Case Study:

Portland, Oregon

Methodology

Level of Effort

The analysis described here took roughly 12 person-weeks including the STEAM analysis, REMI analysis, and intermediate data conversion procedures. This assumes that the necessary travel demand model output and freight data have been acquired.

For the individual analysis components, STEAM requires roughly two to three person days to analyze an alternative of two networks and eight to 12 trip tables. This estimate includes one day for setting up input files and one day of computer time for doing actual runs. The analysis time would be considerably shorter if the network was not run, but instead only the post-processing of user benefits was performed. Roughly two person-weeks are required to convert outputs from STEAM into inputs for REMI, run REMI, and process the outputs for a set of alternatives. This assumes that some type of model (such as a spreadsheet) is set up to do the required data conversions. REMI itself is quite easy to use. It operates in a Windows environment, and inputs and outputs can be cut and pasted from a spreadsheet application. Run time is minimal.

The STEAM software is available free from FHWA. The cost of the REMI model varies depending upon the rental period and the size of the area being modeled. Contact REMI for quotes on specific areas.

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