Measuring Benefits of Rural and Small Urban Transit in Greater Minnesota

Abstract

The objective of this research was to measure the benefits of rural and small urban transit services in Minnesota. The study accomplished this by first identifying, describing, and classifying the potential benefits of transit. Second, a method was developed to measure these benefits. Where possible, benefits were quantified in dollar values. Other benefits that could not be quantified in monetary terms were either quantified in another way or described qualitatively. The study included an analysis of societal benefits and economic impacts within local communities. Third, the developed method was applied to a series of six case studies across Greater Minnesota. Data were collected through onboard rider surveys for each of the six transit agencies. Total benefits and benefit-cost ratios were estimated for the six transit agencies—all showed benefits that exceeded costs—and results were generalized to Greater Minnesota. Economic impacts were also estimated showing the effect on jobs, labor income, and value added. This research provides information to assess the benefits of public spending on transit, which gives decision makers the data needed to inform investment decisions.

Modelling Approach to Develop a Multimodal Transportation Network

“…Even imports and export of any county can be improved by making unimodal a multimodal transportation network [19]. The potential benefits of transit, social benefits, and economic impact of MMTS can be measured [2] in the required region. This technique can be used for regional public, and similar regional public areas [1].…”

“…It might be the models used [4] that cannot be directly transferred to other models due to the modal choice. Specific benefits in monetary terms for rural areas are considered [2] and the small urban areas were not covered. An overall transportation survey was only carried out [5] and the multimodal transportation system is not being considered.…”