Evaluating the Public Investment Mix in US Freight Transportation Infrastructure

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2008

Publication Source

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

Abstract

This research empirically evaluates the public sector investment in the US freight transportation infrastructure. In particular, the infrastructures to support the two most comparable modes of freight transportation – highway and intermodal rail – are examined as alternatives for public fund allocation. Indicators for public sector transportation infrastructure investment mix are established based on financial analysis of both private and social costs and benefits, as well as the propensity of freight shippers to utilize such infrastructures. The research results in recommendations for the aggregate allocation of public funds in the US based on these indicators. We find that approximately a quarter of truck freight could be handled at a 25% lower cost if rail infrastructure to support it existed. Because an additional 80% reduction in social costs could be achieved through this modal conversion, the public sector is a critical participant in creating a more efficient transportation infrastructure.

Inclusive pages

1–14

ISBN/ISSN

0965-8564

Comments

Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

42

Issue

1

Peer Reviewed

yes

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