Transportation Policy Research Copyright (c) 2013 University of Iowa All rights reserved. http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation Recent documents in Transportation Policy Research en-us Mon, 20 May 2013 15:34:58 PDT 3600 Distributing State Road Use Tax Funds to Counties http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/24 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/24 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:20 PDT David J. Forkenbrock et al. Dynamic Simulation Methods for Evaluating Vehicle Configuration and Roadway Design http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/23 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/23 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:19 PDT James W. Stoner et al. Labor Supply in Iowa: Policies for Economic Growth http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/22 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/22 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:17 PDT Thomas Pogue et al. Road Investment to Foster Local Economic Development http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/21 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/21 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:16 PDT David J. Forkenbrock et al. Strategies for Winter Highway Maintenance http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/20 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/20 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:15 PDT Wilfrid A. Nixon et al. The Potential for Advanced Vehicle Systems to Increase the Mobility of Elderly Drivers http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/19 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/19 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:14 PDT Michael A. Mollenhauer et al. Tradeoffs Between Water Quality and Profitability in Iowa Agriculture http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/18 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/18 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:12 PDT Cheryl K. Contant et al. Transportation and Iowa's Economic Future http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/17 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/17 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:38:11 PDT David J. Forkenbrock et al. Using Crash Costs in Safety Analysis http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/15 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/15 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:19:56 PST There are three primary reasons DOTs invest in road and highway upgrades—to promote economic development, to alleviate congestion, and to improve safety. This monograph focuses on the third of these. Funds for safety improvements are always limited, and projects must be carefully selected to maximize the net safety improvement to society. Forkenbrock, et al. (1994) proposed a methodology for estimating the safety cost savings of various road upgrades based on reasonable dollar estimates for fatalities, personal injuries, and property-damage-only crashes. This monograph suggests current and well-accepted parameter values for preventing each of these types of crashes. We analyzed both the values of key parameters states currently use in assessing safety improvements and how they are incorporated into the investment decision-making process. We conclude with several recommendations, in particular: assigning updated dollar cost values to the three types of crashes, discounting the future benefits of avoided crashes, and discounting any future costs to their present values.

]]> Paul F. Hanley A New Approach to Assessing Road User Charges http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/14 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/14 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:26 PST For many years, the motor fuel tax has been the main source of highway financing in the U.S. However, in the interest energy independent and lower emissions, the auto industry and federal government are now working cooperatively to design vehicles that are either hybrid, or powered by means other than fossil fuel. These vehicles are not yet prevalent enough to severely impair motor fuel tax revenues, but likely soon will be. Thus, this is a propitious time to explore a new approach to assessing road user charges. We concentrated on smart vehicle technology: some form of on-board system that would enable a user charge to be assessed on the basis of the distance driven, wherever travel occurred. In designing the new approach presented in this monograph, we emphasized user friendliness. Other focuses included privacy of the road user, convenience, and ability to include desirable features such as on-board navigation and emergency vehicle location. We also looked to make the new approach secure, robust, reliable, and sufficiently flexible to enable a variety of public policies to be supported.

]]> David J. Forkenbrock et al. Arterial Link Travel Time Estimation Using Loop Detector Data http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/13 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/13 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:25 PST In recognition of the need for an effective yet inexpensive way of estimating arterial travel times, Mn/DOT sponsored a research project to develop a travel time estimation model using loop detector data. This two-phase project was conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota. Phase I involves a literature review, traffic data collection and development of a travel time database; Phase II will cover model development, calibration and evaluation. This report summarizes the findings of Phase I.

]]> Michael Zhang et al. Greenhouse Gas Action Plan for the Transportation Sector in Iowa http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/12 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/12 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:24 PST While the implications and potential magnitude of global warming continue to be debated, public policymakers are searching for practical means to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases produced by human activities. Because carbon dioxide is the largest human-induced form of greenhouse gas, it is receiving the most attention. This research sought to identify ways in which the state of Iowa—with the 15th highest level of per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the country—can do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its transportation sector. A variety of strategies and policy were explored. Our objective was to foster discussion of ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, not to narrow the acceptable methods too quickly. Among the actions examined are those pertaining to agriculture, utilities, industry, and housing. This project was a joint effort of the Public Policy Center and the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with supplemental funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

]]> Richard A. Ney et al. Appendices: Iowa Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation System Review and Options for Improvement http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/11 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/11 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:23 PST Appendix 1 includes the Medicaid Consumer Questionnaire and Medicaid Consumer Responses; Appendix 2, the Income Maintenance Worker Questionnaire and Responses; and Appendix 3, the Case Managers and Service Worker Questionnaire and Responses. In Appendix 4 are included the Public Transportation Providers and the Nongovernmental Organization Transportation Providers Questionnaires, as well as the Transportation Providers’ Responses. Appendix 5 contains the NEMT Brokerage Literature, the NEMT Brokerage Bibliography, and transcripts of the NEMT Brokerage Interviews. Finally, Appendix 6 has the Stakeholder Input Session Summaries.

