Lifecycle Benefit-Cost Analysis of Underground Freight Transportation Systems

Abstract

Underground freight transportation (UFT) is a class of automated transportation systems in which vehicles carry freight through tunnels or pipelines under roadways between intermodal terminals. The UFT systems increase the current freight movement capacity and alleviate the problems associated with the fast growing need for freight transportation. Despite the inherent UFT benefits to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety and security of freight transportation while improving sustainability, a detailed lifecycle benefit-cost analysis is yet required to explicitly show planners and decision makers the economic feasibility of such systems. The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive lifecycle benefit-cost analysis of linear induction motor-based UFT systems for five different scenarios. This methodology includes the following steps: (1) developing UFT scenarios with different sizes (small, medium, and large) and routes (short and long) in collaboration with a stakeholder committee; (2) determining lifecycle cash flows; (3) calculating net present values, benefit-cost ratios, and internal rates of returns; (4) conducting sensitivity analysis; and (5) performing breakeven analysis. The results of this research show that the highest benefits of the UFT systems are revenue from shipment and reduction in air pollution. The internal rates of return, benefit-cost ratios, and net present values of the UFT scenarios indicate that the benefits offset the costs of the system. Results of sensitivity analysis show that the economic feasibility of the large and medium-size UFTs is more sensitive to tunnel construction cost and revenue from shipments. They also indicate that the economic feasibility of the UFT system with a short route and small size is more sensitive to higher discount rates and the policies concerning the shipment pricing. Results of breakeven analysis highlight a shorter payback period for the large and medium-size UFTs compared with small-size scenarios. The results show that the price of shipment for all the UFT scenarios is highly competitive compared with the current price of shipment by trucks.