Developing Assessment Framework for Strategic Transportation Projects in Qatar

Abstract

This paper presents Transportation Assessment Framework and process for selecting, defining, and naming assessment criteria to be used in transport appraisal. The approach is based on a review of national and international practices in transportation planning and appraisal around the world but is adapted to attend the needs and particularities of the Qatar transportation system, according to Transportation Master Plan for Qatar (TMPQ) vision and objectives. The TMPQ vision is derived from four key strategic themes: development, sustainability, livability and culture. The outcome of the research is a comprehensive list, developed using this framework, of 37 transport assessment criteria encompassing direct project impacts, indirect societal impacts, and environmental impacts. This list can serve as a starting point for planners wishing to conduct appraisal for strategic transport projects. A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) procedure and parameter are also developed as part of TAF for a more detailed assessment of the Preferred Scenario(s), covering the impacts (costs and benefits) which can be quantified and monetized. An Excel-based CBA tool is developed and applied to produce the main economic indicators for the preferred scenario, which form part of the assessment criteria that can be monetized.