System cost estimation for an urban multi-modal transport corridor

Abstract

Transport projects are mostly evaluated on the basis of the impact on the specific network for that mode and not on the wider multi modal transport network such a mode may be a part of. Previous research derives a mathematical expression for estimating the system cost of a multi modal transport corridor based on cost of vehicle use and user time summed across each motorized mode of transport servicing that corridor. This paper develops the estimation of transport system cost to include (i) external costs due to congestion, emission and accidents (ii) infrastructure cost and (iii) non-motorised user costs including that of pedestrians. System Cost often referred to as Social Cost in transport project evaluation, includes costs pertaining to the provision, operation and maintenance of the transport system as well as external cost of any impacts on third party or non users. The inclusion of these components would complete the representation of most, if not all quantifiable components in the cost estimation of a multi modal transport corridor. The application of the systems methodology in computing total system cost is illustrated using a 20 km section of the Colombo-Galle multi modal corridor in Sri Lanka.