Author: John M. Muth, Ronald W. Eck

Date of Publication:  1999 (?)

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Transportation Research Board, Committee on Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

Report No:

Abstract:

The U.S. Department of Transportation developed a resource allocation model to assist state highway agencies in setting priorities for rail-highway grade crossing improvement programs. Because of the size of the supporting data bases, use of the model has required a mainframe computer. Use of the micro- computer for the resource allocation model avoids the lengthy turnaround times and high costs associated with mainframes. The process of adapting the model and associated data bases to an Apple II+ microcomputer is described. Data needed by the user are manipulated on a mainframe by using an appropriate data base management system. When the data for a given state are in an acceptable format, they are transferred to diskette using a commercial communications software package. The user can then implement the programs that make up the resource allocation model. Guidance on implementing the package is given. The adapted programs are written in Applesoft BASIC and are user friendly. The resource allocation procedure has been made interactive; users can change fund- ing levels or equipment costs and determine in a matter of minutes the impact on the grade crossing program. Several conclusions have been drawn and recom- mendations made. Various methods for making the results of this effort available to interested parties are suggested.
 

No. of Pages:  9