HNTB used TREDIS for its analysis of the Michigan DOT statewide rail plan. The plan addresses "state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation, including commuter rail operations. It presents priorities and strategies to enhance or preserve rail service that benefits the public, and serves as the basis for future federal and state rail investments in the state." Supporting this plan, TREDIS was used to show the economic value of goods movement, and cross-border trade patterns, and the expected economic impacts of implementing rail system enhancements across the state.
The analysis included an assessment of the conditions and trends faced by rail –dependent industries in Michigan, and an assessment of the role that rail will play in the economic future of the state. TREDIS was used in two ways: (1) to evaluate economic impacts, and (2) to show the relative societal benefits and costs (and benefit/cost ratio) associated with proposed of rail system enhancements.
