New approaches to strategic urban transport assessment

Most transport assessment is generally based on incremental analysis of individual projects with pre-existing planning and political support. Unfortunately, this approach to transport decision-making is unlikely to result in cities being able to meet a comprehensive range of desired urban objectives on a broader-scale over time. Project analysis is generally based on benefit-cost analysis and intermediate metrics (vehicle kilometres travelled, time savings and road user costs). But additional metrics and attributes may be needed to assess goals and performance relating to broader transport outcomes in a metropolitan region and its society, environment and economy. ‘Higher level’ strategic urban transport analysis offers the opportunity of a more strategic platform for metropolitan region-wide transport policy discussion, assessment, planning and network improvements. It may also assist to demonstrate mass transit, walking and cycling's unique opportunities to contribute to better city futures through economic development, sustainability, and lifestyle improvements. In the realm of mass transit, improvements can be delivered by targeted changes in policy, infrastructure and network enhancements, improved service characteristics, better network utilisation, and stronger system financial performance. Performance of passenger rail networks, corridors and proposals is a substantial research focus, but improvements to rail over time should ultimately be reflected in a wider set of outcomes and measurables. This paper reviews established literature and research on transport analysis approaches, to identify key performance indicators at an urban or metropolitan level, metrics on the utilisation and effectiveness of rail mass transit, accessibility indicators, and a handful of broader social, economic and environmental performance indicators.