Use of Performance Measures for Surface Transportation in Different Institutional and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

This paper examines the use of performance measures in three countries: Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The organizational context for the use of performance measures, the identification of key performance measures, and observations on interesting aspects of the performance-based planning approach used are discussed for each case. Attention is given in particular to performance measures relating to safety, congestion, and freight movement. The paper concludes by noting common characteristics of each case, including the use of a common framework for performance measurement, the importance of collaboration among different agencies for performance categories that transcend one policy area, the use of performance measures at different levels of planning and decision making, the vertical integration of information flow in agencies, the distinction between outcomes and outputs, the importance of data collection capability and the use of information technologies, the importance of performance measurement as a means of providing greater accountability and visibility to the public, and the need for top management leadership and commitment in the development and use of a performance measurement scheme.