5.9 - Alternatives and options
- 5.1- Evaluation of transport services
- 5.2 - Method of evaluation
- 5.3 - Scope of analysis
- 5.4 - Stages in analysis
- 5.5 - Do minimum
- 5.6 - Benefits and costs
- 5.7 - Period of analysis
- 5.8 - Cost benefit evaluation
- 5.9 - Alternatives and options
- 5.10 - Sensitivity analysis
- 5.11- Additional information required if simplified procedures are
5.9 - Alternatives and options
Introduction
In most situations, there is a variety of means (alternatives) of achieving the objective that a transport services proposal seeks to address.
Options may include different configurations of the proposal, different fare and service levels and possibly different modes.
Rules
Where feasible alternatives to the proposal exist, they must be described and included in the evaluation.
Where appropriate, different service levels shall be evaluated as options.
All transport service evaluations shall consider the status quo road or road network, as appropriate, and any practical road improvement projects as alternatives or part of options. The status quo road or road network will normally be part of the do minimum.
Where there is no existing road, a proposed road project may be considered as an alternative.
All investment plans and proposed service changes that relate to the alternatives and options during the period of analysis shall be taken into account.
Number of options
All realistic options shall be evaluated to determine the optimum economic solution.
Incremental analysis
The incremental analysis process for evaluation of options for transport services proposals is the same as the incremental benefit cost ratio process described in section 3 of volume 1, with the exception that the components described in this volume are used in the calculation.
The incremental analysis should be presented on an adapted copy of worksheet 5 (volume 1).
All impacts (positive and negative) for which monetary values have been estimated should be included in the total benefits of the options when undertaking incremental analysis.
Target incremental BCR
The target incremental BCR when undertaking incremental analysis of transport services options shall be as specified in appendix A12 in volume 1.
