The absence of systematic analysis of the societal benefits and costs of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies -- in the short-term as well as long term -- is well recognized in the ITS community. This unmet need has been recognized, for example, by the Benefits and Evaluations Committee of ITS America. As public policy makers look beyond the current Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) authorization, the question of "expected potential benefits" from ITS technologies are sure to be raised by the congressional committees. Yet, the available information is quite dated and may not be adequate for presenting a compelling case. This working paper is an attempt to put the issue of "models to evaluate potential ITS benefits" in a programmatic perspective, so that groundwork is laid for future Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) efforts on the subject matter or modelling related projects. Following a description of a meeting that took place at the FHWA on June 21, 1995, this working paper begins with a problem definition and discussion of modelling requirements as it relates to evaluating alternative ITS technologies and user services. Based on these requirements, conceptual and analytical frameworks for assessing the benefits of ITS technologies are discussed. The paper then provides a summary of current capabilities vis-a-vis identified requirements. The options for future FHWA efforts are presented and some recommendations made. Some brief proposal ideas are included as Appendix A. (Author/publisher)
Abstract