Printable Version [PDF 5.2MB] To view PDF files, you may need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Contact Information: Jim Hunt at Jim.Hunt@dot.gov
Foreword
Chapter 1: Introduction
Project Background and Purpose How to Use the Desk Reference and TOPS-BC Decision Support Tool
Project Background and Purpose
How to Use the Desk Reference and TOPS-BC Decision Support Tool
Chapter 2: Overview of B/C Analysis for Operations
What is B/C Analysis? How is B/C Analysis Used in the Operations Planning Process? How can B/C Analysis for Operations Strategies be Integrated with B/C Analysis for Other More Traditional Strategies Challenges and Limitations of B/C Analysis28
What is B/C Analysis?
How is B/C Analysis Used in the Operations Planning Process?
How can B/C Analysis for Operations Strategies be Integrated with B/C Analysis for Other More Traditional Strategies
Challenges and Limitations of B/C Analysis28
Chapter 3: Operations Strategies and their Impacts (Agency, User, and Societal Benefits)
Definitions of Operations Strategies Covered in this Reference What are the Impacts and Benefits of Operations Strategies?
Definitions of Operations Strategies Covered in this Reference
What are the Impacts and Benefits of Operations Strategies?
Chapter 4: Existing B/C Tools and Methods
Overview of Existing Tools and Methods for B/C Analysis of Operations Operations Strategies Available for Analysis in the Tools/Methods MOEs Generated
Overview of Existing Tools and Methods for B/C Analysis of Operations
Operations Strategies Available for Analysis in the Tools/Methods
MOEs Generated
Chapter 5: Conducting B/C Analysis for Operations
Selecting the Appropriate Methodology/Factors Influencing the Analysis Approach Determining the Appropriate Timeframe to Use Available Resources for Identifying the Benefits of Operations Strategies Configuring B/C Analysis to Local Conditions Estimating the Impacts (User and Societal Benefits) of the Operations Strategy Valuing the Benefits Estimating the Life-Cycle Costs Displaying and Communicating Results Addressing Challenges of Applying B/C Analysis to TSM&O Strategies Targeted at Nonrecurring Conditions Additional Resources and Support
Selecting the Appropriate Methodology/Factors Influencing the Analysis Approach
Determining the Appropriate Timeframe to Use
Available Resources for Identifying the Benefits of Operations Strategies
Configuring B/C Analysis to Local Conditions
Estimating the Impacts (User and Societal Benefits) of the Operations Strategy
Valuing the Benefits
Estimating the Life-Cycle Costs
Displaying and Communicating Results
Addressing Challenges of Applying B/C Analysis to TSM&O Strategies Targeted at Nonrecurring Conditions
Additional Resources and Support
Appendix A. List of Acronyms
Table 1-1. Summary of Guidance on Various TSM&O Strategies
Table 2-1. Comparison of Projects Using B/C Ratio and Net Benefit
Table 2-2. Common Terminology Used in the Desk Reference
Table 2-3. Comparing B/C Analysis with Economic Impact Analysis
Table 2-4. Comparison of ARTIMIS Operational Projects with a Traditional Roadway Widening Project
Table 3-1. Sample EPA Fuel Use Rates by Average Speed for Year 2010 (in Gallons per VMT)
Table 3-2. Reliability Performance Measures
Table 3-3. Sample IDAS-Derived Travel Time Reliability – Rates for One-Hour Peak (Vehicle Hours of Incident Delay per Vehicle Mile)
Table 4-1. Summary of Existing B/C Tools and Methods for TSM&O
Table 5-1. Analysis Methods/Tools Mapped to Appropriate Geographic Scope
Table 5-2. Analysis Tools and Methods Mapped to their General Resource Requirements
Table 5-3. Real Discount Rates 2011 (Public Investment) (in Percentage)
Table 5-4. Distribution of Operating Conditions in U.S. 75 Dallas
Table 5-5. Capacity Reduction Based on Nonrecurring Weather Types
Table 5-6. Capacity Reduction Based on Nonrecurring Incidents (In Percentage)
Table 5-7. Capacity Reduction Related to Work Zones (In Percentage)
Table 5-8. Sample Scenario Probabilities – I-580 Corridor
Figure 1-1 Capabilities Provided by TOPS-BC
Figure 2-1. Sample Display of B/C Analysis Output
Figure 2-2. Typical Benefits and Costs Distribution among Stakeholder Groups
Figure 2-3. Objectives-Driven Planning for Operations Approach
Figure 2-4. ARTIMIS Program Expansion Plans
Figure 2-5. Hypothetical Project Comparison Data – MTC San Francisco Bay Area 2035 Transportation Plan
Figure 2-6. Sample View of TOPS-BC Impact Lookup Function
Figure 3-1. Example Display of User Travel Time MOE
Figure 3-2. Use of Recurring Travel Time Measurement versus Actual Traveler Experience
Figure 3-3. National Summary of the Sources of Congestion
Figure 4-1. Example View of Sketch-Planning B/C Analysis Method (SCRITS) Data Inputs
Figure 4-2. Example View of Caltrans’ CAL-BC Analysis Tool Data Outputs
Figure 4-3. Example of Post-Processing B/C Analysis Method (IDAS)
Figure 4-4. Multiple-Resolution Approach Developed for the ICM Initiative Analysis
Figure 4-5. Comparison of ICM Benefit Estimates between Nonincident Scenarios and Incident Scenarios (San Diego I-405 Analysis – in Millions of Annual Dollars)
Figure 4-6. Available Tools/Methods Mapped to Strategies Analyzed
Figure 4-7. Available Tools/Methods Mapped to MOEs Analyzed
Figure 4-8. TOPS-BC Analysis Method Selection Tool (Partial Screenview)
Figure 5-1. Different Simulation Analysis Tools are Appropriate to Different Geographic Scopes
Figure 5-2. Use of Representative Corridors in an Analysis
Figure 5-3. Mapping of Strategies to Analysis Scenarios
Figure 5-4. Comparison of Analysis Methods with Various Stages of the Planning Process and Need for Analysis Sensitivity
Figure 5-5. TSM&O Strategies Mapped to Likely Impacts on MOEs
Figure 5-6. Sample View of TOPS-BC TSM&O Impact Look-up Function
Figure 5-7. Sample View of U.S. DOT ITS Benefits Database Web Site
Figure 5-8. Example Calculations of Incremental Change MOEs
Figure 5-9. Sample View of Benefit Valuations Maintained in the TOPS-BC Repository
Figure 5-10. Example View of Cost Data Organization for a Ramp Meter System
Figure 5-11. TOPS-BC Projected Stream of Costs Output
Figure 5-12. Innovative Use of Graphics to Display Multiple Data
Figure 5-13. Sample Graphic Presenting Results over an Analysis Timeline
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Office of Operations (HOP) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov
May 2012
Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-12-028
US DOT Home | FHWA Home | Operations Home | Privacy Policy
United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration