Multimodal System Planning Technique: An Analytical Approach to Peak Period Operation (1451-1F)

The multimodal system planning technique described in this report is an improvement of the methodology used in the Dallas System Planning Study. The technique includes a spreadsheet-based process to identify the costs of congestion, construction, and operation of transportation alternatives for a corridor. There are also several steps before and after the spreadsheet that identify system constraints, the effect of parallel rail transit and toll highways, and the compatibility of system components.The technique is useful in several types of analyses from corridor to regional system improvements. The basis of the approach is that all costs should be included (or considered) and that they are equal. The objective of the technique is to identify the lowest total cost alternative that is consistent with ongoing budgets, public concerns, and system constraints.