Project Evaluation

For a successful project, it is imperative to carry out a socio-economic evaluation that

includes both quantified and non-quantified benefits. A socio-economic evaluation can help
determine whether infrastructure development is economically sound.

As a global city, Sydney Metro comes with a wide range of economic benefits that enhance
the quality of life of its citizens. Its public spaces are more accessible because of these
benefits.

According to the proponent's revised economic evaluation (May 2017), conventional

transportation has several major benefits with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.3. In addition to
a significant economic benefit as well as a benefit for city shaping, the BCR rises to 1.7 [1]
after taking into account both these benefits [1]. A broader economic benefit is defined as
those which increase the value of conventional transportation benefits as a result of changes
in land use. These are the benefits that are categorized under the heading of “broader
economic benefits”. These are benefits resulting from changes in land use that increase
productivity as a result of land use changes, as well as benefits resulting from more efficient
land use [2].

Tangible Benefits:

Consumer Benefits:

It is important to note that the customer experience has been enhanced by levels of comfort,
technological advances, as well as ease of accessibility never before experienced in public
transport in Australia [3].

 In peak times, there is a train running every four minutes in both directions, so people
don't need to worry about timetables, they just need to be on the lookout for the next
metro train, and then they are on their way.

 The carriages of each metro train contain two wheelchair spaces. In addition, priority
seating is reserved for those with additional mobility needs on the train to
accommodate them. Aside from that, there are also two multipurpose areas on board
each train where prams, luggage, and bicycles can be stored.

 Having lifts directly connected to platforms and wide Opal gates for station access
will enable everyone to have an easy journey to and from the station. As well as audio
hearing loops, metro stations also incorporate unique design features such as lighting
in order to assist people in finding their way to the train stations by pointing them in
the right direction.
  As compared with an existing suburban railway line, the new generation of railways
will be able to transmit nearly twice as many people in an hour - more than 40,000
people - than the one currently in service.

Metro Operators:

As a NSW Government agency, the operators offer several benefits, such as free and
discounted travel and a stable employment status with a range of career options. These
include the possibility of becoming a bus driver, a fleet and maintenance manager, a safety
officer, or an apprentice. Non-Senior Service employees receive a minimum of four weeks of
paid leave per year with leave loading. They also receive up to 15 days of sick leave or
caregiver's leave. Keeping relevant knowledge, experiences, and transferrable skills is in the
employe long-term interest [4].

Annualisation Factors:

A proposed change in the NSW Rail Standard for rail projects made by the NSW
Government has resulted in a reduction in the annualisation uplift of 288 days, a time frame
less than the 300 days prescribed for rail projects under this standard. A revised economic
analysis has been prepared by the proponent according to the revised economic analysis,
which is based on the standard annualization factor of the New South Wales economy

Intangible Benefits:

Network Resilience:

Providing an alternative crossing of Sydney's harbour, the project connects the north of
Sydney with the CBD to South west. In the long run, this project will improve the resilience
of Sydney's transport network as a result of the work being done. The proponent of the
project has included the benefits of network resilience in the business case for the project, but
these benefits have not been quantified in the economic analysis of the project, despite the
fact that the business case for the project makes use of them.

Appraisal Period:

According to the standard guidance provided by the proponent, the appraisal period for the
project should be thirty years. However, there are assets included within the project, such as
the tunnel, which may serve the taxpayer for many decades to come. In accordance with the
guidelines of the Australian Transport Assessment and Planning Authority, it was determined
that it was appropriate to adopt a 50-year assessment period for the project. I think this would
make a huge difference to the BCR. [5]

More Employment Opportunities:

It is the employment opportunities that are generated by the Sydney Metro project that
provide the greatest intangible benefit. Approximately 30,000 additional direct jobs are
estimated to be generated for Western Sydney by the year 2020 as a result of the construction
of this project, according to Australia's 2015 report. By attracting more businesses to the
metro and its surrounding area, there will be more indirect jobs created as a result. The
creation of new jobs means that people will be able to earn more money and spend more
money. As a result, this would create a multiplier effect that would stimulate the economy in
a positive way

More Business Opportunities

The Sydney metro project offers many benefits, including the creation of new communities
and business opportunities for investors, as well as a number of other benefits. By utilizing
these opportunities, the greater Sydney regional area is expected to benefit from the
opportunities that are being presented, in addition to spurring economic development in the
Greater Sydney region

Better Connectivity

In terms of connecting the people and business, a new airport is a advantage when it comes to
providing ease of transportation facilities. A new airport will provide convenience for
businesses and consumers as it will enhance passenger and freight movements in terms of
cost and time. We expect that this will enhance both the quality of life in the surrounding area
and the profitability of businesses in the area. [6]
References

[1] N. Government, "Project Evaluation Summary," Infrastructure Australia , Sydney, 2017.

[2] "Project Evaluation Summary," Infrastructure Australia, 2017.

[3] J. Lamonte, "Sydney Metro: a game changer for passengers," [Online]. Available:
https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-articles/91304/sydney-metro-a-game-changer-
for-passengers/.

[4] C. C. Kite, "TRANSPORT FOR NSW AND SYDNEY METRO SALARIES," Transport for NSW, Sydney,
2019.

[5] S. M. West, "Scoping Report of Sydney Metro".

[6] N. D. a. P. Thornton, "Passenger Benefits of Sydney Metro," Sydney, 2019.

Appendix:
Tangible Benefits
Benefit Name Data Figure How it was collected Data Source
Consumer Benefit 6,300 million Directly extracted from pp 6, WSA Project
PV (2017) the report Brief (Infrastructure
Australia Project
Business Case
Evaluation, 2018)
Metro Operator 1,500 million Directly extracted from pp 6, WSA Project
Benefits PV (2017) the report Brief (Infrastructure
Australia Project
Business Case
Evaluation, 2018)

Intangible Benefits Table

Benefit Description
More Employment Intangible in financial terms.
Opportunities Create around of 20,000 additional direct jobs by 2050. More indirect jobs
are created by the growth the businesses sparked by the airport circle
(Deloitte Australia, 2013).
Better Connectivity Intangible in financial terms.
Enhance the quality of life and business by providing convenient travel
and freight.
More business New communities and bring in business opportunities for investors.
opportunities

Table 4: Connectivity in Sydney Metro [6]

Salary Benefits of Metro Operators: