Project Summary
Judging optimal resource allocation from a social welfare viewpoint has not received sufficient attention in transportation planning. In particular, due to a lack of tools capable of assessing the role of transportation on the efficient allocation of time by the residents of different localities, the demographic aspects of resource allocations are not well understood. In this project we propose to develop a GIS tool that computes the quality of service offered by the transportation system at different locations. Using statistical techniques, we propose to correlate levels of service to the social and demographic characteristics of residents throughout California. The resulting tool will provide a visualization of this relationship in space and across demographic segments. This is meant to aid Caltrans and other cognizant agencies in planning efficient and optimal allocation of resources. We propose to develop a tool that shows the distribution of benefits of the transportation system and identifies differences in benefits across demographic segments. The project is comprised of two distinct phases. The objective of the first phase is to produce a statewide tool for efficiency measurement that is primarily based on available data and off-the-shelf software tools. The objective of the second phase is to explore a more detailed, precise, and accurate methodology that will be tested in Santa Barbara. Lessons learned from the Santa Barbara case study will pave the way for statewide deployment.