TY - RPRT AN - 01626808 AU - Rodriguez, Edwin Adilson AU - Barnea, Avital AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Annual Report on FY 2016 Public Transportation Innovation Research Projects PY - 2017/02 SP - 82p AB - This report provides information on projects funded under Chapter 53 of Title 49 Section 5312 as amended by Federal public transportation law, Section 3008, and notes proposed allocation of appropriated funds for FY 2017. Consistent with FY 2015, FTA focused eligible projects in three strategic priority areas of mobility, asset management and asset innovation, and safety. Projects in these areas promoted public transportation innovation to improve operations, infrastructure, and the travelers’ experience. For active projects in FY 2016, twenty-four percent ($36.8 million) were associated with safety; fifty-nine percent ($91.5 million) were associated with asset management and asset innovation; thirteen percent ($21.1 million) were associated with mobility; and four percent ($5.9 million) were for supportive services across all research areas. In 2016, FTA’s Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation managed a total research portfolio of $155,413,775. KW - Annual reports KW - Asset management KW - Government funding KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit safety KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FY2106%20Section%205312%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447144 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551877 TI - Understanding Changes in Demographics, Preferences and Markets for the Transit Industry AB - There is general agreement that demographic and psychographic shifts in the American population are occurring that could have major (positive) impacts for the transit community. To date, however, no single source document has been created for transit managers, advocates, and elected officials that examines how these changes might impact transit markets over the coming decades. The present literature documents the way different generations make decisions about their residential location, auto ownership, scale of vehicle miles of travel (VMT), and, perhaps most importantly, the changing role of the private auto as it reflects these behavioral changes. That literature provides a setting that improves the ability of analysts and practitioners to understand how changes in demographics and, more specifically, changes in attitudes and preferences associated with different age groups and other demographic categories influence transportation behavior. It is therefore proposed that a systematic research effort be undertaken to bring the subject of both demographic change and change in attitudes and preferences by demographic subgroup to the study of transit services and associated patterns of walking and biking. The proposed handbook would help the leaders of the transit industry design specific services for specific market segments. Throughout the last 60 years, continuous growth in automobile reliance (as measured by vehicle ownership and VMT) was simply taken for granted. A wide variety of data sources now suggest that VMT per person has flattened and recently declined for a variety of reasons. Questions exist in the transportation research community as to whether this change is permanent or merely reflects a profound impact on mobility caused, at least in part, by changing economic conditions. Some believe, for example, that even an empirically documented propensity by younger Americans to decrease their reliance on private automobiles is something which will erode as they enter later phases of the life cycle. Alternatively, others believe that the preference for a lifestyle based on walking, biking and transit is creating an altered transportation behavior that will persist over the changes in life stages. Researchers are now challenging an older model of residential choice in which the desire for more residential space overwhelms concerns about longer commuting trip distances, resulting in near automatic pro-sprawl transportation behavior. Rather, an altered form of equilibrium may be taking hold in American cities. Recently, a 2013 study reports that 61% of those sampled would not increase auto commute times to facilitate the choice of a bigger house, consistent with a general pattern where Generation Y members express more interest in compact neighborhoods than those of older generations (Urban Land Institute, 2013). The proposed research would place larger demographic trends and concepts in terms relevant to the managers and proponents of public transportation and examine in some detail product and service preferences of the emerging groups. A proposed analytical framework would allow alternative scenarios for the future to be examined in terms of the likely impact on future markets for transit ridership. While predicting the future is impossible, strategically preparing for alternative futures is something the transit industry can and should address proactively. The objective of this research would be to provide the transit community with information about how transportation markets are (and are not) shifting in terms of their attitudes, preferences and behaviors. Armed with this information, transit managers and administrators can better plan for the needs of an evolving market. The products from the research would be based on a national data collection effort to specifically translate demographic generalizations into actionable strategies for those supportive of the transit-oriented lifestyle. While a major focus of the research would be on the transportation behavior of younger age cohorts, the research would also gather information about changes in attitudes and preferences for older groups, including those facing the decision to give up driving and surrender their driver's license. Other demographic patterns to be observed include similar variation relative to such issues as family formation (size), and population composition in terms of race and ethnicity. The final deliverable of this research would be a handbook that (1) would set the recent developments in applied demographics into the context of evolving transit markets; (2) would document how variation in attitudes and preferences for transportation behaviors vary by demographic group, focusing particularly on generational changes associated with the age of the cohort, and its life stage; and (3) would present an analytical framework that relates alternative future demographic scenarios to predicted impact upon transit ridership. This research would build directly upon other research applying these concepts in a manner aimed at managers in the transit industry. This research will incorporate known demographic trends into the planning and analysis of public transportation in a systematic and disciplined manner. KW - Age groups KW - Attitudes KW - Behavior KW - Consumer preferences KW - Demographics KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Strategic planning KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3747 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342009 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624200 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 16-01. Updated Guide to Buy America Requirements AB - This research will examine privacy legal issues in public transportation and paratransit services arising from Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and other privacy laws. Public Transportation, including paratransit services, especially Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services, maintain extensive records about their clients. These include: application materials filed by clients or their health professionals during the eligibility process; records created during the review of these applications; and databases, updated as service is provided, which record customers' destinations including clinics, hospitals, doctors offices, and dialysis centers. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Health care services KW - Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act KW - Legal factors KW - Paratransit services KW - Privacy KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3947 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447186 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624201 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 16-02. Legal Issues Concerning Transit Agency Use of Electronic Customer Data, Estimated Compensation AB - This study topic should examine privacy issues associated with the acquisition, storage and use of customer financial and trip data, including but not limited to ownership of data; who can access the data; what data may be accessed and under what conditions; permissible and appropriate monetization of such data; how long the information should be stored; safeguards against hacking and misuse; and other obligations of the transit authorities, contractors, and other holders of the data. The study will also explore agreements between the customer and the agency, the agency and the financial institution, and any other body in the chain of control of the data. KW - Customers KW - Data collection KW - Data storage KW - Legal factors KW - Privacy KW - Security KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3948 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447185 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624203 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 16-03. Public Transit Emergency Preparedness against Ebola and Other Infectious Diseases: Legal Issues AB - This study topic should examine responses to infectious disease epidemics in order to identify legal issues that may be confronted by transit agencies. Such responses may include but not be limited to closures of public facilities, businesses, and other major traffic generators; checkpoints for screening; quarantine zones; compulsory leave for employees with fevers; refusals of employees to come to work; disinfection measures; pre-screening of passengers; and full or partial suspension of service. The study should evaluate privacy and civil rights of patrons and employees, as well as liability issues. KW - Civil rights KW - Communicable diseases KW - Health hazards KW - Legal factors KW - Passenger screening KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3949 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447184 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624204 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 16-04. Technology Contracting for Transit Projects AB - This project shall examine issues that transit attorneys should be aware of when drafting technology contracts. The report should address how these issues may differ depending on the nature of the contract, the type of technology being procured, and whether the system is controlled by the agency or is “in the cloud” (SaaS). For example, is the technology being developed exclusively for the transit agency or is the agency procuring open source software? What if the system contains layers of both off-the-shelf and custom software products? What technical terminology must an attorney know in order to draft appropriate contract terms (e.g, the distinction between software configuration and customization)? What issues may arise when the system being procured must interface with another, perhaps proprietary or much older (legacy) system? What competitive solicitation concerns must be addressed when a technology system is being procured in conjunction with a larger project, such as a construction project? Can the best value of the technology system be obtained when issuing a construction contract through a low bid? Or should another delivery method be employed, such as design build? KW - Attorneys KW - Construction projects KW - Contract administration KW - Design build KW - Legal factors KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3950 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447183 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624206 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 17-02. Legal Implications of Video Surveillance on Transit Systems AB - As technology has improved and costs have decreased, transit systems throughout the country have installed video surveillance systems in their buses, trains, and stations. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Syntheses 90, Video Surveillance Uses by Rail Transit Agencies, and other compilations have highlighted the prevalence of video use by transit systems. The widespread use of such video surveillance systems has generated numerous legal issues, such as a system’s ability to utilize video to discipline employees, both union and non-union, safety issues associated with such use, public access to such video, and retention policies regarding video, among others. Legal issues that should be addressed include: (1) What federal and representative state laws protect the privacy of those under surveillance, and what are the current practices employed to comply with those laws? (2) What federal and representative state laws provide for or deny public access to surveillance records and what are the current practices employed to comply with public access requirements in a cost-effective manner that protects privacy rights? (3) What federal and representative state laws affect audio portions of surveillance records and what are the current practices employed to comply with those laws? (4) What federal and representative state laws provide for the retention of such video and what are the current practices used to comply with these regulations? (5) What are the employment implications for using inward facing cameras that record the activities of operators and what are the current practices for addressing those issues? (6) What policies are in place to determine when employees must activate or are forbidden from deactivating surveillance equipment, what legal issues are raised by these policies, and what are the current practices for instituting and enforcing policies? (7) What are the implications of the employment of surveillance equipment, record retention practices, and public access requirements on tort litigation? KW - Data storage KW - Policy, legislation and regulation KW - Privacy KW - State of the practice KW - Surveillance KW - Transit Cooperative Research Program KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Video cameras UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4303 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447181 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01628076 TI - Location Aware Networks Optimizing Use of Transit AB - This project will provide blind riders of public transportation the ability to detect their approaching bus, and while on the bus, the ability to detect their approaching stop. The system is designed to relay location information to blind travelers of the public transit agency. The team will develop the system and test the method to advance it to a prototype for implementation and potential commercialization. The testing will take place on bus routes at Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). Detailed information on the interaction of blind and visually impaired (BVIs) riders with elements of the public transit system will be provided to the operator. KW - Blind persons KW - Boarding and alighting KW - Bus transit operations KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders KW - Visually impaired persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4317 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1458504 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01622195 TI - Practices and Recommendations Concerning Determination of End-of-Life of Transit Traction Power Cables and Determination of Replacement Criteria AB - The transit industry utilizes jacketed insulated cable for traction power supply and negative return cables between traction power substations, tie switches, and point of delivery to the vehicles, whether third (contact) rail or overhead contact system (OCS). In addition, third rail systems have jumper cables to provide continuity of power around expansion joints in the third rail. The outer jacket as used for traction power cable as well as for lower voltage power distribution and signal/communication systems typically has a specified life of thirty (30) years. Many of the transit systems in the United States are that age or greater. In addition, major storms along the east coast of the U.S. have inundated transit tunnels with not just tons of fresh water, but sea water as well. A lot of the cables within the transit tunnels have had failures due to the water penetrating through the outer jacket and causing damage to the hygroscopic insulation and also causing corrosion of the copper conductor within the insulation. Many of the transit tunnels that connect Manhattan with the other boroughs of New York City were flooded during Hurricane Sandy, as well as other major storms. Transit agencies in the New York City region, including northern New Jersey, sustained major water damage during Hurricane Sandy. Inspections of traction power, signaling, and remote-operated track switch machines revealed cables with repeated damage from Hurricane Sandy as well as storms in years past. In subway tunnels from Manhattan to New Jersey, the conduits themselves have degraded to the point where they cannot be cleaned out and reused for their original purpose. In Washington, DC, cable fires have occurred due to the degradation of traction power cable sheathing and insulation. The objective of this research is to develop a set of guidelines for determining when to replace transit system cables. The research will include a study of current practice for measuring insulation aging and replacement and pro-active replacement of cables before failure. In addition, the research will include current practice concerning cable replacement in transit systems for which there is no monitoring system. Research into cable monitoring systems, such as monitors that measure cable shield to earth ground resistance trends should also be included. KW - Cable cars KW - Cable railroads KW - Contact wire KW - Floods KW - Hurricane Sandy, 2012 KW - Insulating materials KW - New York (New York) KW - Power factor (Electricity) KW - Third rail KW - Tunnels KW - Washington (District of Columbia) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4292 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442154 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01622196 TI - Improving the Health and Safety of the Transit Workforce with Corresponding Impacts on the Bottom-Line AB - Research has documented that driving a bus is one of the most unhealthy occupations due in part, to stress, physical demands of vehicle operation, work environment, sedentary nature of the job, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and other related poor life style choices. Additionally, transit professionals often have inadequate, fragmented health care, do not actively participate in their health care/treatment decision making, and do not rigorously follow recommended treatment regimes. Initial research has determined that health issues often go undetected, health conditions are not routinely monitored, and conditions are often over- or under-treated. These circumstances not only impact the transit professionals’ well-being, but threaten their ability to perform essential job functions safely. Uncontrolled illness coupled with the use of potentially impairing prescription medications (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications pose significant risk to transit professionals and the riding public. Loss of well-trained employees, absenteeism, worker's compensation claims, health care benefits, and risk management expenses are just a few of the costs that continue to escalate as a result. Improving the health and safety of the transit workforce and keeping quality employees on the job longer promises to be a source of cost savings. The objective of this research is to determine the current status of the public transportation workforce and to identify implementable strategies to address related employee health, fitness-for-duty, work conditions, and safety issues that promise to extend longevity and productivity of transit professionals, create a healthier workforce, and generate cost-savings to the transit industry. This research promises to quantify the status of the transit workforce and the transit industry's response to the current and impending dilemma facing the future of public transportation. Successful programs will be identified and transferrable components documented and quantified, where possible. Pilot programs will also be identified to demonstrate various alternative approaches. Examples of policies, procedures, forms, and other implementation aids will be collected as well as "lessons learned." Issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), privacy regulations, medical authority, mitigation of negative work condition impacts, and other related concerns will also be addressed. Sufficient detail will be provided to create a starting point for transit systems to initiate a successful program embraced by both management and labor. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Bus drivers KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Health care KW - Labor force KW - Medication KW - Public health KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Workers compensation UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4293 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442153 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01622197 TI - Procurement Guidelines for Bus Operator Seating and Controls AB - Two decades ago, the remarkable Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 25: Bus Operator Workstation Evaluation and Design Guidelines, was published. Its partial update, TCRP Report 185: Bus Operator Workstation Design for Improving Occupational Health and Safety was just released, revisiting the packaging of the driver’s work station. However, due to funding limitations, critical systems such as seats, pedals, and steering were not examined. In recent years, substantial progress has occurred in the design of these systems, and the industry has great need for guidance in evaluating and implementing these significant options for improving operator health while reducing time loss, disability and external liability. The surprising scale of that opportunity has been shown in multiple research papers showing that the job of bus operator is among the least healthy job classifications. Time loss is several hundred percent higher than for the average in the United States (U.S.) working population. Musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, or wrist, elbow and shoulder pain, all are endemic in transit and new “active” systems for seating and steering, for example, have been proven to reduce these problems. Agencies need assistance in understanding and evaluating these currently available technologies. In a time of extreme financial pressure on our nation’s transit agencies, the opportunity to reduce rates of time loss, injury, and disability is of great importance. The proposed research objective is to complete the work of TCRP Report 185, covering progress in the engineering of seats, steering, pedals, and controls where significant advances have been proven to reduce injuries, reduce costs, and improve safety performance. These critical updates to TCRP Report 25 were not feasible within the TCRP Report 185 budget and would greatly benefit the industry. An analysis of the how TCRP Reports 25 and 185 have contributed to the design and procurement process will be used to improve the content, layout, and dissemination of the final document. The product of the research will be a user-friendly manual that will allow agencies to address ergonomic concerns in the physical operating environment and evaluate the cost effectiveness of available options. As part of that work, the standards and processes for evaluating these technologies could be framed as a model for agencies examining future evolutions of these systems. KW - Bus drivers KW - Guidelines KW - Occupational safety KW - Procurement KW - Public health KW - Seats KW - Steering systems KW - Transit Cooperative Research Program KW - Work area UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4294 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442152 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01622198 TI - Guidebook for Integrating Transportation and Health Care Providers AB - The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act mandates that the federal interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) improve services for making trips to medical facilities, stressing the importance of effective partnerships between transportation and health care providers. Building partnerships will require a robust dialogue, the development of a shared vision, and overcoming many challenges. