Cost-benefit analysis of an urban transit communication and information system.

This paper presents a cost benefit analysis of an urban transit communication and information system. The performance data used was compiled by municipal transit authorities of major urban centres. It was used to analyse the costs and benefits of a hypothetical transit system encompassing a centrally managed network of 35 bus routes and 400 vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with two way communications combined with a central vehicle tracking device. Data about: a) financial costs; b) investment costs; c) operating costs; and d) financial benefits are provided. The financial analysis is presented and indicates that the internal rate of return is 24.6%. Social costs and benefits are also discussed.