Improving Transport Project Appraisals
In the Islamic Countries
141
Tools
Project analysts enjoy considerable flexibility in performing their analyses. As a matter of fact,
no evidence of standard tools such as models or templates to be followed for analysis and
reporting has been found117. Moreover, no reference parameters and unit values are currently
provided in a prescriptive way. For cost-benefit analysis in the field of public transport, analysts
enjoyed flexibility as regards reference parameters and unit values as well. However, the future
guidelines on CBA, cost-risk analysis and wider economic benefits are expected to provide
reference parameters and unit values as well.
9.5 Content
Methodology
The multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is the method of appraisal currently used in the field of road
transport. In particular, a prioritization framework was developed in 2010 to be applied to
proposed primary and secondary road projects118. The framework prioritized the National Road
sections based on an MCA approach, the linear additive model, evaluating each scheme based on
criteria stemming from the goals established by Saudi authorities. The framework implemented
to prioritise projects followed a process graphically explained by the following flowchart
.
117 ` However, during the preparation of urban transport masterplans, PTA requires the development of standard travel
demand models.
118 Kaysi et al., 2010. Prioritization of National Road Projects in Saudi Arabia: Framework and Implementation , 12th World
Conference on Transport Research, Lisbon.