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has initiated and supported several important efforts to improve access to healthcare and build coordination between transportation and healthcare providers. In 2015 FTA launched the Rides to Wellnessto find solutions that increase access to care, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. initiative to increase partnerships between health and transportation providers and show the positive financial benefit of such partnerships. In 2016 FTA released over $5M in Rides to Wellness grants In June 2016 FTA sponsored a workshop that brought transportation planners, researchers, and service providers together with health care researchers and providers to explore critical issues. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. (http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/PublicHealth/TransitandHealthcare.aspx) FTA is funding a community scan through Health Outreach Partners to answer important questions including: How does lack of transportation impact healthcare costs, including missed appointments? What percent of missed appointments are due to transportation issues? What are the direct costs associated with missed appointments? What are the indirect costs associated with missed appointments? The Affordable Care Act and other recent policies and programs are providing incentives to consider and implement strategies, such as cross-sector partnerships, to meet the social needs of patients. As one example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched in early 2016 the Accountable Health Communities initiative, which will evaluate health system approaches to meet the social needs (including transportation) of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. One of the three tracks of the initiative aims to “encourage partner alignment to ensure that community services are available and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.” There is a need to review the findings of these projects, identify and address numerous challenges, and develop a guide for professionals in health and transportation to build effective partnerships and support each other’s missions. The health care sector is striving to ensure access to health care for all eligible people, help more people access free health screenings that could reduce the cost of care, and reduce missed appointments. The Transportation sector is striving to improve mobility and access for many trip purposes, including work, shopping, social, and importantly, health care. It needs additional investment and new service alternatives to improve access to all destinations and to support the goals of health care providers. Measuring the value of these activities is challenging since there is inadequate data to help both health care and transportation providers communicate, assess, and report on the value derived from partnerships. In addition, funding mechanisms create additional challenges: in the health area money often follows the person, so it is at an individual level; and in public transportation funding largely flows to a transit system–from Federal formula grants. These funding mechanisms present difficulties in cost-sharing, an area currently being explored by the Coordinated Council on Access and Mobility – the interagency council charged with finding ways to coordinate transportation across federal agencies. The complexity of transportation access to health care suggests the need for a research roadmap to identify next steps and future research priorities for advancing these efforts. There are many important research questions that must be answered such as: How can technology solutions integrate scheduling and dispatching for both health care appointments and needed transportation services? How does the flow of funding at both a person-level and transit-system-level help or hinder health and transportation coordination? How will fewer missed appointments impact health outcomes and health care costs? How can transportation be considered as part of health care payment reform efforts (to account for where funding comes from and where value is realized)? What institutional models have been tried and what lessons, both good and bad, can be learned about various institutional model? The objectives of this research are to prepare two important deliverables: A guidebook on effective practices to build health and transportation partnerships to help professionals effectively communicate, overcome barriers, and implement effective programs for improving access to medical services. A research roadmap that outlines specific research projects to address existing needs and gaps in the area of access to health care facilities. Research roadmaps are a very effective way of planning for the future in areas where attitudes, conditions, or technologies are developing rapidly. KW - Accessibility KW - Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility KW - Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act KW - Health care facilities KW - Health care services KW - Mobility KW - Partnerships KW - Public health KW - Public transit UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4295 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442151 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01622199 TI - Assessing and Mitigating Electrical Fires on Transit Vehicles AB - Transit vehicle fires have safety implications for passengers and employees as well as liability implications for manufacturers, suppliers, and operators. The majority of electrical/arcing fire events lead to a total burn out/loss of the vehicle or serious smoke incidents. Fuses and circuit breakers are not designed for this specific failure mode and traditional fire detection and suppression methods have not proven effective. The problem is further complicated by varying engine compartment configurations, equipment layout within compartments, routing of cables, and continuous changes to vehicles to improve environmental impact, weight, and cost. Although there are some technologies and practices that may prove beneficial or perhaps even significantly reduce the frequency and severity of arcing events, original equipment manufacturers and operators are reluctant to implement such technologies and practices due partially to past difficulties and costs. Some preliminary work has been undertaken to determine methods to produce repeatable failure modes for testing of technologies, and efforts related to fire detection in heavy-duty vehicles are currently under way. While the referenced efforts do not specifically test for arcing conditions, the testing standards could be modified to support arcing conditions. Research is needed to avoid unnecessary interruption of revenue service, passenger injury, and expenditure of operating and capital funds for buses and rail passenger vehicles. The objective of this research is to develop guidance for assessing and mitigating electrical fires on transit vehicles. Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks. Phase I of the project will: (1) Review relevant practices, performance data, research findings, and other information related to assessing and mitigating electrical fires on transit vehicles (including arcing conditions and electrical and mechanical fires). This information shall be assembled from available literature and from unpublished experiences of transit bus, streetcar, trolleybus, and rail operators, oversight agencies, trade associations, professional associations, standards development organizations, and others. Information on actual field performance is of particular interest—especially as it relates to forensic investigation of transit bus, streetcar, trolleybus, and rail car electrical and mechanical fires, including arcing conditions. (2) Based on the Task 1 findings, identify the most frequent and severe types of vehicle fires experienced in the transit industry over the last 5 to 10 years, including causes of ignition, zones of fires, contributing factors, heat sources, and items first ignited. Provide details about the characteristics of the vehicles involved: manufacturer, model year, and engine/drivetrain. Provide historical trend analysis on the causes of transit vehicle fires. Identify types of fires on which the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) project guidance can usefully focus. (3) Identify recommended changes and updates for relevant standards, inspection procedures, maintenance procedures, and other widely used guidance (e.g., checklists in standards documents that are out of date). (4) Identify additional research products and activities that would be beneficial for potential development in Phase II. (5) Prepare an interim report on the findings and conclusions of Tasks 1 through 4. The interim report shall also contain a detailed work plan for Phase II. The research plan shall provide a 2-month period for review and approval of the interim report. An interim meeting of the project panel to discuss the report with the research agency will be required. For the interim meeting, provide a PowerPoint presentation suitable, upon revision, for posting on the project website. The research agency shall not begin work on the remaining tasks without TCRP approval. Phase II of the project will: (6) Carry out the approved Phase II work plan. (7) Provide a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products.” (8) Final deliverables for the project should include (a) a final report summarizing the work, (b) an updated interim meeting PowerPoint presentation and speaker notes for posting on the project website, and (c) a revised Task 6 implementation technical memorandum as a standalone document. Research in progress. An interim report is anticipated in December 2017. KW - Detectors KW - Electric arcs KW - Fire fighting KW - Injuries KW - Liability KW - Smoke KW - Transit vehicle operations KW - Vehicle fires UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4117 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442175 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01626546 AU - Smart Growth America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit-Oriented Development Technical Assistance: First Summary Report PY - 2017/01 SP - 56p AB - Public transportation play a critical role in providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective mobility to the communities it serves. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) launched the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Technical Assistance Initiative in 2015 to provide technical assistance activities leading to improved access to public transportation, new economic opportunities, pathways to employment, and support for TOD within transportation corridors and around public transportation stations, with a focus on supporting economically distressed communities across the country. The report outlines the project’s history, objectives, and goals, with a preliminary analysis of the project at the end. It also provides a description of the technical assistance provided through the project and the associated results and outcomes. KW - Analysis KW - Communities KW - Strategic planning KW - Technical assistance KW - Transit oriented development UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0101.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447143 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01626528 AU - Staes, Lisa AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Report to Congress on 2015 Section 5314 Projects: Review and Evaluation of Public Transportation Safety Standards PY - 2017/01 SP - 58p AB - Section 3020(a) of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. 114-94, December 4, 2015) requires the Secretary of Transportation to review public transportation safety standards and protocols to document existing standards and examine the efficacy of those standards and protocols. The content of the review must include minimum safety performance standards developed by the public transportation industry and safety performance standards, practices, or protocols in use by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems. The review also must include rail and bus safety standards, practices, or protocols in use by public transportation systems regarding rail and bus design and the workstation of rail and bus operators; scheduling fixed-route rail and bus service with adequate time and access for operators to use restroom facilities; fatigue management; and crash avoidance and worthiness. Section 3020(b) of the FAST Act requires the Secretary to conduct an evaluation following the review in consultation with the public transportation industry to assess the need to establish additional Federal minimum public transportation safety standards. This report was prepared in accordance with Section 3020(c) of the FAST Act. It presents the findings of the review of standards and the outcome of the evaluation. Due to significant limitations of the safety-related data reported to the National Transit Database (NTD) and limited or non-existent data from other sources, including the results of the public evaluation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) could not prepare a definitive assessment of the efficacy of the standards identified in its review and evaluation. Accordingly, this report includes a comprehensive set of recommendations to support FTA's collection of data and a risk-based analysis of the safety performance of transit modes. The report also identifies transit safety issues that may be mitigated through the issuance of additional safety standards. KW - Data collection KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act KW - Public transit KW - Recommendations KW - Risk analysis KW - Standards KW - Transit safety UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0103.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447142 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01624688 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - National Public Transportation Safety Plan PY - 2017/01//Version 1.0 SP - 61p AB - The purpose of the National Public Transportation Safety Plan or National Safety Plan, is to guide the national effort in managing the safety risks and safety hazards within the U.S. public transportation systems. This National Safety Plan is comprised of four chapters and two appendices. Chapter I discusses the need for the Plan and the status of safety performance within the transit industry. Chapter II provides a framework for applying safety management system (SMS) to a transit agency. Chapter III lays out the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA’s) strategic approach to safety performance. This chapter sets forth FTA’s safety vision and mission and establishes safety performance measures for all modes of public transportation, which are designed to monitor improvement of safety performance in day-to-day operations. This chapter also describes how FTA will collect and disseminate safety performance data; and, based on that data, set national goals for improving the transit industry’s safety performance. Chapter IV provides information about the actions FTA has taken to improve transit safety performance, voluntary minimum safety performance standards for procurement of heavy and light rail vehicles and minimum performance standards for operations, and information about other sources of technical assistance. KW - Improvements KW - Information dissemination KW - Performance measurement KW - Procurement KW - Public transit KW - Risk management KW - Standards KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit authorities KW - Transit safety KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/National%20Public%20Transportation%20Safety%20Plan_1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1446593 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01624408 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2015 Status of the Nation's Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions & Performance. Report to Congress PY - 2016/12/16 SP - 544p AB - This document is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physical conditions, operational performance, and financing mechanisms of highways, bridges, and transit systems based on both their current state and their projected future state under a set of alternative future investment scenarios. It consolidates conditions, performance, and financial data provided by States, local governments, and public transit operators to present a national-level summary. Some of the underlying data are available through the Department of Transportation's (DOT’s) regular statistical publications. The future investment scenario analyses are developed specifically for this report and provide projections at the national level only. This report draws primarily on 2012 data. In assessing recent trends, many of the exhibits presented in this report present statistics for the 10 years from 2002 to 2012. Other charts and tables cover different periods, depending on data availability and years of significance for particular data series. The prospective analyses presented in this report generally cover the 20-year period ending in 2032. Chapter topics include: personal travel and highway freight movement; trends in highway and transit system characteristics; current physical conditions; safety; sustainability and operational performance; revenue sources and expenditure patterns; capital investment and future performance; and investment scenarios. Special topics include: issues pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle transportation and transportation systems serving Federal and Tribal lands. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Bridges KW - Condition surveys KW - Finance KW - Forecasting KW - Freight traffic KW - Highway safety KW - Highways KW - Public transit KW - Transit safety KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2015cpr/pdfs/2015cpr.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1445505 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624776 TI - Transportation to Dialysis Centers: Health/Transportation Policy Intersection AB - In 2010, more than 20 million Americans had chronic kidney disease (CKD). As documented by the United States Renal Data System (RDS), the incidence of CKD has increased from 12.3% of the general population in 1994 to 14.0% in 2010. CKD can lead to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The only treatment options for ESRD are dialysis or transplant. According to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, from 1980 through 2009 the prevalence rate for ESRD increased nearly 600%. The cost of clinical dialysis for Medicare patients alone was $23.6 billion in 2010. However, the national financial impact and the need and availability of transportation to dialysis treatments have not been quantified. Dialysis services are provided primarily by large, for-profit corporations. These corporations do not provide the transportation services that many of their clients require; rather they rely on publicly subsidized transportation. While some people choose to drive to and from their dialysis sessions, doing so presents a number of health and safety risks. A recent report by Ride Connection emphasized the challenge faced by our nation when it stated, “The growth in incidence of end-stage renal disease and the decreased mortality rates in this population creates increased burden on a transportation system that was not designed to accommodate life sustaining treatment trips.” Some transportation providers have been forced to deny transportation requests to dialysis while other providers have denied other transportation requests in order to accommodate increased demand for transportation for dialysis. These problems are further compounded in rural communities because there are few dialysis treatment facilities. The objectives of this research are to quantify the current and projected demand and associated costs of transportation for kidney dialysis in the United States and identify current effective practices and new strategies for funding and providing transportation for dialysis. The research should address a number of important areas and answer the critical questions presented in the Request for Proposal. This research should consider and address differences that affect transportation for kidney dialysis in urban and rural areas. KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Diabetes KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Public health KW - Risk management KW - Safety KW - Transportation UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4116 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1448688 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624207 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 17-03. Legal Considerations in Relationships Between Transit Agencies and Ride-Sourcing Service Providers AB - Transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, and services such as Chariot, Via, and Bridj, (collectively, ride-sourcing services) have emerged over the last few years as technology-based transportation providers. TNCs provide competition with traditional ride-hailing services (taxis), and with public transit. Ride-sourcing services have not fallen within traditional regulatory schemes. Now, states and municipalities have struggled to come up with appropriate regulatory responses to protect passengers, resulting in a patchwork of rules that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Of late, ride-sourcing services have partnered with transit agencies to complete trips for transit passengers (“first mile, last mile”). These partnerships may or may not be contractual. For example, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta conducted a short pilot program with Uber for the first mile, last mile service. Other agencies have included ride-sourcing services on their ride-planning apps. Such connections with public transit present potential regulatory, liability, procurement, and other legal concerns. The report will address the following issues: (1) Ride-sourcing services in the United States and what they do. (2) State or municipal legislative or regulatory schemes that affect a ride-sourcing service’s potential relationship with a transit agency. (3) Which transit agencies in the United States have relationships with ride-sourcing services and a description of those relationships. (4) Necessary provisions in any contract between a ride-sourcing service and a public transit agency. (4) Necessary provisions in any contract between a ride-sourcing service and a public transit agency. (5) Whether there have been agreements or discussions between ride-sourcing services and transit agencies to offer paratransit services. (6) Measures that have been taken by municipalities or transit agencies to prevent ride-sourcing services from blocking bus stops or taxi stands? (7) Potential legal and risk management issues stemming from potential relationships between ride-sourcing services and transit agencies. The objective of this research is to provide transit agencies with legal guidance for considering whether to enter into relationships with ride-sourcing service providers. KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Legal factors KW - Liabilities KW - Lyft KW - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Uber UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4304 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447180 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01626675 AU - Fallah, Farshad AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology TI - Evaluation of Dowel Bar Inserter Practices in PCC Pavements with Magnetic Tomography Technology PY - 2016/12//Final Report SP - 47p AB - Dowel Bar Inserters (DBI) are automated mechanical equipment that position dowel bars in Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) after concrete is placed. Compared to the alternative approach, which is using dowel baskets, DBIs offer advantages in cost and speed of construction. However, as dowel bars are not anchored to the subgrade similar to dowel baskets, there is a concern about the quality of dowel placement using this equipment. Improper placement of dowel bars can lead to reduced load transfer between slabs, which results in pavement distresses such as faulting and spalling at joints. To determine the accuracy of dowel placement by DBI, the Nebraska Department of Roads has used an MIT Scan-2 device to scan the joints in projects where a DBI was used. This device uses a nondestructive magnetic imaging technique to capture the position of dowel bars inside the pavement. The aim of the this project is to analyze the MIT Scan-2 data of the joints constructed using a DBI, and to compare them with the corresponding field performance data. This will allow the researchers to judge if DBI is a reliable alternative for dowel placement, and to improve Nebraska’s current specifications for dowel placement tolerances. To meet the objectives, the MIT Scan-2 data of scanned joints were initially compared with dowel placement specifications suggested by national agencies. It was observed that the longitudinal translation and rotation of dowels in a portion of scanned joints fell outside recommended tolerances. The longitudinal and vertical translation of the dowels were respectively higher and lower than the average values reported by a similar study (Khazanovich et al. 2009). MIT Scan-2 data and field performance data were then compared to find any linkage between pavement distresses and dowel misalignment levels, enabling the researchers to potentially improve Nebraska’s current specifications as well as conclude if any of the distresses were caused by low placement accuracy of the DBI. No linkage was found between pavement performance and dowel misalignment levels for over 220 joints that were investigated in this study. No transverse cracking was observed during field investigation, and the spalling at joints was likely to be the result of joint saw-cut operations. However, measured distress from joints with missing or completely shifted dowels show that high severity dowel misalignment has an adverse effect on joint performance. KW - Accuracy KW - Dowels (Fasteners) KW - Field tests KW - Imaging systems KW - Joints (Engineering) KW - Magnetic Imaging Tools (MIT) Scan 2 KW - Nebraska KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement performance KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Spalling KW - Specifications KW - Tomography UR - http://roads.nebraska.gov/media/7409/finalreportm036.