Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Origin-Destination Study • Pedestrian Master Plan • BRT Planning

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Term from Transportation Planning industry explained for recruiters

Cost-Benefit Analysis is a way to make smart decisions about transportation projects by comparing what they cost against what benefits they bring. It's like making a pros and cons list, but with actual numbers. Planners use this method to decide things like whether to build a new bridge, expand a highway, or start a new bus route. They look at both money-related factors (like construction costs) and other benefits (like saved travel time or fewer accidents). Similar terms you might see are "Economic Analysis," "Value for Money Assessment," or "Economic Appraisal." This is a key skill for transportation planners because it helps them show why certain projects are worth doing.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Cost-Benefit Analysis for a $50M highway expansion project

Led Cost-Benefit Analysis and Economic Analysis studies for public transit improvements

Developed Cost-Benefit Analysis methodology for evaluating bike infrastructure projects

Typical job title: "Transportation Planners"

Also try searching for:

Transportation Analyst Urban Planner Infrastructure Planner Project Economist Transportation Project Manager Planning Analyst Transit Planner

Where to Find Transportation Planners

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a Cost-Benefit Analysis for a controversial transportation project with strong community opposition?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing quantitative factors with community concerns, incorporating social impacts, and explaining how they would present findings to different stakeholders in an understandable way.

Q: How do you account for uncertainty in long-term Cost-Benefit Analysis projections?

Expected Answer: Should mention using sensitivity analysis, multiple scenarios, and risk assessment techniques to provide realistic ranges rather than single estimates.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when conducting a Cost-Benefit Analysis for a public transit project?

Expected Answer: Should mention both direct costs (construction, operation) and benefits (ridership, time savings), plus indirect impacts like environmental benefits and economic development.

Q: How do you determine what monetary value to assign to non-financial benefits?

Expected Answer: Should explain standard industry practices for valuing things like time savings, safety improvements, and environmental benefits, with reference to established guidelines.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic purpose of a Cost-Benefit Analysis?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a tool to compare project costs against expected benefits to help decide if a project is worthwhile and compare different options.

Q: What's the difference between quantitative and qualitative benefits in a Cost-Benefit Analysis?

Expected Answer: Should explain that quantitative benefits can be measured in numbers (like money saved or time reduced), while qualitative benefits are more descriptive (like improved community satisfaction).