements, to coordinate and monitor the implementation. You may also use methods such as pilot testing, evaluation, or feedback, to review and improve the implementation.

6 Learn and share lessons

The last step is to learn and share the lessons from the evaluation and implementation of the new transportation option. You may use tools such as indicators, data collection, or analysis, to measure and report the outcomes and impacts of the new transportation option. You may use methods such as audits, reviews, or surveys, to identify and document the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or challenges of the new transportation option. You may use platforms such as publications, conferences, or networks, to disseminate and exchange the lessons and best practices with other transportation planners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?