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1450327 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01624420 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - First Annual Report on the FAST Act Section 3006(b) Pilot Program for Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Fiscal Year 2016 PY - 2016/12 SP - 16p AB - This report provides information on projects selected for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 3006(b) pilot program for innovative coordinated access and mobility grants program for fiscal year (FY) 2016. In total, 19 projects were selected totaling $7,211,518. Demand for this program exceeded available funds, as FTA received 78 project proposals requesting $28 million from 34 states. FTA’s selected projects for FY 2016 are diverse and are piloting innovative concepts and collecting data to prove the value of linking transportation options with medical appointments. Projects are assessing new technology innovations and piloting more efficient ways to schedule a ride, leveraging creative community partnerships, testing systems for coordinating trips, and demonstrating and deploying real-world solutions meeting the three goal areas: increased access to care, improved health outcomes and reduced costs. KW - Access KW - Annual reports KW - Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act KW - Grant aid KW - Health care KW - Medical trips KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - State departments of transportation KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/Pilot%20Program%20for%20Innovative%20Coordinated%20Access%20and%20Mobility%20FY%202016%20Report%20to%20Congress_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1442744 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624781 TI - Development of Transactional Data Specifications for Demand-Responsive Transportation AB - Demand-responsive transportation includes current and emerging mobility options including, but not limited to, services that may be (1) traditional general public, human service, taxi, and private providers; (2) emerging single- and shared-use options such as bike- and vehicle-sharing, and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs); and (3) scheduled in advance and on demand. These mobility options have been growing and, for decades, communities have been pursuing their improvement. Demand-responsive services are often characterized by complex, multiparty engagement and interactions for each trip. Other industries have experienced the benefits of sharing data to improve everyday business practices. In the transit industry, the General Transit Feed Specifications (GTFS) has already shown the benefits of sharing fixed-route transit data. The lack of common specifications for transactional data for demand-responsive transportation has negatively impacted business practices and the cost, quality, and availability of these services, to the detriment of communities and customers. The development of transactional data specifications will enable the transportation industry to adapt to current technology and continue to innovate. The objective of this research is to develop technical specifications for transactional data for entities involved in the provision of demand-responsive transportation. KW - Best practices KW - Cooperation KW - Data sharing KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Fixed routes KW - General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) KW - Mobility KW - Specifications KW - Vehicle sharing UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4120 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1448686 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01628077 TI - Development of a Mass-Based Automated Passenger Counter AB - This goal of this project is to develop and refine low-cost automatic passenger counter (APC) technology with improved accuracy over currently available systems. The concept is to use data collected from pressure sensors connected to the vehicle air suspension system and advanced algorithms to determine change in vehicle mass during stops that correlate to passenger boarding and alighting events. The project team will work with Twin Cities Metro Transit and The University of Minnesota Campus Shuttle to implement the system on eight buses during the project, advancing the mass-based APC from a prototype to a market-ready product. KW - Air suspension systems KW - Boarding and alighting KW - Buses KW - Data collection KW - Passenger counting KW - Sensors KW - Shuttle buses KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4318 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1458503 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01618149 AU - Filosa, Gina AU - Poe, Carson AU - Sarna, Maya AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transit Investment Development: Programmatic Assessment PY - 2016/11 SP - 55p AB - The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to disclose and analyze the environmental effects of their proposed actions. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) currently believes that assessing the effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change for transit projects at a programmatic level is practicable. This programmatic assessment serves to (1) report on whether certain types of proposed transit projects merit detailed analysis of their GHG emissions at the project level and (2) be a source of data and analysis for FTA and its grantees to reference in future environmental documents for projects in which detailed, project-level GHG analysis is not vital. KW - Environmental impact analysis KW - Estimates KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Forecasting KW - Greenhouse gases KW - National Environmental Policy Act KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0097.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60500/60507/GHG_emissions_from_transit_investment.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1435257 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01619048 AU - Rose, David AU - Isaac, Lauren AU - Shah, Keyur AU - Blake, Tagan AU - Dechambeau, Brian AU - Biton, Anna AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff, Incorporated AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Asset Management Guide: Focusing on the Management of Our Transit Investments PY - 2016/10/30 SP - 272p AB - To advance transit asset management, this guide provides a transit-specific asset management framework for managing assets individually and as a portfolio of assets that comprise an integrated system. The guide provides flexible, yet targeted guidance to advance the practice and implementation of transit asset management. Objectives of the guide: (1) Explain what transit asset management is and what the business benefits to an agency are; (2) Provide an enterprise asset management framework and business model that agencies can refer to as “best practice”; (3) Describe the elements of transit asset management plan; (4) Detail, for each major asset class, the major enabling components of asset management: inventory, condition assessment, performance analysis and modeling, risk management, and lifecycle cost management; and (5) Guide organizations through the migration from their current baseline to high-performance asset management. KW - Asset management KW - Best practices KW - Handbooks KW - Implementation KW - Life cycle costing KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Risk management UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0098.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60500/60542/FTA_Report_No._0098.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1436982 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624777 TI - Guidance for Calculating the Return on Investment in Transit State of Good Repair AB - Maintaining transit capital assets in a state of good repair (SGR) is critical for transit agencies. Mature transit agencies with well-established systems are often challenged to restore existing capital assets to SGR, while for newer transit systems the challenge is to maintain assets in SGR to maximize system performance and minimize maintenance and operating costs. Recent research has helped document the impacts and implications of SGR investments, relating these to improved asset performance. Other research has helped develop and refine the tools and approaches for predicting economic benefits of investments in transit, though mainly for investments in new or expanded transit systems rather than achieving SGR. Thus, transit agencies lack guidance, tools, and methods for calculating quantifiable benefits of SGR investments and expressing these in terms of return on investment (ROI) or other measures. Addressing this gap would help transit agencies better prioritize investments and better communicate the full range of benefits of investments in SGR. These benefits affect travelers of all modes, the local and regional economy, the environment, and social equity. Given that funds for preserving and replacing existing transit assets are tightly constrained, guidance and methods that can help best direct investments have great potential payoff. The objective of this research is to develop guidance for calculating a return on investment (ROI) for rehabilitating or replacing existing transit assets to help achieve state of good repair (SGR). This guidance should help transit agencies identify the full impacts of SGR investments versus other investment options. The guidance should be useful to transit agencies of different sizes and modes. KW - Capital costs KW - Investments KW - Regional development KW - Repairing KW - Transit authorities UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4118 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1448687 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01616108 AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Workforce Development Summit – Implementing, Disseminating, and Modeling Ladders of Opportunity – Proceedings PY - 2016/10 SP - 81p AB - Recipients of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development grants and FTA partners gathered for a one-day event, the Workforce Development Summit: Implementing, Disseminating, and Modeling Ladders of Opportunity, on June 7, 2016, to share information, network, and learn from each other as they addressed the workforce development challenges facing the transit industry. The summit was hosted by FTA and the National Transit Institute. The Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program assists in the development of innovative programs and activities in public transportation that address the human resource needs of public transportation operators and build pathways to long-term careers in the public transportation industry. The event featured presentations from FTA grantees, individuals from FTA, and FTA partners. Discussions focused on the workforce challenges facing the industry, innovative projects conducted by grant recipients, collaboration opportunities and the importance of partnerships, funding opportunities, and performance measurement. This proceedings report documents the presentations and discussions from the event. KW - Career development KW - Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act KW - Human resources management KW - Labor force KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation careers KW - Workforce development UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0096.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1428236 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01619053 AU - Haghshenas, Hamzeh AU - Nabizadeh, Hesamaddin AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - Santosh, Kommidi AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Research on High-RAP Asphalt Mixtures with Rejuvenators and WMA Additives PY - 2016/09/27/Final Report SP - 76p AB - This study is to evaluate the mechanical and chemical properties of the asphalt concrete (AC) mixture, fine aggregate matrix (FAM), and binder modified by three different rejuvenators and warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive. In this regard, for testing of AC mixtures, the dynamic modulus, dynamic creep, and semicircular bending (SCB) fracture tests were conducted. For testing of FAM mixtures, three types of strain-controlled torsional oscillatory shear tests (i.e., strain sweep, frequency sweep, and time sweep) and the static creep-recovery tests were employed for comparative purposes. For binders, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, saturates-aromatics-resins-asphaltenes (SARA) analysis, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the physicochemical and mechanical aspects of the asphalt binders. Based on test and analysis results, the rejuvenators can soften the materials, increase the rutting potential and may mitigate moisture damage resistance, while improving cracking and fatigue resistance of the asphaltic mixtures. A comparison between AC mixtures and corresponding FAM mixtures revealed the interrelationships between the two length scales. From the binder tests, it appears that the rejuvenators decrease either carbonyl or sulfoxide or both indices. Addition of rejuvenators to the mixture of recycled asphalt binder and virgin binder led to a decrease in the amount of asphaltenes. Furthermore, rejuvenators improved colloidal instability index (CII), which implies that the aged binder has become more stable due to rejuvenation. The AFM phase images of binders indicated that the softening effect of rejuvenators corresponds to the mechanical test results from DSR. KW - Additives KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Bituminous binders KW - Cracking KW - Fine aggregates KW - Laboratory tests KW - Mechanical tests KW - Mix design KW - Moisture damage KW - Pavement performance KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Warm mix paving mixtures UR - http://roads.nebraska.gov/media/6708/finalreportm016.pdf UR - http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/media/6708/finalreportm016.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60500/60501/finalreportm016.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1435434 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01615652 AU - Dirks, Lise AU - Sriraj, P S AU - Harris, Joseph Irwin AU - Ghosh, Shreya AU - University of Illinois, Chicago AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The Illinois One-Click Transportation Resource Center PY - 2016/09//Final Report SP - 52p AB - Over 22 million U.S. veterans live in America. This population is expected to increase as older veterans live longer and as active members of the armed forces leave the service. Forty percent (40%) of these veterans are over 65 years old; which surpasses the percentage of senior citizens in the general public. Veterans have higher disability rates and more severe disabilities than others. The number of disabled post-911 veterans will likely increase more than 50% between 2013 and 2018. Unemployment among young disabled veterans remains high. Federal, state and local governments have initiated policies and programs to meet post-war veterans’ needs, including community services, job-training, and medical care. They also have instituted programs to address the needs of aging veterans, who may be isolated because of diminishing volunteer transportation networks. To better serve these veterans, federal, state, and local governments have increasingly been incorporating public transportation into these programs. The Federal Transit Administration funded the Veterans Transportation and Community Livability Initiative (VTCLI) which was led by the National Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility. The goal of this initiative was to address the transportation needs of veterans and their families by promoting coordinated transportation services and disseminating information about them. The program funded “One-Click/One-Call” centers to connect veterans and their families with all available transportation options. These centers are designed to provide information on transportation services, and where feasible, to assist in scheduling and dispatching coordinated transportation services. “One-Click/One-Call” centers seek to address all transportation needs, including access to veterans’ services, community services and amenities, job access, education, child care, and social and recreational activities. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was awarded a Veterans Transportation and Community Livability Initiative grant with the Urban Transportation Center (UTC) at the University of Illinois Chicago as sub-recipient. They used this grant to create a “One-Click Transportation Resource Center” to inform Illinois veterans and their families about existing transportation services throughout Illinois. The Urban Transportation Center built upon the existing Tranpro Information Management System, which houses the Illinois Public and Specialized Transportation Provider Inventory. They incorporated the Illinois Bus Network project, a trip planner for accessing commercial bus and rail operators, as well as veterans’ transportation services in Illinois that the Veterans Administration and the Illinois Veterans Assistance Commissions provide. They also included car-sharing and ride-sharing options. The “One-Click Transportation Resource Center” website therefore offers the user transportation solutions based on location; type of service; and veteran, senior, and/or disability status. KW - Access KW - Aged KW - Dispatching KW - Illinois KW - Information dissemination KW - Mobility KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Resource centers KW - Scheduling KW - Veterans UR - https://utc.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/One-Click-Final-Report__1_reduced.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1427695 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01614858 AU - Chu, Xuehao AU - National Center for Transit Research AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Florida Department of Transportation TI - Guidebooks for Estimating Total Transit Usage through Extrapolating Incomplete Counts PY - 2016/09//Final Report SP - 103p AB - This report provides guidance for transit agencies to estimate transit usage for reporting to the National Transit Database (NTD) when their counting procedure that is designed to perform full counts misses some trips. Transit usage refers to unlinked passenger trips (UPT), passenger miles traveled (PMT), and average passenger trip length (APTL) in terms of annual totals and annual average daily by schedule type for annual reporting and monthly total UPT for monthly reporting. The guidance is provided in two self-contained guidebooks for bus and rail, respectively. Bus service includes all four fixed-route bus modes defined in the NTD: motor bus (MB), commuter bus (CB), bus rapid transit (RB), and trolleybus (TB). Rail includes light rail (LR), streetcar rail (SR), and hybrid rail (YR). For both mode types, the guidance focuses on data from automatic passenger counters (APC). The guidance details a methodology for determining transit usage for each mode type through stratified extrapolation of incomplete counts rather than intentional sampling with APCs. The guidance views the total transit usage determined from the methodologies as estimates rather than 100% counts. It also views each methodology as an alternative sampling technique. The guidance identifies the conditions under which transit agencies may estimate annual total transit usage with this methodology as a pre-certified alternative sampling technique. For example, agencies must pass an equivalence test by demonstrating that their APC data are statistically equivalent to paired manual data within ±7.5% at the 95% confidence level. The guidance provides detailed steps for agencies to conduct the equivalence test in an Excel environment. When agencies meet the identified conditions and follow the guidance, they may use Appendix A in each guidebook as the document of certification by a qualified statistician for the alternative sampling technique. For the NTD program, the guidance fills a gap in current NTD guidance and will result in more accurate UPT and PMT data. For agencies, it prevents under-reporting and saves the need to hire a qualified statistician for certifying the methodology as an alternative sampling technique. KW - Bus transit KW - Estimating KW - Extrapolation KW - Handbooks KW - Methodology KW - National Transit Database KW - Passenger counting KW - Passenger miles KW - Rail transit KW - Ridership KW - Statistical sampling KW - Trip length UR - http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Guidebooks-for-Estimating-Total-Transit-Usage-FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1425882 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01608713 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Track Integrity Investigation: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) PY - 2016/08/08/Final Report SP - 36p AB - This report documents the results of the track integrity investigation conducted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) between March 21 and June 30, 2016 on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system. The FTA WMATA Safety Oversight (FWSO) Office initiated this investigation in response to recurrent track deficiencies and defects identified during FWSO’s track inspections at WMATA, and to support follow-up on track issues identified as part of the FWSO’s Safety Management Inspection (SMI). The FWSO also used this investigation to explore systemic issues identified as part of WMATA’s investigation into a derailment near Smithsonian Station on August 6, 2015 and Tri-State Oversight Committee (TOC) three-year review into track maintenance and training at WMATA.. Finally, this report also addresses preliminary findings from the FWSO’s investigation into the July 29, 2016 derailment near East Falls Church. KW - Crash investigation KW - Derailments KW - Falls Church (Virginia) KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance of way KW - Metrorail (Washington Metropolitan Area) KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad tracks KW - Rapid transit KW - Washington (District of Columbia) KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA%20WMATA%20Track%20Integrity%20Investigation%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1419112 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01617696 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Metropolitan Council of Twin Cities AU - Minnesota Department of Transportation TI - METRO Blue Line Light Rail Transit Extension Final Environmental Impact Statement PY - 2016/07 SP - 793p AB - The Metropolitan Council proposes to construct and operate the 13-mile extension of the METRO Blue Line approximately 13 miles, starting from its terminus in downtown Minneapolis to the northwest area of the Twin Cities, serving north Minneapolis and the suburbs of Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park. In this Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS), the project is defined as the METRO Blue Line Light Rail Transit (BLRT) Extension project. In addition to the proposed light rail alignment, LRT stations, park‐and‐ride lots, and ancillary facilities, including a proposed operations and maintenance facility (OMF), roadway and bicycle/ pedestrian improvements and related freight rail modifications are discussed. This Final EIS includes the project’s Purpose and Need Statement and a description of the alternatives currently and previously considered. The following environmental categories are addressed in this Final EIS, including related methods and regulations, agency coordination (where applicable), anticipated direct long‐term (operating) and short‐term (construction) impacts, indirect impacts and cumulative effects, and committed mitigation measures; freight rail conditions; vehicular traffic; pedestrians and bicyclists; parking; aviation; land use plan compatibility; community facilities/community character and cohesion; displacement of residents and businesses; cultural resources; visual/aesthetics; economic effects; safety and security; utilities; floodplains; wetlands and other aquatic resources; geology, soils, and topography; hazardous materials contamination; noise; vibration; biological environment (wildlife habitat and endangered species); water quality and stormwater; air quality; and energy. This Final EIS also addresses the following: environmental justice compliance; Section 4(f) compliance; finance; evaluation of alternatives; public involvement and agency coordination; and a potential related joint development project. