Implementing an Economic Model for Public-Private Rail Projects

Project Description

In this implementation project, a team of Texas Transportation Institute and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) personnel developed an economic analysis model capable of analyzing public investments in railroad infrastructure. The model incorporated work from a previous research project, Project 0-4565, which proposed an economic analysis method to facilitate equitable sharing of costs and economic returns in public-private partnerships.

The TxDOT Public-Private Feasibility Analysis Model developed as part of this implementation project uses a Microsoft Excel® worksheet to aid in determining which projects will produce sufficient returns to all stakeholders through the creation of sustainable business ventures. The model's approach identifies the feasibility of cost-sharing strategies for intermodal rail service by calculating economic gains to the public and private sectors as a function of public funding.

The versatility of the TxDOT Public-Private Feasibility Analysis Model provides more widespread application than earlier programs. It uses built-in help features along with the standard Excel spreadsheets that enable the user to modify the model to meet specific conditions of the partnership. Analysis capabilities apply to project types such as intermodal rail, rail relocation, and implementation of new rail service in existing rail corridors. The model includes a help menu with pop-up windows that explain which sections of the model are applicable to specific project types.

Project Publications

The TxDOT Public-Private Feasibility Analysis Model: Project Summary Report 5-4565-01-S

TxDOT Public-Private Feasibility Analysis Model User Manual 5-4565-01-P1

TxDOT Public-Private Feasibility Analysis Model: User Manual 5-4565-01-P2

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