Performance Measurement Frameworks and Development of Effective Sustainable Transport Strategies and Indicators

Abstract

This paper identifies seven attributes of robust performance measurement systems by analyzing five performance measurement frameworks and their use of transportation system performance indicators. The attributes are then used to examine three case studies from Europe and the United States to demonstrate the value of performance measurement frameworks for developing and improving sustainable transportation strategies and indicators. The case studies point to important considerations in formulating a robust sustainable transportation strategy at different levels of governance and also indicate the importance of ensuring alignment in an agency's vision, objectives, and monitoring systems. The characteristics of an effective framework for the development of sustainable transportation strategies include a comprehensive sustainability objective, a good connection to the goals and objectives of an agency, and vertical and horizontal integration. In addition, a framework should capture the interactions among variables, reflect stakeholder perspectives, and consider the capabilities and constraints of the agency and should be flexible to foster self-learning.

Building a Metaframework for Sustainable Transport Indicators

“…The conceptualization should be comprehensive in addressing all relevant factors, reflecting fundamental and non-negotiable principles of sustainability (2,12). A holistic perspective on sustainability recognizes the transport system as a complex and dynamic aspect of larger social, environmental, economic and governance systems (2,12). It considers the transport system boundaries with a view to risks of unintended, induced or rebound effects outside of it (9,25).…”

“…Sustainability should be explicitly conceptualized, with a firm grounding in sustainable development theory (3,5). The conceptualization should be comprehensive in addressing all relevant factors, reflecting fundamental and non-negotiable principles of sustainability (2,12). A holistic perspective on sustainability recognizes the transport system as a complex and dynamic aspect of larger social, environmental, economic and governance systems (2,12).…”

“…Marsden et al (3) also speak of a framework for selecting (performance) indicators, but refer to the need for a wider framework for transport strategy development. Also Pei et al (2) refer to conceptual frameworks (such as the Triple Bottom line) used for the development of sustainable transportation indicators, as well as making suggestions for a framework to develop sustainable transportation strategies. Litman (14) is one of the few providing a definition of 'indicator frameworks', understood as conceptual structures linking indicators to a theory, purpose, or planning process.…”

“…Some studies go a long way in typologizing different existing frameworks (1) and some suggest criteria for what should be covered in STI frameworks (2). However, the studies do not always agree about what is meant by a framework, what is assumed to be the precise role of the framework in practice, or how a framework is meant to help agencies make decisions that are actually more sustainable.…”

“…According to several studies in this field, the best approach is not to simply add a few sustainable transportation indicators (STI) to an agency's existing performance measurement system. The recommendation is rather to integrate sustainability principles and goals at the higher level of strategic planning and performance measurement and then to derive a set of indicators that serves this purpose (1)(2)(3)(4). If successful, this approach is likely to result in a more meaningful approach to sustainability by an agency than simply parachuting in a few indicators into an otherwise unaltered practice.…”