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Coordination KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental justice KW - Financing KW - Light rail transit KW - Line extensions (Rail transit) KW - Metro Transit (Minnesota) KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Regulations KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) UR - https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2016/other/160758/Appendices.pdf UR - https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2016/other/160758/Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1434767 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613853 AU - Macfarlane, Kate AU - Regan, Terry AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Transit-Oriented Development in Southern Nevada: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2016/07//Final Report SP - 33p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and noteworthy practices identified at “Transit-Oriented Development in Southern Nevada” Peer Exchange held on December 2-3, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The peer exchange was hosted by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. Peer agencies included Metro Transit of the Twin Cities, Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Utah Transit Authority. Topics included land use planning, implementation, modes and level of service, housing choice, and financial planning. KW - Implementation KW - Land use planning KW - Level of service KW - Metro Transit (Minnesota) KW - Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization KW - Nevada KW - Peer exchange KW - Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada KW - Stakeholders KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning KW - Utah Transit Authority UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59800/59880/DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-16-21.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1424916 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613818 AU - Steelman, Joshua AU - Stauffer, Steven AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Performance Assessment of Deteriorated and Retrofitted Steel HP Piles PY - 2016/06//Final Report SP - 98p AB - Steel piles are known to deteriorate at high rates in Nebraska, partially as a result of exposure to weathering, and partially due to corrosive soils. The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) employs a reinforced concrete jacket to slow the progression of corrosion and also to restore capacity to deteriorated piles. The intent of this study was to assess the effectiveness of typical reinforced concrete encasement retrofits. The research included a literature review to collect information for current retrofit practices and research similar in nature to this study, followed by a series of experiments. The findings of the literature review showed that prescriptive concrete jackets were common, but fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wraps are gaining popularity. Analytical and experimental support for pile retrofits is limited, and recent research is focused on FRP applications, leaving a gap in knowledge for the expected performance of traditional concrete jackets. For the experiments described in this report, two pile scenarios were represented: abutments and pile bents. For each type there was a non-deteriorated, deteriorated, and retrofitted specimen. The capacity of each pile was assessed by applying axial and flexure-inducing shear loads. Deteriorated and retrofitted cases simulated corrosion loss by milling the flanges and cutting out portions of the web. The retrofitted case utilized a reinforced concrete encasement consistent with reference drawings provided by NDOR. The key findings of this study were that the standard retrofit is sufficient and likely more robust than necessary, concomitant with a greater than anticipated jacket-to-pile bond strength developed at the retrofitted section. Further investigation is recommended to determine the bond characteristics of steel fully encased by concrete, and whether simplifications to the typical detail can reliably provide capacity restoration. KW - Abutments KW - Bents KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Corrosion KW - Deterioration KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Jacketing (Strengthening) KW - Laboratory tests KW - Literature reviews KW - Nebraska KW - Piles (Supports) KW - Reinforced concrete KW - Retrofitting UR - http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/media/5840/finalreportm027.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1425032 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601668 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SA-41. Electric Battery Buses - State of the Practice AB - Many transit agencies are interested in the viability, potential benefits and challenges associated with the introduction and operation of electric battery buses. Some are being pressured by outside agencies, like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or by state regulations, to aggressively convert to clean fuel operations and deploy electric buses. In the United States of America (USA), there are more than 20 transit systems that have deployed such buses- some for more than 25 years (Santa Barbara Transit). The list of international transit agencies that have deployed them also continues to grow. China, for example, currently operates thousands of electric battery buses. As transit systems consider deploying electric buses, the experiences of those that already have them in their fleet becomes highly interesting. The goal of this study is to provide an overview of the current state of practice regarding the deployment of electric battery buses (i.e., service, operations and maintenance) Information will be gathered by a literature review and a survey of the current transit systems that deploy electric buses. Transit agencies that might be considering the use of electric buses and major vendors of these buses will also be surveyed. Topics to be studied include research and practice on the following items (not inclusive list): What have been the benefits and challenges? How long does battery life last? What's the range (in miles or kilometers) of electric buses? How are such buses re-charged? What has been the cost experience? What infrastructure investments are needed to recharge en route What do the transit systems and the vendors see as the future for these buses. For agencies that are considering adding these buses to their fleets, what are their major issues and concerns? Other useful information as might be found in the literature and survey output. The report should also include case examples that will gather information on the state-of-the-practice, emphasizing lessons learned, current practices, challenges, and gaps. KW - Air quality KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - California Air Resources Board KW - China KW - Electric buses KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Range (Vehicles) KW - Service life KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4215 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410364 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601669 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SA-42. College Student Transit Pass Programs AB - Many large transit agencies currently have student pass programs with colleges and universities. These are commonly known as U-Pass programs. These may have very different structures and operating regimes. Some include all students; some may not. Some also include faculty and staff. Funding may come from a variety of sources. Compiling information on these programs would be very useful for all transit agencies serving college student populations. Advantages of U-Pass to colleges and universities include decreased demand for on-campus parking spaces, decreased traffic congestion, improved access to affordable housing, and savings in money for students. Advantages to transit agencies are increased ridership and (perhaps) increased revenue. Information will be gathered by literature review and a survey of selected transit agencies with U-Pass programs, and with the colleges using the programs. The survey will include Canadian agencies such as TransLink in Vancouver and BC Transit. It would be informative to survey transit agencies that do not have U-Pass programs to determine why they do not. Case write-ups will be developed representing different models of U-Pass programs. Information to be gathered will include: (1) Who is covered by the program? (2) Is the pass free or a discounted fare? (3) How is the program financed? (4) What is the revenue impact of the program to the transit agency? (5) What are the operational features of the program? (6) Does it coordinate with a campus bus system? (7) What amount of ridership uses U-Pass? (8) How has technology been employed in implementing the program, including fare media? (9) What advantages are reported by: (a) Funders of the program; (b) Users of the program; and (c) Transit agencies. (8) Have any disadvantages been noted, and with the advantage of hind-sight, would the transit agency embark on such a program again? (9) Did the agency and the college establish goals they intended to achieve? If so- (a) What were they? (b) Were they achieved? (c) Who was the advocate or initiator of the program? (1) What modal shifts have occurred due to the program? and (11) Are there documented reductions in traffic and traffic congestion? The final report will report gaps in knowledge and research needs. KW - Bus transit KW - College students KW - Financial analysis KW - Passes (Transportation) KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies KW - TransLink (Program : British Columbia) KW - Vancouver (Canada) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4216 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410363 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601670 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-27. Public Transit and Bikesharing AB - In the last five years, as biking has increased in popularity, bikesharing programs have become widespread in North America. Bikesharing is a service in which bicycles are made available for individuals to use on a very short term basis. Like transit, bikesharing offers a more energy efficient and low impact alternative to single occupancy automobiles. In most respects, bikesharing is complementary to transit services, because it offers a mode that is particularly well suited for trips to and from destinations that are too far from transit stops to be served by walking. It can thus serve as a complementary access mode to transit to serve the first mile / last mile. This is particularly true in urban cores where the density of bikesharing stations provides good coverage. As a result, an increasing number of transit agencies have developed cooperative arrangements with bikesharing programs to strengthen the relationship between the modes. San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has a comprehensive multimodal strategy. Montreal Transit has a Transport Cocktail strategy involving various formal means of cooperating with Bixi bikesharing. Salt Lake City is demonstrating an integrated back office payment system between transit and bikesharing. And Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), in the Philadelphia metro region, participated in planning the April 2015 launch of the city’s bikeshare program, Indego. On the other hand, in some cases, bikesharing programs present challenges to transit agencies because bikesharing stations are often located in areas of high pedestrian traffic. Sidewalk space can be limited, creating competition for its use. In addition, some transit agencies view bikesharing as competition for potential transit customers. The goal of this synthesis is to provide a better understanding of cooperative transit and bikesharing relationships and to document the experiences of transit systems with bikesharing as a mode. Information will be gathered by a literature review, a survey of the current transit systems and will also include case examples. The case examples will document the state-of-the-practice, emphasizing lessons learned, current practices, challenges, and gaps in information. The objective of this effort is to: 1) Document the initiatives, policies, and practices that have been undertaken by North American public transit agencies to cooperate with bikesharing programs, and 2) Identify the successes and challenges of transit agency / bikeshare collaboration. Some of the questions to be examined are: • Which transit agencies have developed cooperative approaches to bikesharing and why? ­ What was the impetus for developing the cooperation? ­ What were the objectives? ­ What was the process and history of the relationship? • What initiatives were undertaken? What policies have been implemented? ­ What marketing efforts have been made? - What pricing strategies have been adopted? - Has there been joint use of transit smartcards? - How have mobile apps developed for transit interfaced with bikesharing? - How have transit / bikeshare facilities been designed? Bikesharing station location on transit agency property; Physical integration with transit-owned bike rack/lockers; Bike lanes access; Facility Design Guidelines - What operational arrangements have been used for security and maintenance? - What differences in coordination exist between rail transit / bikeshare coordination and bus transit / bikeshare coordination? - What administrative / institutional mechanisms have been used and what financial participation negotiated? -Sharing of databases? • What have been the benefits of the efforts to date? • What are the specific technical, institutional, and other challenges encountered when implementing the above initiatives? • Do initiatives or challenges depend on the geographic characteristics of the deployment, i.e. downtown core? Suburban office or hospital campuses? Small urban college town? • What challenges have been faced by transit agencies that have not developed any specific cooperation with bikesharing organizations? The results of this synthesis will prove invaluable to transit agencies in highlighting different approaches that have been used and specific initiatives that might be pursued. This should help promote more interest and momentum towards building integrated urban mobility systems and encouraging more transit use, a more active lifestyle and livable communities. KW - Bicycle lanes KW - Bus stops KW - Bus transit KW - Mode choice KW - Montreal (Canada) KW - North America KW - Pedestrian traffic KW - Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) KW - Salt Lake City (Utah) KW - San Francisco (California) KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vehicle sharing KW - Walking distance UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4217 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410362 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601671 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-28. Administration of ADA Paratransit Eligibility Appeal Programs AB - Although several reports describe transit agency practices for determining eligibility for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service, little has been documented about how transit agencies manage appeals by applicants who are determined to be “not eligible” or are found “conditionally eligible,” including temporary eligibility. Appeal programs allow appellants the opportunity to present new information not provided or available during the initial eligibility decision that may warrant a change in eligibility. At the same time, any appeal program must consistently apply the decision-making standards established by the agency’s ADA paratransit certification program. As more agencies employ some form of conditional eligibility, eligibility appeal processes are emerging as a significant area of vulnerability. If the eligibility appeal process is not administered properly, transit agencies run the risk of violating applicants’ civil rights under the ADA. This can result in complaints being filed with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and/or costly lawsuits. A synthesis study identifying ADA eligibility appeal processes and practices is urgently needed. While a small number of ADA paratransit programs offer highly structured eligibility and appeal processes, many do not. At the same time, comparative information about how transit agencies design or administer their appeal programs is not readily available. Such information can be valuable to properties where there are gaps in resources or expertise available to address this topic. This synthesis will document the current state of the practice and identify challenges and lessons learned through a literature review, survey of representative transit agencies, and documentation of selected case examples/profiles. Information gathered will include but not be limited to: (1) Administration of appeal programs including policies and procedures (e.g., day-to-day program management, appellant interface, hearing structure and logistics, documentation and correspondence); (2) Appeal hearing composition (e.g., employees, community representatives, professionals); (3) Appeal outcome documentation (e.g., quality control and consistency with local ADA paratransit certification program, recordkeeping, ADA compliance); and (4) Resource requirements (e.g., program management, personnel, training, compensation, transportation, other costs). KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Appeals KW - Certification KW - Court decisions KW - Decision making KW - Legal action KW - Paratransit services KW - Resource allocation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4218 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410361 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601672 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-29. Customer Focused Service Strategies AB - Although several reports describe transit agency practices for determining eligibility for the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) paratransit service, little has been documented about how transit agencies manage appeals by applicants who are determined to be “not eligible” or are found “conditionally eligible,” including temporary eligibility. Appeal programs allow appellants the opportunity to present new information not provided or available during the initial eligibility decision that may warrant a change in eligibility. At the same time, any appeal program must consistently apply the decision-making standards established by the agency’s ADA paratransit certification program. As more agencies employ some form of conditional eligibility, eligibility appeal processes are emerging as a significant area of vulnerability. If the eligibility appeal process is not administered properly, transit agencies run the risk of violating applicants’ civil rights under the ADA. This can result in complaints being filed with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and/or costly lawsuits. A synthesis study identifying ADA eligibility appeal processes and practices is urgently needed. While a small number of ADA paratransit programs offer highly structured eligibility and appeal processes, many do not. At the same time, comparative information about how transit agencies design or administer their appeal programs is not readily available. Such information can be valuable to properties where there are gaps in resources or expertise available to address this topic. This synthesis will document the current state of the practice and identify challenges and lessons learned through a literature review, survey of representative transit agencies, and documentation of selected case examples/profiles. Information gathered will include but not be limited to: (1) Administration of appeal programs including policies and procedures (e.g., day-to-day program management, appellant interface, hearing structure and logistics, documentation and correspondence); (2) Appeal hearing composition (e.g., employees, community representatives, professionals); (3) Appeal outcome documentation (e.g., quality control and consistency with local ADA paratransit certification program, recordkeeping, ADA compliance); and (4) Resource requirements (e.g., program management, personnel, training, compensation, transportation, other costs). The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) ADA regulations regarding eligibility appeal only set out minimum requirements, leaving specifics of process and structure to be developed and documented at the initiative of local transit services. As stated in 49 CFR §37.125(g): (1) The entity may require that an appeal be filed within 60 days of the denial of an individual's application. (2) The process shall include an opportunity to be heard and to present information and arguments, separation of functions (i.e., a decision by a person not involved with the initial decision to deny eligibility), and written notification of the decision and the reasons for it. (3) The entity is not required to provide paratransit service to the individual pending the determination on appeal. However, if the entity has not made a decision within 30 days of the completion of the appeal process, the entity shall provide paratransit service from that time until and unless a decision to deny the appeal is issued. Additionally, Appendix D of the regulations and FTA’s Circular C-4710.1 (2015) briefly summarize the regulatory requirements and suggest some appeal practices. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Appeals KW - Civil rights KW - Paratransit services KW - Policy analysis KW - Regulations KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4219 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410360 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601667 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SG-14. Paratransit Service Delivery Models and Contractor Procurement AB - Approximately 80% of medium to large paratransit systems in the United States (US) use contractors for service delivery and often for call center or turnkey functions. Moreover, most large systems use multiple contractors. The procurement process affects the success of all of these contractual relationships, including Request for Proposals (RFPs) and contract terms such as the payment structure, performance based incentives and penalties, the ability to shift work between contractors and/or to non-dedicated service providers, and the contract term. These must be crafted to reflect the particular service model employed, any planned changes to the service model, and/or changes to policies that are being introduced to address identified shortcomings. The objective of this synthesis is to document, for a comprehensive set of service models, the way various elements of the RFP and contract are structured to enhance the likelihood of achieving certain results related to cost efficiency, service quality, or the balance of the two that will persist through the entire contract term. The synthesis will provide examples from the industry, including specific wording, of what is currently being done. The synthesis will be useful to paratransit mangers and transit agency procurement officers. It is needed now more than ever with (1) the advent of new “hybrid” service models for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (and coordinated) paratransit that have developed; (2) new technologies and the growing use of non-dedicated service providers; (3) the inadvertent – and in some cases unrecognized and unattributed – increase in paratransit cost due to the mis-design of RFPs and contracts; and (4) the tendency to reimburse the contractor on an overall rate rather than splitting the price structure among the major fixed and variable resource and activity cost drivers thereby increasing accountability and reducing risk of financial loss, identifies which costs are fixed and which are variable Specific tasks to be performed include: 1. Literature review - to identify current practices in procurement and contracting. 