Margaret Morrow

Evaluating Intelligent Transportation Systems: a Cost-benefit Approach: Cost-benefit Analysis Evaluation Study Margaret Morrow

A cost-benefit study of the City of Portland's traffic signal preemption system (TSP) was completed over a three year period. During that time, 8 bus routes were equipped with TSP on a staggered schedule. For a one year period prior to TSP, a one year period during installation, and a one year period after TSP econometric data was collected. A series of pooled cross-section time-series models were designed and employed to capture benefits in categories of significance. Cost information was obtained from agency budget data. The study found that TSP would result in a significant net social benefit of roughly six million dollars over the ten year life-span of the system. Other study benefits included: the net benefit value can be compared to other transit projects; and evidence that better decision-making information is available for policy makers on all levels of Government. Consequently, decisions regarding ITS deployment will be enhanced in the future.