]]> Paul F. Hanley et al. Policy Strategies for Iowa in Making Major Road Investments http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/9 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/9 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:22 PST This monograph was designed as a practical guide to assist policy-makers at the Iowa Department of Transportation in pursuing policy objectives through transportation investments. It looks at how the state can best deploy available resources to achieve priority policy objectives. Focusing on road investments, by far the largest category of transportation projects, we examine this goal in the context of three primary issues: economic development, sustainable urban growth and development, and social equity. The analysis presented in this monograph is not intended to be prescriptive. Rather, we raise a series of policy-relevant issues and suggest how various sorts of transportation investments can affect them. Our objective is to facilitate informed debate, not to propose firm solutions to the issues discussed.

]]> David J. Forkenbrock PaveSim: Simulation of Pavement damage Due to Heavy Vehicles http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/10 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/10 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:22 PST In past assessments of the cost responsibilities of heavy vehicles, the greatest unknown has been the magnitude of damage they do to roads and bridges. Dynamic simulation techniques have shown great potential to resolve this issue of cost. PaveSim, a dynamic simulation environment, was created to help develop performance-based operations policy. Integrated into PaveSim is another simulation program, TruckSim, developed at the University of Michigan to model heavy vehicles. Using the dynamic wheel loads from TruckSim, PaveSim simulates the performance of jointed-concrete pavements. RigidPav, a finite element program, performs the detailed calculation of deflections and stresses in the pavement. Within the PaveSim environment it is possible to quickly vary vehicle parameters such as number of axles and axle spacing, suspension type, and payload and distribution. We can also estimate the effects of pavement characteristics such as thickness, subgrade support, and joint types. This report presents an overview of the PaveSim environment and its user interface. It is also a PaveSim tutorial to help pavement designers and policymakers in state and federal DOTs.

]]> M Asghar Bhatti et al. Spatial Data Systems for Transportation Planning http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/8 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/8 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:21 PST With recent advances in geographic information systems (GIS), spatial referencing of transportation system attributes, performance characteristics, and usage patterns has become increasingly feasible. The objective of this research has been to develop a methodology for transforming and dynamically segmenting data. Dynamic segmentation enables transportation system attributes and associated data to be stored in separate tables and merged when a specific query requires a particular set of data. A major benefit of dynamic segmentation is that individual tables can be more easily updated when attributes, performance characteristics, or usage patterns change over time. Research for this project was carried out in the University of Iowa Department of Geography with assistance from the University’s Public Policy Center. Funding was provided by the University Transportation Centers Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation, with supplemental funding contributed by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

]]> Marc P. Armstrong et al. Transportation Investment and Urban Land Use Patterns http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/7 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/7 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:20 PST Metropolitan areas in the United States have invested heavily and steadily in urban highways over the last 60 years. These highways have contributed to rapid outward movement of low-density residential areas, and over time, to congestion, long commutes and degraded air quality. Questions are now being asked about how to change urban development trends to produce better circulation and more efficient land use patterns. In this monograph we review the economic forces that contribute to the way cities’ land use patterns evolve. We then focus on transportation investments as one of the key forces affecting these patterns. We present a framework that enables planners to match specific types of transportation investments with the land uses that would benefit most from them. Finally, we offer several practical recommendations for using transportation investments as a positive force to help achieve a desired urban form.

]]> David J. Forkenbrock et al. Transportation Policy Strategies for Iowa to Advance the Quality of Life http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/6 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/6 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:19 PST In 2002, the Iowa Transportation Commission commissioned the Public Policy Center to develop a strategic plan to help guide major road investments. The three policy goals explored were: promoting economic development, encouraging sensible urban development patterns, and contributing to an improved quality of life. This report builds on that research by considering other transportation modes and using focus groups to assess public response to recommended policy directives. The monograph is structured as follows. First, we define each policy issue and discuss how transportation can play a role in addressing it. Perspectives of focus group participants are discussed, in light of the circumstances facing the state. We also examine available data pertaining to the issue. Finally, we tie together all of this information and make several specific recommendations regarding each policy issue. The recommendations combine the analysis of available data with insights derived from the focus group meetings.

]]> David J. Forkenbrock Environmental Justice and Transportation Investment Policy http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/5 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/5 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:06 PDT Environmental justice is concerned with a variety of public policy efforts to ensure that adverse human health or environmental effects of governmental activities do not fall disproportionately upon minority populations and low--‐income populations. In the realm of transportation, environmental justice means that transportation system changes such as road improvements are studied carefully to determine the nature, extent, and incidence of probable impacts, both favorable and adverse.

The objective of this project has been to develop a series of practical indicators of economic, social, and environmental impacts related to transportation system changes. Comparing the spatial incidence of these impacts with the locations of low--‐income populations and minority populations, it is possible to assess whether the impacts would adversely and disproportionately affect these populations. Our intent is to help make it possible for everyone who is likely to be affected by a particular transportation system change to understand the expected types and magnitudes of anticipated impacts. The objective of such an understanding is to enable those who would be affected to determine which impacts would be most important to them.

]]> David J. Forkenbrock et al. Iowa Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation System Review and Options for Improvements http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/4 http://ir.uiowa.edu/ppc_transportation/4 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:05 PDT Paul F. Hanley et al.