2. Survey of transit agencies - to identify additional current practices in procurement and contracting, especially those that pertain to different service models. 3. Prepare case studies of current practices in contract procurement and contracting that reflect the wide range of paratransit service models, focusing specifically on how those best practices achieved cost avoidance or the desired balance of cost efficiency and service quality. Any challenges the contracting entity was trying to solve, including the intended and unintended outcomes, should be highlighted. The geographic diversity of these case studies is less important; rather, the case studies as a set need to reflect the various service models used for ADA (and coordinated) paratransit systems, including (a) procuring one vs. two vs. multiple dedicated service contractors, with and without call center functions, and with zoned and unzoned service assignments; (b) procuring a centralized call and control center manager independent of the service contractors; (c) procuring non-dedicated service providers used for ADA paratransit service; (d) procuring non-dedicated service providers for non-ADA subsidy programs and (e) allocating costs to allow varying subsidy programs to rideshare clients or sequence the time that vehicles are used. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Contractors KW - Paratransit services KW - Procurement KW - Quality of service KW - Subsidies KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4220 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410359 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601666 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SG-15. Contracting Fixed-Route Transit Service AB - Many fixed-route transit systems choose to contract a portion or the entirety of their bus operations to one or more contractors as opposed to directly operating the service. This study will seek to determine effective practices when procuring and managing contracted service. This includes how to make the decision to contract, and what types of services lend themselves best to contracting. This study will conduct a literature review and survey of transit agencies that currently contract services, and some that have chosen to not contract. Case examples of different contracting models will be presented. Information to be gathered includes: (1) different service models, including fully contracted including management, and just an operating contract; (2) contracting in different size agencies; (3) integration with non-contracted service; (4) procurement; (5) performance incentives; (6) auditing; (7) disputes; and (8) labor issues. A special focus will be placed on service procurement from the perspective of a small transit system as they often lack the time and experience to create and carry out a highly detailed procurement, and many transit contractors may not be interested in small service contracts. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Contracting out KW - Decision making KW - Fixed routes KW - Incentives KW - Procurement KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4221 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1410358 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01607442 TI - Loss of Shunt Tool Standardization and Deployment at Chicago Transit Authority AB - The implementation of the loss of shunt (LOS) tool as a track circuit integrity monitoring system and its use by maintenance staff increases the reliability of track circuits by continuously monitoring and evaluating occupancy indications for integrity and plausibility. The tool’s architecture has been designed as a maintenance support tool and early warning system for equipment degradation as well as an alert system to announce potential safety critical failure conditions. The purpose of this project is to segregate the LOS tool from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) exclusive environment and to enhance it to a standardized and independent subsystem, allowing it to be introduced and rolled out to other transit agencies. This program is being supported by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) which is providing necessary hardware and alarm infrastructure. CTA will make available the necessary resources for track data dissemination and the integration of the LOS tool into CTS’s Central Control System. KW - Chicago Transit Authority KW - Maintenance of way KW - Monitoring KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad tracks KW - Standardization KW - Track circuits KW - Warning systems KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4253 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1418726 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613990 AU - Pierce, Ben AU - Plapper, Eric AU - Rizek, Jodi AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Open Doors Organization AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Transportation TI - Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI): User Needs Assessment: Stakeholder Engagement Report PY - 2016/05//Final Report SP - 82p AB - The Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) is a joint U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) initiative that is co-led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). ATTRI is also supported by the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO), National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and other Federal agencies. The execution of ATTRI is being conducted in three phases spanning over six years: Exploratory and User Needs Research Phase (Year 1), Innovation and Prototype Phase (Years 2-4), and Demonstration Phase (Years 5-6). Within each Phase, a number of activities are being conducted including extensive stakeholder outreach, communications, and technology scanning activities to identify the current state of the industry. This document provides a report on one such activity that was conducted to solicit feedback and information from stakeholders on user needs for ATTRI’s user groups. Three different stakeholder engagement and outreach activities were conducted as part of this project including a literature review, a series of three webinars, presentation at several conferences with “listening sessions,” and one in-person workshop. KW - Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) KW - Aged KW - Assistive technology KW - Automation KW - Conferences KW - Data integration KW - Human services KW - Literature reviews KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Robotics KW - Stakeholders KW - User needs KW - Wayfinding KW - Webinars KW - Workshops UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60100/60128/FHWA-JPO-16-354.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1426742 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613823 AU - Timmel, Christopher AU - Regan, Terry AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Statewide and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Processes: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2016/04/20/Final Report SP - 34p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and noteworthy practices identified at “Statewide and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Processes” Peer Exchange held on September 9-10, 2015 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The peer exchange was hosted by the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT). Peer agencies included Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). KW - Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department KW - Best practices KW - Maryland Department of Transportation KW - Peer exchange KW - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation KW - Recommendations KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning KW - West Virginia Department of Transportation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59800/59881/DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-16-22.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1424915 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01614959 AU - Catalá, Martin AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Open Data Policy Guidelines PY - 2016/04 SP - 81p AB - This project identifies and documents best practices from transit agencies that have implemented open data practices to improve operational efficiency and increase customer satisfaction and to provide guidance to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding measures it could take to encourage open source data to the entire transit industry. The mechanisms used to identify best practices were a conference workshop and two webinars where presenters provided information, experiences, practices, and lessons learned from their unique perspectives. The results of the workshop and webinars are consolidated in this report, which is intended to serve as a guidebook for transit agencies desiring to make their data open to the public. Agencies did not report a cost-benefit analysis to justify the effort required; rather, the focus was on a shift in mindset toward liberating the data to improve customer interaction and leveraging technological advancements to extend the agencies’ reach to potential customers. KW - Best practices KW - Guidelines KW - Open data KW - Policy KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0095.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1427203 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613790 AU - Khattak, Aemal J AU - Iranitalab, Amirfarrokh AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Safety Management System Needs Assessment PY - 2016/04//Final Report SP - 46p AB - The safety of the traveling public is critical as each year there are approximately 200 highway fatalities in Nebraska and numerous crash injuries. The objective of this research was to conduct a needs assessment to identify the requirements of a statewide safety management system for Nebraska. When fully operational, the envisioned system will allow staff from different Nebraska public agencies to remotely access the system and input and output crash data, identify and analyze high crash locations, identify countermeasures, conduct economic analysis, provide project implementation priority, and evaluate implemented solutions. To achieve the objective, the available literature on traffic safety management systems and software packages were reviewed first. Next, identification of the safety management system stakeholders in Nebraska was conducted, which resulted in the consideration of all Nebraska counties and cities as stakeholders. An online questionnaire was then designed for a survey in which the stakeholders were invited to participate. In this survey, stakeholders were asked about the possible needs they have in a traffic safety management system, and their responses were used to compile their needs. Based on the results of the survey, a conceptual design of a highway safety management system was prepared. This system is based on a database and a set of analysis modules that public agencies can use to improve public safety in their affiliated counties and cities. KW - Databases KW - Literature reviews KW - Nebraska KW - Needs assessment KW - Safety management KW - Software KW - Stakeholders KW - Surveys KW - Traffic safety UR - http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/media/5839/finalreportm025.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1425033 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01603602 AU - Markiewicz, Alexandra AU - McCoy, Kevin AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Cooperative Freight Mobility Planning in the Greater Charlotte Region: A Regional Models of Cooperation Peer Exchange Summary Report PY - 2016/04//Final Report SP - 25p AB - This report summarizes the presentations, key themes, and recommendations identified at a Regional Models of Cooperation ( “Planes, Trains, & Semis: Keeping a Dynamic Economy on the Move: Greater Charlotte Regional Freight Mobility Plan”) peer exchange on November 13, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. With support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Planning, the Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) hosted peers from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) in Cincinnati and the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Broward MPO) in South Florida. The purpose of the peer exchange was to share best practices in cooperative regional freight planning in order to inform the development of the Greater Charlotte Freight Mobility Plan. Regional Models of Cooperation is a program of the FHWA Every Day Counts 3 (EDC-3) initiative, co-led by the FHWA Office of Planning and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Planning. KW - Best practices KW - Charlotte (North Carolina) KW - Cooperation KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight transportation KW - Mobility KW - Peer exchange KW - Recommendations KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59100/59174/RMOC_PeerExchange_Charlotte.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1409716 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01600776 AU - Axiom Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Innovative Transit Workforce Development Projects of 2011 PY - 2016/04 SP - 140p AB - As the first in a series of evaluations, the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program report will evaluate award recipients in federal fiscal year 2011. As a component of the current Administration’s Ladders of Opportunities initiative, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and FTA have made workforce development a central area of focus. With the ever-increasing deployment of new technologies and an aging workforce, transit operators across the U.S. are faced with a human capital and knowledge capacity gap. This evaluation report will help provide an overview of the first round of FTA-funded workforce projects, providing important best practices and lessons learned for other transit operators. KW - Best practices KW - Education and training KW - Evaluation KW - Grant aid KW - Labor force KW - Personnel development KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0094.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1409211 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599309 AU - Mishra, Santosh AU - TranSystems Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Radio/ITS Project Final Report PY - 2016/03//Final Report SP - 75p AB - This report presents findings from the evaluation of the radio and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) deployments at Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) in Cleveland, Ohio. GCRTA implemented an Enhanced Digital Access Communication System (EDACS) voice and data radio system and ITS technologies that include Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/ AVL), Automated Vehicle Announcements (AVA), Automated Passenger Counters (APCs), and Vehicle Component Monitoring (VCM). The system was accepted in 2012 after a deployment process that spanned 10 years. These technologies were deployed to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and improve service reliability and customer satisfaction. Based on staff interviews, the evaluation team determined that the overall impact of the deployed technologies was positive. However, quantitative analyses conducted to test evaluation hypotheses were largely inconclusive due to limitations in archived data. GCRTA has taken several steps to improve the data quality since system acceptance in 2012, but the data quality was not adequate to conduct quantitative analyses at the time of evaluation. Thus, findings presented in the report are based primarily on staff interviews and review of historical project documentation provided by GCRTA. KW - Automation KW - Cleveland (Ohio) KW - Data quality KW - Evaluation KW - Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Public transit KW - Radio UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0088.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1406942 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599256 AU - Roberts, Christian AU - Batac, Tiffany AU - Akofio-Sowah, Margaret-Avis AU - WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Asset Management Guide for Small Providers: Focusing on the Management of Our Transit Investments PY - 2016/03 SP - 38p AB - The Federal Transit Administration’s 2012 Asset Management Guide focuses on the management of our nation’s transit investments and provides practical guidance for how individual agencies can apply appropriate asset management business processes to maintain their assets. This Asset Management Guide for Small Providers is a supplemental resource for small transit service providers that have fewer assets and fewer asset classes to maintain than larger agencies and substantially fewer resources to direct towards how their assets are managed. It describes what Transit Asset Management (TAM) means for small providers and is designed to assist in developing TAM plans to improve the management of transit assets while meeting the intent of Federal requirements. The Guide limits descriptions to assets, practices, and requirements that are directly applicable to small providers; allows for tailoring to address inevitable outliers (e.g., rural agencies that maintain sizable fleets) and incorporate related state-level requirements that may differ among states; and provides a master template for small providers to develop TAM plans and offers example strategies and tips that can be applied to increase efficiency of day-to-day operations and maintenance efforts. KW - Asset management KW - Guidelines KW - Maintenance KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Operations KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0092.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407788 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597298 AU - Murphy, Colin AU - Shared-Use Mobility Center AU - American Public Transportation Association AU - Transportation Research Board AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit PY - 2016/03//Research Analysis SP - 39p AB - Technology is transforming transportation. The ability to conveniently request, track, and pay for trips via mobile devices is changing the way people get around and interact with cities. This report examines the relationship of public transportation to shared modes, including bikesharing, carsharing, and ridesourcing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft. The research included participation by seven cities: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC. Some have predicted that, by creating a robust network of mobility options, these new modes will help reduce car ownership and increase use of public transit, which will continue to function as the backbone of an integrated, multimodal transportation system. The objective of this research analysis, which is distilled from a larger forthcoming study on the same topic, is to examine these issues and explore opportunities and challenges for public transportation as they relate to technology-enabled mobility services, including suggesting ways that public transit can learn from, build upon, and interface with these new modes. To accomplish this task, the study draws from several sources, including in-depth interviews with transportation officials, a survey of shared mobility users, and analysis of transit and ridesourcing capacity and demand. Together, these elements provide a snapshot of a rapidly widening mobility ecosystem at an early moment in its evolution. KW - Analysis KW - Austin (Texas) KW - Boston (Massachusetts) KW - Chicago (Illinois) KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Mobility KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - San Francisco (California) KW - Seattle (Washington) KW - Surveys KW - Technological innovations KW - Vehicle sharing KW - Washington (District of Columbia) UR - http://www.apta.com/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/APTA-Shared-Mobility.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1401765 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599313 AU - Leary, Mary A AU - Rodriguez, Edwin AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Report on 2015 Section 5312 Projects PY - 2016/02 SP - 54p AB - This report provides information on projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA's) Section 5312 program for 2015 and a proposed allocation of appropriated funds for FY 2016. FTA focused eligible projects in three strategic priority areas to promote innovation that improves operations, infrastructure, and the travelers’ experience, including safety, asset management and asset innovation, and mobility. Total amounts for FTA-funded projects across the three types of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) eligible projects include Research projects ($10 million, 7% of 2015 allocations) for public transportation projects that develop and deploy new and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches; Innovation and Development projects ($11 million, 8%) that improve public transportation systems nationwide to provide more efficient and effective delivery of public transportation services including through technology and technological capacity improvements; and Demonstration and Deployment projects ($114 million, 85%) for the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability. Major projects are related to safety and asset management/innovation. Included in the report are project descriptions and lists of pending or ongoing project awards and grantees for larger projects. The findings of FTA’s research, innovation, and demonstration programs benefit riders, providers, and all members living in communities with public transit services. New safety technologies and solutions that public transit agencies can implement will mitigate injuries and fatalities. New, more energy-efficient capital will continue to reduce harmful emissions and reduce energy costs. Advancements in mobility through shared public and private services mean more people can get a ride when and where they need it. Operational processes that track important data for transit agency operational efficiency reduce provider costs. Innovations in capital stimulate the economy and boost private sector businesses. FTA’s 2015 research activities are driving the development of many useful resources for the industry. Innovative research and demonstration grants are in process with impending recommendations for technologies that hold great promise to improve public transportation systems and travel. Projects are assessing new operational processes, piloting more efficient ways to schedule a ride, testing systems for monitoring rider and passenger safety, funding innovative improvement to buses that reduce emissions and energy use, and demonstrating and deploying real-world solutions across the three priorities of safety, asset management/asset innovation, and mobility. KW - Government funding KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0091.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407789 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599169 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Caton, Melanie AU - Post, Matthew AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program: Final Report PY - 2016/02//Final Report SP - 42p AB - This report is an addendum to the second assessment report of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The TIGGER Program provides capital funds to transit agencies for projects that work to reduce the agency’s energy use and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their operations. The purpose of this report is to provide an overall status update for the program, provide an outlook on specific projects, and present an analysis of program results provided to date. This report briefly outlines the program and its goals, as well as the technologies being implemented. KW - Analysis KW - Capital investments KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Implementation KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit KW - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0090.