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Urban Transit Cost-benefit Software Tool

Request a Copy of Transdec 
(for Canadian governments, transit authorities, universities, and non-governmental organizations)

Transport Canada is committed to promoting a sustainable transportation system - one that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible. Improving in public transit investment in Canada is a key element of the Government of Canada's strategy to advance this goal.

TransDec is a cost-benefit analysis software that provides a framework to assess multimodal and multi-criteria investment analysis. TransDec allows users to apply cost-benefit analysis to a wide range of prospective transit investments as well as rehabilitation and maintenance work. The framework is applicable to various transit modes, including stage bus systems (local and express bus service in regular street operation); bus rapid transit (buses in various types of dedicated rights-of-way); light rail; heavy rail; commuter rail; and highway investments. In addition to assessing traditional costs, it also estimates benefits related to greenhouse gas and pollution emission reduction, transportation safety, traffic congestion, increased mobility and community development.

TransDec is composed of four sub-models:

• New transit systems, for grade separated systems
• New transit systems, with transit in mixed traffic
• Transit modernization, maintenance and repair
• Highway investments

Since its initial release, TransDec has been used in several communities to evaluate transit proposals, including Montreal, Toronto, Waterloo, York, Vancouver and Ottawa-Gatineau. The TransDec User Guide will be continuously reviewed and improved when deemed necessary.

Transport Canada has a license agreement for the model with HDR|HLB Decision Economics, which is the sole owner of all rights to the model. The license allows Canadian governments, transit authorities, universities, non-governmental organizations and independent contractors working for these organizations to use the software free of charge.  A copy of the software can be obtained by emailing transdec@tc.gc.ca. All other potential users can purchase a commercial license directly from from HDR|HLB Decision Economics - (613) 233-6799. 

A User Manual for TransDec is available in hard-copy format only. The User Manual provides in-depth descriptions on variables included in the model, as well as, the underlying methodology used to estimate the costs and benefits of transit investment. If you wish to obtain a copy, please send an email to transdec@tc.gc.ca and provide your name, address and phone number.

Date modified:

2010-12-22

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