Going beyond travel-time savings : an expanded framework for evaluating urban transport projects

Abstract

This paper challenges the widespread and often indiscriminant use of travel-time savings as a principal metric of economic benefits for evaluating urban transport projects. Time-budget theory and empirical evidence reveals that the benefits of a widened road or extended rail line often get expressed by more and longer trips to larger numbers of destinations and not by less time spent traveling. Induced travel demand can also erode time-savings benefits over the long term. Other conceptual and measurement issues related to travel-time reductions as a welfare measure are raised as well. A case is then made for elevating accessibility improvements as an outcome measure, particularly in light of the long-term nature of urban transport investments. Examples of measuring and monetizing accessibility are provided, although applying these techniques in developing countries is never easy. Still, tractability of measurement is no reason for relying on measures like reduced travel time when doing so flies in the face of theory, logic, and empirical evidence. The paper concludes that the World Bank should adopt a more robust and inclusionary framework for evaluating urban transport projects, one that supplements mobility-based measures like travel-time savings with metrics tied to accessibility, sustainability, livability, safety, and affordability. A preliminary plan of action is proposed in this regard.

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