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1406940 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01596066 AU - Timcho, Thomas AU - Zink, Gregory AU - Kellom, Brandy AU - Lordo, Robert AU - Hartman, Lauren AU - McKee, Kristen AU - Mishra, Santosh AU - Schweiger, Carol AU - McCord, Mark AU - Mishilani, Rabi AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Prototype Development and Demonstration for Integrated Dynamic Transit Operations - Final Report PY - 2016/01/20/Final Report SP - 136p AB - This document serves as the Final Report specific to the Integrated Dynamic Transit Operations (IDTO) Prototype Development and Deployment Project, hereafter referred to as IDTO Prototype Deployment or IDTO PD project. This project was performed under contract to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO) in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This final report provides a summary of the activities performed in conducting the IDTO PD project and documents the findings, lessons learned, and future considerations generated as an outcome of this work. As a prototype, IDTO was successful. It proved to be beneficial to the traveler, as throughout the demonstration period, users returned to use the application for trip planning/informational searches, and of those, over 25% took the action to monitor the trip and enable monitoring of transfers by the agencies to hold to allow for successful transfers. IDTO proved to be robust, with an uptime well over 95% based on 161 of 164 operational days. IDTO proved to be transferable, deployed both in Columbus, Ohio and Central Florida using the same core software tools. IDTO proved to be beneficial to transportation agencies, providing greater insight into system performance and allowing for adjustment to improve service. Finally, IDTO was insightful, identifying lessons learned that shape future research and deployment considerations. KW - Central Florida KW - Columbus (Ohio) KW - Demonstration projects KW - Deployment KW - Integrated Dynamic Transit Operations (IDTO) KW - Lessons learned KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Prototypes UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/57000/57000/57028/FHWA-JPO-16-276.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1400952 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01624205 TI - Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 17-01. Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Transit Agency Liability AB - In the 17 years since Transit Cooperative Research Program's (TCRP’s) July 1998 study of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and tort liability, the ADA of 1990 has become a fixed part of America’s cultural and legal landscapes. The ADA has transformed United States (U.S.) transit agencies, which now have sophisticated programs to address a wide variety of accessibility goals, including transit station, bus and rail vehicle design, stop announcements, paratransit programs, and many other subjects. In 1998 the ADA was “relatively new and there [was] very little in the way of reported case law,” and therefore the TCRP saw “a need for an assessment to determine the potential of tort liability and to identify unreported tort liability cases arising out of the act.” TCRP’s study focused on ADA-related tort liability, but in the years since then it has become clear that for agencies, tort liability is only a small aspect of the many legal risks and liabilities presented by the ADA. In fact, by far the most publicized legal disputes involving transit agencies and ADA claims have been civil rights lawsuits. Such suits can be catalysts for change, but because of their potential for injunctive relief, class actions, and large attorney fee awards they can also impose severe burdens on transit agencies with budgetary constraints. Over the last 17 years the TCRP has issued some legal papers touching on the ADA. In 2003 a study addressed the general impact of the ADA on transit operations; in 2007 the TCRP issued a collection of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) letters of findings and compliance assessments; and in 2011 a paper on reduction in service and fare increases addressed ADA together with other civil rights implications. However, the caselaw on ADA liability has not been comprehensively addressed by TCRP since 1998. The purpose of this study will be to provide a comprehensive overview of the types of legal claims against transit agencies that the ADA has generated–except now, the types of claims to be examined will encompass not only tort, but civil rights and other ADA-related claims. As in 1998, “the objective of this research is to prepare and present an assessment of problems in implementing the act from the perspective of transit operators”—except now there is a large body of caselaw and regulatory guidance to draw upon in making that assessment. In addition, the FTA has recently issued guidance on the ADA that should be addressed and summarized as part of this project. As in 1998, “the research results should be helpful to transit operators, administrators, planners, risk managers, and attorneys in devising a transit program that meets the objective of the act, minimizes risk of harm to disabled passengers, and ultimately minimizes the transit operators’ potential for …liability.” KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Attorneys KW - Compliance KW - Legal factors KW - Liability KW - Risk assessment KW - Tort liability KW - Transit Cooperative Research Program KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4302 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447182 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01616945 AU - Strauss, Rachel AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Scenario Planning Workshop PY - 2016/01//Final Report SP - 38p AB - This report summarizes noteworthy practices and key recommendations shared during a scenario planning workshop, hosted by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), on July 14-15, 2015, in New York, New York. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored this event as part of its Scenario Planning Program and in connection with the Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program jointly run by FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration. The workshop introduced the topic of financial scenario planning to NYMTC staff and representatives from local, State, and Federal agencies. Peer experts from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Metropolitan Transportation Commission participated in the workshop to share their agencies’ experiences and perspectives in using financial scenario planning. KW - Best practices KW - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning KW - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission KW - Financing KW - Forecasting KW - Metropolitan Transportation Commission (California) KW - New York Metropolitan Transportation Council KW - Recommendations KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation planning KW - Workshops UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60100/60127/nymtcscenario.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1428262 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599332 AU - Gregg, Rob AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Vehicle Assist and Automation (VAA) Demonstration Evaluation Report PY - 2016/01 SP - 61p AB - This report summarizes an evaluation of a vehicle assist and automation (VAA) system used by Lane Transit District in Eugene, Oregon, for its Emerald Express (EmX) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The 1.5-mile demonstration involved the use of magnetic sensors for precision docking at three stations and lane guidance between the stations. The VAA system was evaluated in six broad areas: bus driver satisfaction, customer satisfaction, efficiency/productivity, technical performance, maintenance, and safety. Data were collected from a variety of sources, including customer surveys, driver surveys and focus groups, accident reports, maintenance reports, and lane position data from the VAA on-board computer system. Key findings indicated that the VAA system kept the bus better centered in the busway while it was in motion, and it consistently docked the bus closer to the station platform. The VAA was widely praised by the bus operators and passengers for it precision docking at the station platforms. KW - Autonomous vehicle guidance KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Driver support systems KW - Drivers KW - Eugene (Oregon) KW - Evaluation KW - Highway safety KW - Maintenance KW - Performance KW - Sensors UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0093.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407787 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01626798 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Guidebook: Guideway Performance Restriction Calculation PY - 2016 SP - 22p AB - The objective of this guidebook is to detail the methodology for measuring and reporting guideway under performance restrictions to the National Transit Database (NTD). This information is intended to supplement other guideway-related information entered in the NTD Service Module. This guidebook is organized into four main sections. Section 1 describes the scope of this document and provides a brief policy background, linking this guidance to the requirements of the NTD. Section 2 outlines data requirements and definitions relating to reporting guideway performance restriction data. Section 3 details procedures for calculating guideway under performance restrictions. Section 4 presents a set of appendices, including a glossary of terms, example forms and references. KW - Calculation KW - Data collection KW - Guideways KW - Methodology KW - National Transit Database KW - Operating speed KW - Public transit UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/Guideway%20Performance%20Assessment%20Guidebook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01626791 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Guidebook: Facility Condition Assessment PY - 2016 SP - 54p AB - The objective of this guidebook is to detail the methodology for transit agencies to use for measuring and reporting facility conditions of administrative, maintenance, and passenger facilities to the National Transit Database (NTD). This information on facility conditions is intended to supplement other facility-related information entered in the NTD Asset Inventory Module and fulfills the reporting requirements for the Transit Asset Management Performance targets. This guidebook is organized into four main sections. Section 1 describes the scope of this document and provides a brief policy background, linking this guidance to the requirements of the NTD. Section 2 outlines data requirements and definitions relating to reporting facility condition data. Section 3 details facility components and sub-components, and provides instructions on how to assess their condition. Section 4 presents a set of appendices, including a glossary of terms, example forms, and references. KW - Asset management KW - Bus terminals KW - Condition surveys KW - Data collection KW - Maintenance facilities KW - Methodology KW - National Transit Database KW - Parking facilities KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit facilities UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/Facility%20Performance%20Assessment%20Guidebook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1447137 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01618761 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings on the Web PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - Transportation Asset Management: Summary of the 11th National Conference PY - 2016 IS - 20 SP - 34p AB - The 11th National Conference on Transportation Asset Management was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 10–12, 2016. Organized by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the conference was supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration, and the Transportation Asset Management Pooled Fund project. It was hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT). The conference featured opening and closing sessions, 30 breakout sessions in five functional and two cross-cutting virtual tracks, a poster session, and four workshops. A peer exchange on implementing transportation asset management was also held in conjunction with the conference. Speakers at the conference highlighted the advancements and improvements being made in transportation asset management programs at the state, regional, metropolitan, and local levels. Information on the innovative approaches being used by transit and other modes was interwoven throughout the conference. These approaches are addressing emerging issues, local needs, and federal requirements to ensure the best use of limited resources for transportation and transit investment decisions. Asset management programs are addressing climate change and extreme weather events, engaging diverse stakeholders in ongoing conversations, and using more robust and timely data. Programs are expanding to include risk assessments, vulnerability evaluations, and return on investment (ROI) analyses. Asset management is also being considered from a regional perspective in some areas. Although numerous advancements are occurring, speakers noted that many of the keys to successful asset management programs remain the same. These factors include top leadership support, establishing a strong basic foundation, involving personnel from throughout an agency, and transparency with policy makers and the public. Conference participants also discussed issues that would benefit from further research and technology transfer activities. This summary highlights the key elements from the conference. Comments from speakers in the opening session are presented first. The five track leaders’ comments on the discussion of the topics addressed in the breakout sessions are summarized in the closing session. U1 - 11th National Conference on Transportation Asset ManagementTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationMinneapolis,Minnesota,United States StartDate:20160710 EndDate:20160712 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Asset management KW - Conferences KW - Resilience (Materials) KW - Risk management KW - Technology UR - http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/175417.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1439869 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599257 AU - National Aging and Disability Transportation Center AU - Easter Seals Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Building Awareness in Accessible Transportation: Transit Assessment Guide for Students, Families and Educators PY - 2016 SP - 17p AB - This guide can be used as a tool to raise awareness about how people with differing abilities and preferences can use public transportation and the pedestrian environment around public transportation. The guide contains an accessibility checklist for students, families, and educators who would like to increase their understanding of transit systems and how people with disabilities use public transportation. Individual students, class groups or families will be able to take a snapshot view of accessibility features and identify areas for improvement while sampling transit trip. After using the checklist and determining the accessibility level of a particular transit trip, students, families and educators will have a greater understanding of accessible transportation. In addition, they may become more involved in community activities or committees related to local transit and disability topics. KW - Accessibility KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Handbooks KW - Pedestrian areas KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit UR - http://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/NADTC-Building-Awareness-in-Accessible-Transportation-for-Students.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407258 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01595013 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings on the Web PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine TI - Transportation Systems Performance Measurement and Data: Summary of the 5th International Conference, June 1-2, 2015, Denver, Colorado PY - 2016 IS - 18 SP - 114p AB - The 5th International Transportation Systems Performance Measurement and Data Conference was held June 1–2, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. The conference was organized by the Transportation Research Board and was sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Performance Measures Technical Transfer Pooled Fund project. The conference brought together personnel from public agencies, universities, and the private sector to address developing, applying, and delivering performance measures to support transportation decisions. The conference attracted 320 participants from 12 countries, and sessions were streamed live to 100 remote-access participants. The conference was organized around four broad themes: 1) driving decisions—aligning performance measures to support decisions; 2) tracking the moves—intermodal performance measurement; 3) untangling the data web—using advances in data and technology to support performance measurement; and 4) the state of the practice and opportunities. A plenary session and four breakout sessions were associated with each theme. This report provides full summaries of the plenary sessions presentations and brief summaries of the breakout session presentations. U1 - 5th International Transportation Systems Performance Measurement and Data ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationPerformance Measures Technical Transfer Pooled FundAmerican Association of State Highway & Transportation OfficialsDenver,Colorado,United States StartDate:20150601 EndDate:20150602 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Performance Measures Technical Transfer Pooled Fund, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Decision making KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Performance measurement KW - State of the practice UR - http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/174018.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402176 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01584073 TI - Transportation to Dialysis Centers: Health/Transportation Policy Intersection AB - In 2010, more than 20 million Americans had Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). As documented by the United States Renal Data System (RDS), the incidence of CKD has increased from 12.3% of the general population in 1994 to 14.0% in 2010. CKD can lead to kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). The only treatment options for ESRD are dialysis or transplant. According to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, from 1980-2009 the prevalence rate for ESRD increased nearly 600%. In 2011, 119,000 patients started or restarted dialysis. The cost of clinical dialysis for Medicare patients alone was $23.6 billion in 2010. However, neither the national financial impacts nor the availability of transportation to clinic-based dialysis services have been quantified. Some paratransit providers have been forced to deny transportation requests to dialysis centers, while other providers have denied non-medical transportation requests in order to accommodate increased demand for dialysis center rides. U.S. dialysis centers have reported that 8% of patients miss treatments and nearly 20% of treatments have been shorted by 20 minutes or more. At the same time, dialysis clinics are shifting operations from rural areas of the United States to urban/suburban settings. This results in increased transportation costs and ride times for individual rural dialysis patients. Clinic-based dialysis services are provided primarily by large for-profit corporations, which do not subsidize the transportation services that many of their clients require to access their clinics. Further, hypertension and diabetes are major precursors to renal failure. Transportation to preventive health care appointments (and to dialysis treatments) is not subsidized as a health benefit, except for those who receive Medicaid benefits. Better understanding of the need for transportation to preventive and life-saving medical visits will assist in planning efficient and effective services. The primary objective of this research is to project the current and expected transportation demands of clinic-based dialysis patients, through development of a model that can be applied to other chronic health conditions requiring regular monitoring and treatment. A secondary objective is to document the transportation needs for select preventive health care visits. By documenting the full cost of treatment, including transportation, the benefits of access to preventive care appointments can be estimated. The anticipated products of this research would include: (1) A national database documenting the number of people and associated trips to and from dialysis centers by trip origin (private home or congregate care) and by mode of travel including: paratransit by provider type; fixed route transit; taxi; or rides from relatives, friends, neighbors, home assistance staff, and volunteers. The database would summarize information and separate the analysis for urbanized areas and for rural areas, as urbanized areas often rely on different transportation providers than do rural areas. This database would enable investigators to: (a) Quantify the cost and subsidy sources for clinic-based dialysis transportation as well as the transportation providers; (b) Estimate the frequency at which dialysis center clients are using the center closest to their home. Center assignments are often dictated by insurance contracts or according to the affiliations of the nephrologists; (c) Estimate the incidence of curtailed treatments (by 20 minutes or more) or missed treatments due to transportation factors; (d) Estimate the number and trend of non-dialysis trips over the past 5 years provided by agencies unaffiliated with Non-Emergency Medicaid Trip (NEMT) services. Some non-NEMT agencies are reporting that capacity for non-dialysis trips is declining; (e) Compare the cost/recovery of dialysis transportation vs. non-dialysis rides; (f) Manage data online, allowing local agencies to update statistics every 5 years. (2) In addition to a summary of the current state, a forecast of future demand for transportation by mode to and from dialysis would be delivered, nationally and urban/suburban separately from rural. This summary would display trends in cost by funding source for treatment and paratransit access, segmented in 5-year increments over 20 years. (3) An identification of ways in which medical and transportation expenditures related to dialysis center treatments could be reduced, using the RDS and the model developed to project transportation demand. Two primary health conditions contributing to CKD would benefit from monitoring and preventive care. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure among adults in the United States. