Q . Explain this case study in simple words and make thesis statement.

Case study

CVISN

Description of Project

The project was a nationwide expansion of the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) Program, which provides electronic credentialing and screening of commercial vehicles to improve their safety and efficiency. The CVISN program was begun by the Office of Motor Carriers of the FHWA in the mid-1990s as a Model Deployment Initiative. It was implemented in Maryland and Virginia in 1996, and later in eight additional states.

Purpose of Project

The project is intended to enhance the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles nationwide. Benefits include lower costs for vehicle credentialing and operations and more effective safety inspections. Trucks with good safety records save time by bypassing inspection stations at highway speeds. The public benefits from the program through decreased energy consumption and noise pollution. In addition, a more effective inspection system will result in safer commercial vehicles on the road and thus fewer heavy truck accidents.

Uses of the Results

This analysis will be used to examine the potential benefits and costs of implementing a nationwide CVISN program. This information can help determine whether the program would be a prudent public investment.

Agency Perspective

The Office of Motor Carriers in the FHWA, now called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), established the CVISN program and the Model Deployment Initiative. They are interested in determining the net benefits of a nationwide implementation of the program.

Critique Strengths and Weaknesses

This report provides a thorough benefit-cost analysis for a proposed commercial vehicle Intelligent Transportation System. This analysis is particularly interesting because private firms (trucking companies) experience many of the benefits. However, there is currently only a small body of literature pertaining to value of time for commercial vehicles, so an accurate time value for heavy trucks may be difficult to estimate. A sensitivity analysis could have been used to determine how the results would differ with a different value of time.

In addition, a more thorough explanation of the alternatives considered could be helpful. As they are defined in this report, the alternatives are a little difficult to follow. Finally, a more detailed description of the models used would be helpful.