The Use, Misuse, and Abuse of Data

Coal transportation models are compared in terms of their capacity to accurately state transport costs, which are central to coal utilization. Two types of models are discussed briefly: (1) network the Bechtel--Stanford Research Institute and Manalytics Incorporated models); and (2) comparative-cost analysis of transport systems over specific routes and using different modes, such as unit train, slurry pipeline, barge, truck, or conveyor belt. The comparative-cost models require more reliable engineering and cost data. Cost comparisons are developed and a variety of problems, both economic and engineering, identified, with the suggestion that cooperation between the two disciplines is necessary for the problems to be solved.