Methodology for the comprehensive evaluation and comparison of urban transportation planning models (Puerto Rico)

The principal purpose of this study is the development of a methodology to perform a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of urban transportation planning (UTP) computer software packages and their application in small to mid-sized urban areas in Puerto Rico. The methodology being developed and applied consists of five stages which are: computer software selection, evaluation of capabilities and limitations, the development of a case study, the comparison of the results, and the development of conclusions and recommendations.; The computer models selected based on the parameters presented in the report were QRS II, TRANPLAN and EMME/2. The models are first evaluated based on their practical aspects and ranked based on the criteria using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for multilevel evaluation.; The next stage is the development of a case study to develop a transportation plan for a mid-sized urban area in Puerto Rico, using the programs with the two best scores from the ranking process. The case study is developed for the urban area of Mayagüez. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...