Quantifying Impact of Transportation Systems

The stochastic supply and demand analysis method suggested in this paper represents an attempt to provide a technique applicable to the analysis of a large number of resources. However, the key point is not the elaboration of this particular method but rather the demonstration of the need and benefit achieved from the comprehensive analysis of environmental resources. Engineering, in general, and those in the transportation field specifically, have been criticized severely for what is termed insensitivity to the harm caused by their projects. This is not a just indictment. Still, many projects are being blocked or delayed that could well prove highly beneficial. A prime reason for this difficulty is the inability to demonstrate need in the face of environmental damage. It is important to develop the analytical tools to meet the need for total resource evaluation before alternative methods are thrust upon us outside our discipline.