Methodology for Evaluating the Cost and Benefit of Advanced Braking and Coupling Systems

摘要

The report presents a quantitative methodology for evaluating the costs and benefits of advanced railroad braking and coupling systems. Starting with a specification of the performance characteristics of candidate systems, the methodology employs four major elements to enable the user to compute financial impact and identify institutional changes required. The operations element is used to evaluate required manpower and operational changes and to estimate incremental costs for road and yard operations. The dynamics element deals primarily with accident and maintenance costs. Under the category of equipment, new maintenance procedures are identified and incremental equipment costs are estimated. Finally, the financial and institutional element is used to determine the likely results of developing and introducing advanced systems. This methodology is being utilized to evaluate the costs and benefit of nineteen candidate systems.