The report also discusses the application of transport costing to decision making, and responds to various criticisms. An appendix summarizes previous transportation cost studies. It develops a framework for estimating the magnitude and distribution of costs for eleven travel modes. With this framework it is relatively easy to estimate total transportation costs, and the benefits of a shift to more efficient modes. The report summarizes estimates of transportation costs and discusses their implications in terms of economic efficiency, economic development, equity, and land use impacts.
Case studies demonstrate how cost estimates can be applied to specific problems.
This Windows 3.1 computer program is a tool for evaluating the full costs of land transportation. It quickly and easily estimates user costs, government expenses, and environmental and social costs of specific travel activities. It can be used to estimate total costs that are likely to result from a particular trend, policy, plan or program, and compare the costs or savings with alternative options. It is intended for regional and local planning, policy analysis, TDM and transit program evaluation, and other transportation decision-making applications. This paper critiques these reports, pointing out inaccuracies and misrepresentations in their arguments.