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure, causing more than 25,000 new cases of kidney failure per year in the United States. The costs of transporting people to preventive care appointments over several years likely would be substantially less than the costs of transporting a small proportion of those individuals to regular dialysis treatments over a few years time. (4) A resource guide would be developed, based on interviews with urban/suburban and rural paratransit services and representatives from dialysis treatment facilities, of successful methods used to manage demand for dialysis center transportation including: (a) Partnerships for service provision or funding. (b) Partnerships with dialysis centers to adjust client or shift schedules to allow grouping of rides or to maximize vehicle use during off-peak hours. (c) Standard operating procedures to minimize client no-shows KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Fixed routes KW - Health care services KW - Hypertension KW - Medical trips KW - Medicare KW - Paratransit services KW - Policy analysis KW - Prevention KW - Travel costs KW - Travel time UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4116 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378193 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01584074 TI - A Guide to Assessing and Eliminating Electrical Fires on Buses and Trains AB - Electrical fires caused by arcs on high current/voltage lines remain one of the main causes of bus fires. Such fires have safety implications for passengers and employees and liability implications for manufacturers, suppliers, and operators. The majority of these events lead to a total burn out/loss of the bus. Fuses are not designed for this specific failure mode, and traditional fire detection and suppression methods have not proven effective. Varying engine compartment configurations and continuous changes to improve environmental impact, weight, and cost make implementing best practices difficult. Although there are some technologies that may prove beneficial or perhaps even significantly reduce the number and severity of events, original equipment manufacturers and operators are reluctant to implement such technologies due partially to past difficulties and cost. Some preliminary testing has been done to determine methods to produce repeatable failure modes for testing of technologies. In addition, work is currently underway related to fire detection in heavy-duty vehicles. Although this work does not specifically test for arcing conditions, the testing standards could be modified to support arcing conditions. The objective of this research is to develop an assessment guide and procedures manual to identify mechanisms, procedures, and/or technologies that could eliminate electrical fires caused by arcs on buses and rail passenger transit vehicles. KW - Best practices KW - Buses KW - Fire fighting KW - Guidelines KW - Railroad trains KW - Vehicle fires KW - Vehicle safety KW - Voltage UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4117 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378192 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01584075 TI - Guidance for Quantifying the Return on Investment of Transit State of Good Repair Investments AB - Maintaining transit capital assets in a state of good repair (SGR) is a focus area for U.S. transit agencies. For mature transit agencies with well-established systems, it is often a challenge to restore existing capital assets to SGR, while for newer systems the challenge is to maintain assets in SGR to maximize system performance and minimize maintenance and operating costs. Recent Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) research has helped document the impacts and implications of SGR investments, relating these to improved asset performance. Other research has helped develop and refine the tools and approaches for predicting economic benefits of investments in transit, though mainly for investments in new or expanded transit systems rather than achieving SGR. Thus, transit agencies lack guidance, tools, and approaches for calculating quantifiable benefits of SGR investments and expressing these in terms of return on investment (ROI) or other measures. Addressing this gap would help transit agencies better prioritize investments between SGR, system expansion and other needs, and would help better communicate the benefits of investments to achieve SGR. A recent effort by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to evaluate the user benefits of transit SGR investments in the San Francisco Bay Area serves to illustrate both the opportunities in this area and the gaps in existing tools and approaches. MTC leveraged available models to predict the additional user delay that would result from failing to maintain assets in SGR. MTC then modeled this increased delay per passenger trip in its regional travel demand model, calculating changes in travel times and ridership predicted to result from increased delay, ultimately resulting in an estimated benefit/cost ratio for investments to achieve SGR comparable to investments in other transportation investments. MTC’s effort is notable in that it demonstrates the feasibility of calculating benefits of SGR investments, and further that these investments can be highly beneficial. But achieving this result required a number of calculation steps, as well as many estimates and assumptions. Also, the approach addressed only certain asset types (e.g., vehicles) due to a paucity of needed data and models. Additional research is needed to extend MTC’s work to develop a general approach to quantifying the ROI of SGR investments including costs and benefits incurred by transit agencies and transit passengers. This work should address the full range of capital assets a transit agency must maintain and should incorporate consideration of asset risk/criticality for predicting benefits of keeping critical assets in SGR. Also, it should support analysis of investments in lifecycle management techniques such as rehabilitation strategies and reliability-centered maintenance. The research should define calculation steps that transit agencies or researchers should perform to calculate the ROI of SGR investments, and should recommend approaches for contending with common issues, such as uncertain or incomplete data. The objective of this research is to develop guidance for calculating the ROI of investments in rehabilitating or replacing existing transit assets to help achieve SGR including, but not limited to, direct economic benefits. This guidance will help transit agencies establish appropriate levels of investment in state of good repair, test investment strategies, and help in prioritizing investments in achieving a state of good repair versus expanding transit systems or in other objectives. The guidance should be applicable to larger agencies that may have access to travel demand models for supporting an analysis, as well as to smaller agencies with more limited data. KW - Asset management KW - Capital investments KW - Metropolitan Transportation Commission (California) KW - Operating costs KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Return on investment KW - Ridership KW - San Francisco Bay Area KW - Transit operating agencies KW - User benefits UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4118 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378191 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01584077 TI - Development of Open Data Standards for Demand Responsive Transportation Transactions AB - Rapid advances in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in the transit industry have raised issues of the transferability of customer-focused mobility management data between multiple agencies, multiple service areas, multiple modes of transportation, and communication and interoperability between multiple software vendor programs. At the same time, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and its modal agencies are deploying technology-based programs on a national scale that provide one-call/one-click centers to veterans, active duty members of the armed services, and their families that raise the issue of common data standards for paratransit services and interoperability between transit service areas, intermodal trip booking, and interagency third-party payment processes. The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI) has provided more than 60 grants totaling approximately $60 million to regional transit agencies, aging and disability resource centers, metropolitan planning agencies, cities and counties, and state departments of transportation to build or enhance one-call/one-click centers throughout the United States and U.S. Territories. Nearly all the projects have had to address the issue of data interoperability among various paratransit software manufacturers as they deployed these call centers. Many others are addressing these same issues as a part of the USDOT Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) projects, Accessible Transportation Technology Research Initiative (ATTRI) proposals, and the development of transit management centers (TMCs) and mobility management call centers (MMCCs) funded through FTA formula funds. In addition, the Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation Systems (JPO/ITS) of the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration has raised the issue of open data standards for demand responsive transportation (DRT) in the development of the mobility on demand (MOD) technology. Recently, the Transit Cooperative Research Progam (TCRP) has provided a national discussion of these issues through the Transit IDEA Program (IDEA Project 50, Developing Regional Mobility Management Centers), and TCRP Web-Only Document 62, Standardizing Data for Mobility Management. The FTA’s Office of Transit Research, Innovation and Demonstration (TRI) has conducted a year-long consultation with industry stakeholders that focused on the recommendations of TCRP Web-Only Document 62 and engaged in a national dialogue on open data exchange for VTCLI call centers. This research will build on these public-private cooperative activities to research and propose open data standards for interoperable DRT transactions that can be adopted by the transit standards granting institutions of the U.S. and the world. The objective of this research is to organize private, public, and academic stakeholders to create open standard software specifications for DRT transactions including real-time service discovery, trip booking, trip accomplishment, third-party billing, and reporting. KW - Data collection KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Geographic information systems KW - Global Positioning System KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Interoperability KW - Military personnel KW - Mobility KW - Paratransit services KW - Travel demand KW - Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4120 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378189 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01584078 TI - Comprehensive Guide to Title VI Indicators for Transit AB - In metropolitan regions, public services such as public transportation, parks, libraries, health services, public safety, affordable housing, etc. are not provided in such a way that all segments of the population have equal access to these services. The most frequently discussed impacts of unfair distribution of public services are the physical and social segregation of those receiving a greater share of benefits from those receiving a lesser share of benefits. Research has shown that biased service delivery occurs in relation to income, class, race, and ethnicity, often in relation to urban location. Because transportation service benefits and costs are distributed geographically and influence the location patterns of both social and economic classes, the examination and analysis of spatial patterns of transportation service benefits have inherent equity implications. Cases where residents feel that there is unequal treatment by transportation service programs have been tested in court, especially where significant cases of racial discrimination have been presented. Although laws are currently in place that prohibit discrimination in the provision of public services, institutional factors at the local and regional levels have sometimes neglected the issue of equitable service provision planning. Traditionally, transportation policies have been evaluated using cost-benefit analysis. The problem with this approach is that it fails to measure how the costs and benefits are distributed across different groups in society, for example disaggregated by income, location, demographic sub-group, and limited English proficiency. It also does not take into account consideration of costs and benefits that do not have a monetary value, for example damage to health or the environment or community cohesion. Undertaking an analysis of the distributional impacts or effects of a transportation investment or proposal looks to address these concerns. There are strong linkages between distributional analysis and concerns expressed by advocates for environmental justice (EJ) and social equity. During the past several years metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have begun to put forth more attention into developing EJ and social equity analyses and plans. Some plans have resulted from pressures being exerted on the MPO by local resident and advocacy groups who have challenged the fairness of investment decisions and planning policies and their results. MPOs are also responding to requirements to consider the equity impacts of their decisions as expressed through Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National Environmental Policy Act, and Executive Order 12898. Unfortunately, little guidance is given on how to actually measure or analyze equity. A review of planning documents and reports from over 50 large MPOs shows that a wide variety of approaches have been used in the process with no clear standards, methodologies, metrics, or reporting formats by which plans can be easily evaluated or compared. The objective of this research would be to develop and demonstrate a framework by which MPOs and other regional planning organizations can successfully and efficiently perform consistent transportation equity analyses. Drawing upon the experiences of MPOs across the U.S., related project reports, and academic literature, a practical process would be derived that includes data collection methods, secondary data sources, and analysis methods. The objective would be to provide guidance for EJ and transportation equity analyses through the use of examples currently in use across the U.S. This would include the use of methods for demographic analysis, environmental analysis, spatial analysis, statistical analysis, and transportation system modeling/analysis. Five to six MPOs would be selected as demonstration cases to assist in the development of an analysis framework, implement the framework, assess the usefulness of the framework, and provide feedback for refinement. This process would also include public involvement in designing the framework to ensure that the techniques and methods for communicating the results are transparent and easily accessible to a broad audience. Through this research, case studies, law, methods, and existing practices would be thoroughly evaluated to derive the most useful and broadly applicable range of transportation equity and environmental justice analysis processes for MPOs. The synthesis of existing information would be the foundation for developing a comprehensive reference tool. Beyond that, the research team would examine up-to-date changes in guidance and regulation and offer their own innovative professional input to produce a guidebook that would be applicable to a wide variety of public transportation system planning and evaluation. This research would be a national reference guide that would answer how transportation equity analysis in public transportation can be analyzed through an integrated participatory and quantitative approach that is adaptable to planning and development at local and regional levels. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Civil Rights Act Title VI KW - Data collection KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Policy analysis KW - Regional planning KW - Social class KW - Statistical analysis UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4121 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378188 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01587732 AU - Rami, Keyvan Zare AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Nebraska Data Collection PY - 2015/12/20/Final Report SP - 44p AB - Automated pavement performance data collection is a method that uses advanced technology to collect detailed road surface distress information at traffic speed. Agencies are driven to use automated survey techniques to enhance or replace their current manual distress survey because of the advantages of objective measurements, safety benefits, and reduced measurement time. As agencies move toward the transition to fully automated data collection methods, there are common concerns regarding how the output of the new method will match the current manual survey ratings and how they will be adopted into the existing Pavement Management System (PMS). This study evaluates the newly implemented automated distress survey technique and its implementation into the Nebraska Pavement Management System (NPMS). To meet the objectives, a user-friendly program was developed to convert the automated distress ratings into the current manual distress ratings format. Then, a data set that includes more than 7,000 miles of distress data collected by the automated method was converted to the manual data format and compared to the most recent manual rating data of those sections to assess the agreement between the two data formats after the conversion process. The results show that the automated pavement survey slightly overrates bituminous pavement distresses with only a few distress types that could not be properly detected. Finally, a regression analysis of a core pavement performance indicator, Nebraska Serviceability Index (NSI), was conducted to examine how the new automated performance measurement system will ultimately affect NPMS decisions if implemented into Nebraska’s pavement management system. KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Condition surveys KW - Data quality KW - Evaluation KW - Implementation KW - Nebraska KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement performance KW - Regression analysis UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Other/FinalReportM017.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1378630 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01616958 AU - Markiewicz, Alexandra AU - McCoy, Kevin AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Regional Cooperation and Environmental Justice in Transportation Planning in Ohio: A Regional Models of Cooperation Peer Exchange Summary Report PY - 2015/12//Final Report SP - 26p AB - This report highlights key themes identified at the “Regional Cooperation and Environmental Justice in Transportation Planning in Ohio” Peer Exchange held on December 15, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. The Regional Models of Cooperation Initiative, which is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), sponsored this event. The purpose of the peer exchange was to share best practices in incorporating environmental justice into transportation planning and to determine how models of regional cooperation can inform this process. Peer agencies included: Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), FHWA Washington Division Office, and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). KW - Baltimore Metropolitan Council KW - Best practices KW - Cooperation KW - Environmental justice KW - Florida Department of Transportation KW - Ohio KW - Peer exchange KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60100/60130/columbus_environmental_justice.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1428263 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01590504 AU - Nsengiyumva, Gabriel AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - You, Taesun AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of a Semicircular Bend (SCB) Test Method for Performance Testing of Nebraska Asphalt Mixtures PY - 2015/12//Final Report SP - 71p AB - Granted that most distresses in asphalt (flexible) concrete (AC) pavements are directly related to fracture, it becomes clear that identifying and characterizing fracture properties of AC mixtures is a critical step towards a better pavement design. This report examines the testing variables of a reliable and practical semicircular bending (SCB) test for evaluating the fracture characteristics of asphalt concrete mixtures at intermediate service temperature conditions. The first part of this report investigates the repeatability of the SCB fracture test method by integrating a statistical-experimental approach to identify testing variables of the SCB test that result in repeatable test results. Toward this end, five testing variables (the number of testing specimens, specimen thickness, notch length, loading rate, and testing temperature) of the SCB test were investigated due to their significant effects on mixture fracture characteristics. After statistical analysis of 18 specimens tested with a typical testing variables, approximately, five to six specimens/replicates were found to be a reasonable sample size that could properly represent asphalt concrete fracture behavior using the SCB test method. The coefficient of variation (COV) of the mixture fracture energy was used to evaluate the effect of each variable on the repeatability of test results. A range of 1 mm/min. to 5 mm/min. for the loading rate, a notch length from 5 mm to 25 mm, and a specimen thickness of 40 mm to 60 mm and a testing temperature of 15-40°C showed a good repeatability of fracture energy with small COVs (≤15 %). The second part of this work is to investigate the sensitivity of the SCB test using the previously determined testing variables. Fourteen different asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures collected from 12 field construction projects in Nebraska were used in this task. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed statistically significant differences between mixtures at a 95% confidence level. Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) multiple-comparison analysis found similarities within mixtures of same types and differences between mixture types. In addition, the fracture energy of bituminous mixtures increased with increasing amount of virgin asphalt content in mixture. Overall, the SCB test method developed herein proved to be repeatable and sensitive to changes in mixtures, and thus a promising tool for evaluating the fatigue fracture resistance of AC mixtures. KW - Analysis of variance KW - Asphalt concrete pavements KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Bend tests KW - Fracture mechanics KW - Nebraska KW - Statistical analysis KW - Test procedures UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/ACC/FinalReportM022.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1396174 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01587637 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Post, Matthew AU - Gikakis, Christina AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Fuel Cell Buses in U.S. Transit Fleets: Current Status 2015 PY - 2015/12 SP - 43p AB - This annual status report discusses the achievements and challenges of fuel cell propulsion for transit and summarizes the introduction of fuel cell transit buses in the United States. It provides an analysis of the combined results from fuel cell transit bus demonstrations evaluated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with a focus on the most recent data (through July 2015). The primary results presented in the report are from two demonstrations of fuel-cell-dominant bus designs: Zero Emission Bay Area Demonstration Group led by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in California and American Fuel Cell Bus Project at SunLine Transit Agency in California. This report combines results for fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) demonstrations across the United States and discusses the path forward for commercial viability of fuel cell technology for transit buses. Its intent is to inform Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Energy (DOE) decision makers who direct research and funding; state and local government agencies that fund new propulsion technology transit buses; and interested transit agencies and industry manufacturers. KW - Alameda Contra Costa Transit District KW - Demonstration projects KW - Evaluation KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Sunline Transit Agency KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses KW - United States UR - http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/fc_buses_2015_status.