A review of the contribution of multi-criteria analysis to the evaluation process of transportation projects

Abstract

It is well-known that a transport project is of multi-dimensional importance. However, the economic dimension of its effects dominates the evaluation of a transport project, in many cases, and less attention is given to other non-economic parameters. Within the framework of this article, the contribution of multi-criteria analysis (MCA) techniques to the evaluation of a transport system is presented and discussed. Their relative advantage is that they include not only economic criteria but also other qualitative criteria such as the environmental impacts. The latter is a very important factor in the evaluation process because it is directly connected to the sustainable character of the transport project each time. Case studies concerning the implementation of MCA techniques in the transport sector worldwide are also presented. A comparative evaluation of MCA techniques is also included in the article to assist in the selection process of the most appropriate technique(s) for a transport project.