Application of Robustness Analysis for Developing a Procedure for Better Urban Transportation Planning Decisions

Robustness analysis can provide an approach to the structuring of transportation problems under conditions of uncertainty and where sequential, time-phase decision making is necessary. This paper demonstrates the potential of robustness analysis in urban transportation planning for choosing transportation investment projects. In the case study presented here, robustness analysis is used in conjunction with travel demand software. Findings from the case study indicate that the method is simple to understand and easy to use. The method also provides the flexibility required in typical urban planning problems by acknowledging the uncertainties associated with planning and thus leaving all options open for future adjustment.