This report provides practical guidance for more accurate evaluation of traffic congestion costs and potential congestion reduction strategies. It examines key costing factors including analysis perspective and scope, baseline speeds, congestion exposure (the amount of travel that experiences), travel time valuation, additional impacts (fuel, crash and emission costs, plus pedestrian delays and economic productivity), congestion dynamics, equity analysis and research standards. It discusses principles that should be applied for efficient and equitable congestion analysis, and identifies common biases. It critically evaluates various congestion cost studies, and identifies examples of win-win strategies that reduce congestion and help achieve other goals. It identifies a gap between the performance indicators commonly used in congestion cost studies and what decision-makers need for efficient and equitable planning. This report is more comprehensive and current than most previous studies, and includes novel analysis. It is a companion to Congestion Costing Critique and Smart Congestion Relief.

Infrastructure Assets: Highway Assets
Resource Types: Guide/Manual
Capabilities: Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Performance Based Planning & Programming