In conducting the study, the project team is using a variety of analytical techniques, comparative analysis and greater depth of study to develop new solutions for the challenges facing DOT and AMHS.
Comparative Analysis
The west coast is home to Washington State Ferries, British Columbia Ferries and the Alaska Marine Highways, three of the largest ferry systems in North America. There are many lessons to learn from one another. During the last 10 years, BC Ferries in particular has worked hard to solve many of the same issues facing the Alaska system. The team looked closely at BC Ferries in order to bring forward relevant “lessons learned.” Read more »
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
Life-cycle costing is an important tool for asset-intensive organizations, such as Alaska Ferries. It is being used to analyze the on going operating cost, maintenance cost and capital cost of each ship. The outputs determine the best level of maintenance and the most appropriate time to retire and replace vessels. It is also provides a full cost and revenue model to generate detailed, long range, financial forecasts. Read more »
Service Options Analysis
During the 1st phase of the project the project team has defined a set of service options, representing a range of possibilities, offering both more and less service than the 2008-09 service plan as a starting point for analysis. The options analysis will assess the impact on users and on subsidies…. and provide an important information base for the public involvement phase. The analysis will assist decision makers and all involved parties to determine a balance between service quality, fares and subsidy. Read more »