Assessment method for prioritising transport measures and infrastructure development

The interplay between infrastructural development and transport policy measures requires comprehensive assessment methodologies to guide decision-making processes. Existing methodologies often fall short of encompassing the multifaceted nature of transport systems, the variety of stakeholder interests, and the broader social and environmental impacts. This chapter introduces the Assessment Method for Policy Options (AMPO), a framework designed to address this complexity by integrating cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and multi-criteria analysis (MCA) while promoting stakeholder engagement.

The background to this initiative stems from an identified gap within existing transport policy assessment frameworks. Traditional methods such as CBA, while methodologically sound, often overlook the socio-political dimensions inherent in infrastructure development and maintenance. Moreover, the dynamic nature of societal needs and environmental considerations calls for a more adaptive and inclusive approach to transport planning and assessment. In response to these challenges, the AMPO emerges as a comprehensive tool that aims not only to bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative analysis but also to harmonise the myriad perspectives and objectives of stakeholders.

This chapter defines the structure and application of the AMPO and highlights its potential as a tool for transport policy and infrastructure planning. The sections in this chapter are methodically structured to provide insights into the AMPO. Section 5.2 describes the scope and other aspects of the AMPO and provides clarity on its application and relevance. Section 5.3 explains the ten steps of the AMPO and provides a detailed guide to its implementation. Section 5.4 presents a case study that demonstrates the practical application and effectiveness of the AMPO in a real-life scenario. Section 5.5 introduces the AMPO tool, a digital tool designed to facilitate the application of the AMPO framework. Finally, Section 5.6 provides a synthesis of the findings and provides recommendations for the future application of the AMPO to ensure its continuous development and relevance for transport policy and infrastructure development.