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1391754 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01613184 TI - Value-Capture Financing for Public Transportation Projects AB - As demand for public transportation continues to increase and traditional methods of funding are facing over-subscription and stagnation, transit agencies and their communities are exploring and pursuing innovative approaches such as value capture to finance public transportation investments. Value capture is a type of public financing that recovers some or all of the value (i.e., the increase in adjacent land values) that public infrastructure generates for private landowners. This unearned value may be "captured" by converting it into public revenue. In short, value capture is an innovative funding option that can allow some portion of the increase in adjacent land value to be dedicated to developing and operating public transportation because the investment in transit services is linked to enhanced private land values. Among others, four common types of value-capture strategies include assessment districts, tax-increment financing (TIFs), joint development, and development impact fees. These strategies have been used to provide funding for public transportation operations, as well as a funding stream to finance infrastructure investments and ridership-enhancing neighborhood improvements. While there is a body of research on value capture and some successful experience by transit agencies in implementing value-capture mechanisms, many transit agencies interested in pursuing value-capture revenues have faced impediments to their efforts. Consequently, many transit agencies and their partners are seeking updated information and guidance to apply value capture mechanisms to their public transportation, projects. The objective of this research is to identify practical approaches to successfully implementing value capture for public transportation and overcome the impediments associated with these funding mechanisms. The research should focus on the perspectives of entities such as financial advisors, bond lawyers, debt issuers, municipal underwriters and brokers, debt and equity fund managers, and land use developers that participate in monetizing the increases in value of real estate that are linked to transit investments. The research should also address the perspectives of policymakers and regulators associated with transportation infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels, including entities responsible for TIFIA loans and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) major capital investment grants. This research should: (1) address the types of local economic conditions that can influence the efficacy of value capture as a financing strategy; (2) present regulatory, legislative, and other key factors that affect the use of value-capture mechanisms for public transportation; (3) identify strategies to make the business case for dedicating value-capture revenues (or portions thereof) to public transportation (vs. other competing uses for those revenues); (4) identify the types of questions that must be asked, the data that must be collected, and the analyses that should be performed for transit agencies to demonstrate credit worthiness to national rating agencies for value capture projects; and (5) identify strategies that facilitate coordination among the entities that play a role in monetizing the value created by public transportation projects. The primary audience for this research is public transit agencies. The research results may also benefit local, regional, state, and federal entities. The product of this research should: (1) improve broad-based understanding on how to successfully implement value capture and overcome historic impediments; (2) present opportunities for public transit agencies and their partners to learn from and build on the successes of other transit agencies; and (3) present practical approaches for near- and long-term strategies for public transit agencies to apply value-capture mechanisms to fund public transportation. The research has been completed and the final report is pending approval and publication. KW - Investments KW - Land values KW - Project management KW - Public transit KW - Revenues KW - Taxes KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Value capture UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4123 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1426439 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613808 AU - Christie, Blake AU - Hardesty, Dawn AU - Hatcher, Greg AU - Mercer, Michael AU - Noblis, Incorporated AU - Department of Transportation AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management: Implementation Guide and Lessons Learned (Final Report Version 2.0) PY - 2015/09//Final Report Version 2.0 SP - 152p AB - This implementation guide is intended for use by adopters of integrated corridor management (ICM) approaches and strategies to address congestion and travel time reliability issues within specific travel corridors. It introduces the topic of ICM and identifies the type of information system, the integrated corridor management system (ICMS) that is used to support transportation network managers and operators in applying ICM. The guide discusses typical issues (lessons learned) that arose during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT’s) research initiative, where the U.S. DOT partnered with eight transportation agencies in large metropolitan areas (known as “Pioneer Sites”) to research effective means of implementing ICM approaches in their major travel corridors. Each of the Pioneer Sites used a systems engineering approach to define the needs for ICM within their corridor and the needs and requirements for an ICMS to support ICM. Two of the original eight Pioneer Sites were selected to serve as Pioneer Demonstration Sites, where an actual ICMS was built, operated, maintained and evaluated to assess how effective ICM strategies were in improving the flow of traffic within the corridor. The guide offers suggestions for each stage of an implementation effort for an ICMS, to assist other agencies in benefitting from the research done to date and from the experiences of the Pioneer Sites. In addition to the material covered in the guide itself, there are extensive references to other documents and source material that can assist ICM adopters in successfully applying these concepts for their regions. Please note that this Version 2.0 of the ICM Implementation Guide and Lessons Learned supersedes Version 1.0 of the ICM Implementation Guide and Lessons Learned published in February of 2012. At the time the version 1.0 guide was written, the Dallas and San Diego ICM Pioneer Sites were still in the system definition and design stages of the project lifecycle. This version 2.0 update of the guide provides additional lessons learned and examples through the full implementation of the Dallas and San Diego ICM Pioneer Site projects. KW - Demonstration projects KW - Implementation KW - Information systems KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Reliability KW - Systems engineering KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation corridors KW - Travel time UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59600/59604/FHWA-JPO-16-280.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1425494 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579154 AU - Schroeder, Jeremy AU - Klein, Rachel AU - Smith, Theodore AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Burris, Mark AU - Songchitruksa, Praprut AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Saunoi-Sandgren, Emily AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Joy, Barbara AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Los Angeles Congestion Reduction Demonstration ExpressLanes Program: National Evaluation Report PY - 2015/08/31/Final Report SP - 346p AB - This document presents the final report on the national evaluation of the Los Angeles Congestion Reduction Demonstration (LA CRD) ExpressLanes Program under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) CRD Program. The LA CRD projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of Tolling, Transit, Telecommuting/Travel Demand Management (TDM), and Technology, also known as the 4Ts. Tolling (pricing) strategies include converting high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on the two freeway corridors to variably-priced high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, adding a second HOT lane to portions of one corridor, and implementation of a downtown L.A. intelligent parking management system featuring demand-based pricing and real-time parking availability information. Transit improvements include increased bus service, transit station security improvements, expansion of two transit stations, creation of an El Monte Busway/Union Station connector, and the expansion of downtown L.A. transit signal priority. TDM strategies aim to establish 100 new registered vanpools. The national evaluation of the LA CRD projects was guided by the National Evaluation Framework, the LA CRD National Evaluation Plan, and individual test plans for various components. This report provides information on the use of the new LA CRD projects. Changes in travel speeds, travel times, trip-time reliability, and transit ridership are described. The air quality, energy, and safety impacts of the LA CRD projects are examined. Information on changes in unemployment rates and gasoline prices is also summarized. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Evaluation KW - Express lanes KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Parking fees KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Ridership KW - Travel demand management KW - Travel time KW - Urban areas KW - Urban Partnership Agreement KW - Vanpools KW - Variable tolls UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55600/55669/FHWA-JPO-14-126-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371366 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01579666 JO - Transportation Research E-Circular PB - Transportation Research Board TI - Transportation Asset Management from Plans to Practice: A Workshop for State Practitioners, May 31, 2015, Denver, Colorado PY - 2015/08 IS - E-C200 SP - 52p AB - This publication summarizes the presentations from a May 31, 2015 workshop held in conjunction with the 5th International Transportation Systems Performance Measurement and Data Conference, June 1–2, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. This circular summarizes ideas, experiences, and practices involving transportation asset management plans, risk management, and organizational alignment. Transportation asset management (TAM) refers to a strategic and systematic process of operating, maintaining, and improving physical assets, with a focus on both engineering and economic analyses based on quality information. The goal of TAM is to identify a structured sequence of maintenance, preservation, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement actions that will achieve and sustain a desired state of good repair—at minimum practicable cost over the life of the assets. U1 - 5th International Transportation Systems Performance Measurement and Data ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationPerformance Measures Technical Transfer Pooled FundAmerican Association of State Highway & Transportation OfficialsDenver,Colorado,United States StartDate:20150601 EndDate:20150602 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Performance Measures Technical Transfer Pooled Fund, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials KW - Asset management KW - Maintenance KW - Organizational factors KW - Performance measurement KW - Risk management UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/173050.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1372701 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579189 AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Klein, Rachel AU - Schroeder, Jeremy AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Burris, Mark AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Joy, Barbara AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Battelle AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Contemporary Approaches to Congestion Pricing: Lessons Learned from the National Evaluation of Congestion Pricing Strategies at Six Sites PY - 2015/08 SP - 64p AB - This document represents the final report of the national evaluation of congestion reduction strategies at six sites that received federal funding under the Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) and Congestion Reduction Demonstration (CRD) programs. The six sites, or “urban partners,” were Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington. Each site implemented a comprehensive policy response to urban congestion that included four essential components known as the “4 Ts”: 1) tolling (or congestion pricing), 2) enhanced transit services, 3) telecommuting and other transportation demand management (TDM) strategies, and 4) advanced technology. The U.S. Department of Transportation sponsored an independent national evaluation of the multi-year, multi-site demonstration of congestion pricing and other supporting strategies. The contents of this “lessons learned” report are derived from the national evaluation and represent a cross-cutting review and assessment of the impacts of the six projects. The findings will be useful to state and regional agencies interested in advancing new congestion pricing programs or expanding programs already in place. The report notes the strategies that worked well across sites and those that did not. The findings are presented in the following sections: Growth and Change in Usage, Congestion Performance, Transit Performance, Telecommuting and TDM Performance, Environmental Impacts, Benefit-Cost Analysis, Equity and Congestion Pricing, Technology Performance, The Deployment Experience, Operational Impacts, and the Long-Term Effects of the UPA/CRD Projects at the Six Sites. KW - Atlanta (Georgia) KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Congestion management systems KW - Congestion pricing KW - Environmental impacts KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Evaluation KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Miami (Florida) KW - Minneapolis (Minnesota) KW - Public transit KW - San Francisco (California) KW - Seattle (Washington) KW - Telecommuting KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas KW - Urban Partnership Agreement UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55600/55668/UPA_2015_Final_9-17-15.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371365 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01576108 AU - Middleton, Scott AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Establishing and Integrating Performance Measures: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2015/08//Final Report SP - 42p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and noteworthy practices identified at “Establishing and Integrating Performance Measures” Peer Exchange held on April 27-28, 2015 in Dimondale, Michigan and via video teleconference. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Peer Agencies included: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Specifically, the event helped MDOT and its partner agencies prepare for three key requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21): (1) The development of performance measures and targets; (2) The integration of performance measures into the planning process; and (3) The development of performance-based plans for safety, asset management, and congestion. KW - Asset management KW - Best practices KW - Michigan Department of Transportation KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Peer exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - Recommendations KW - Safety KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55455/Peer_Exchange_Report_Establishing_and_Integrating_Performance_Measures_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1369011 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579232 AU - Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Establishing a Fatigue Management Program for the Bus and Rail Transit Industry PY - 2015/07/30 SP - 58p AB - On October 28th and 29th, 2014, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator tasked the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) with developing recommendations for FTA on the elements that should comprise a Safety Management System (SMS) approach to a fatigue management program. TRACS Representatives with backgrounds in state safety oversight agencies, state and local transportation agencies, labor unions, research organizations, and national transportation associations worked together to create recommendations for FTA to manage transit worker fatigue and prevent fatigue-related incidents. These recommendations address each aspect of the SMS approach, including policy, risk management, safety promotion, and safety assurance. The report begins by introducing the issue of transit worker fatigue, the aspects of a fatigue risk management system, and the SMS approach and its connections to this report. It then presents TRACS’ recommendations regarding the components of a successful fatigue management program, including hours of service (HOS), shift scheduling, fatigue prevention and awareness training, fitness-for-duty medical evaluations and screenings, work and vehicle environment design, safety culture, incident investigation, and data collection. Each section includes an introduction, a description of recommendations, and a table analyzing how the section relates to each SMS pillar. Some sections also include a list of relevant definitions. KW - Fatigue (Physiological condition) KW - Policy KW - Public transit KW - Recommendations KW - Risk management KW - Safety management KW - Safety Management Systems KW - Transit operators UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/TRACS_Fatigue_Report_14-02_Final_%282%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371173 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579162 AU - Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Preventing and Mitigating Transit Worker Assaults in the Bus and Rail Transit Industry PY - 2015/07/06 SP - 46p AB - On October 28th and 29th, 2014, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator tasked the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) with developing recommendations for FTA on the elements that should comprise a Safety Management System (SMS) approach to preventing and mitigating transit worker assaults. Representatives from state and local transportation agencies, labor unions, research organizations, and national transportation associations worked together to create recommendations for FTA to prevent assaults against transit workers. These recommendations address each aspect of the SMS approach, including policy, risk management, safety promotion, and safety assurance. This report begins by introducing the issue of transit worker assaults and describing the SMS approach and its connections to this report. It then presents TRACS’ recommendations regarding protective infrastructure, training, public education, support for transit workers, enforcement, and data collection. Each section includes an introduction, a description of recommendations, and a table analyzing the benefits and costs of each risk control strategy. KW - Benefits KW - Costs KW - Crimes aboard public vehicles KW - Occupational safety KW - Policy KW - Prevention KW - Public transit KW - Recommendations KW - Risk management KW - Safety management KW - Safety Management Systems KW - Transit personnel UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Final_TRACS_Assaults_Report_14-01_07_06_15_pdf_rv6.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371174 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580995 AU - Jacobi, Amy AU - Torng, Gwo-Wei AU - Craig, John L AU - Noblis AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Assessment Study: Project Report PY - 2015/07//Final Report SP - 52p AB - The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is engaged in assessing applications that realize the full potential of connected vehicles, travelers, and infrastructure to enhance current operational practices and transform future surface transportation systems management. This effort, known as the Connected Vehicle Program, is a collaborative initiative spanning the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At its foundation is a communications network that supports vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), and vehicle or infrastructure-to-device (X2D) communications. Onboard equipment (OBE) units consist of connected vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle capable of broadcasting and receiving wireless messages. Roadside units (RSU) consist of roadside equipment capable of broadcasting and receiving wireless messages from vehicles. With its unique operational behaviors, vehicle characteristics, institutional assets, and mission to serve the public, the transit community holds a unique set of opportunities to support V2I applications that benefit all road users in general, and transit riders in particular. The overall scope of this Transit Connected Vehicle V2I Assessment Study is to: (i) perform a thorough cross-cutting exploration of transit unique V2I needs (such as data and communications needs), opportunities (where transit can contribute, for example, to the data environments) and constraints (such as ownership of and accessibility to certain infrastructures), and then (ii) define and prioritize selected transit V2I application bundles, and develop operational descriptions. This report, as a final project report, documents the thought process and approaches used in this study, as well as key findings derived from these research activities. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Public transit KW - Stakeholders KW - Technological innovations KW - Vehicle to infrastructure communications UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/56000/56200/56236/FHWA-JPO-16-230.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373247 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01601983 TI - The Impact of New Technology-Enabled Mobility Services on Public Transportation AB - During the past five years a variety of new urban mobility options have emerged that are built on the capabilities of new technology, including mobile device applications on smart phones and tablets that include global positioning systems (GPS) services. Customers can conveniently request and pay for their trips on their smart phones and can monitor vehicle location, arrival time, and trip progress. Most of the new technology-enabled mobility services started in the United States and quickly spread throughout the world. New companies have spurred additional urban mobility options that are more conveniently arranged and paid for than are traditional public and private urban transportation services. A hallmark of the new technology-enabled mobility services is customer convenience and satisfaction. Often the new technology-enabled mobility service services are part of the “sharing” economy, where individuals leverage their personal assets (i.e., their car or home) to make money. Since the sharing economy generally operates outside of existing regulations and tax requirements, its services generally cost less than traditional services. Pricing may, however, vary considerably based on market forces, rather than established regulations. The customer conveniences and generally lower costs make the new technology-enabled mobility services extremely popular. Despite the popularity of the new technology-enabled mobility services, they are not without their critics and their problems. While some cities and countries throughout the world have embraced the services, others have banned them because they operate outside of existing regulations that pertain to public safety, equity, and normal business practices. Some jurisdictions have imposed fines for continued operation. The new mobility services skirt many laws faced by other businesses, creating ill-will, protests, and litigation. While some local- and state-level jurisdictions are developing procedures and regulations to welcome the popular new technology-enabled mobility services in their community, others are not. Recognizing the limited budget for this project and the need for practical information, the objective of this project is to examine the near- and longer- term opportunities and challenges for public transportation services to learn from, build upon, and interface with new technology-enabled mobility services. The audience for this research includes public transit agencies, local and regional officials, and other interested parties. The product of this research should: Improve broad-based understanding about new technology-enabled mobility services, Present opportunities for public transit agencies to learn from and build on the successes of these services, in particular regarding service marketing and customer satisfaction and convenience, Identify opportunities and challenges, including the potential for both positive and negative outcomes for public transit agencies, presented by new technology-enabled mobility services, and present practical near- and longer-term strategies for public transit agencies to consider and, as appropriate, pursue to interface with new technology-enabled mobility services regarding trip and market analysis, transit coverage and operations, technology, and business models. KW - Arrivals and departures KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Global Positioning System KW - Market assessment KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Smartphones KW - Technological innovations KW - United States UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4122 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1412138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01566657 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Safety Management Inspection: Examination Dates: March 16 to April 3, 2015 PY - 2015/06/17/Final Report SP - 116p AB - Over the last decade, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has experienced several serious rail accidents. Among these is the June 22, 2009, collision of two Metrorail trains near Fort Totten station, resulting in the death of eight passengers and a train operator and injuring 52 others, and the January 12, 2015, electrical arcing incident near the L’Enfant Plaza underground station that produced toxic smoke conditions resulting in one passenger fatality and 90 injuries. Over the last decade, seven collisions occurred with WMATA workers on the rail transit right-of-way (ROW), resulting in nine fatalities and several serious injuries. In response to concerns regarding this safety performance, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) conducted an organization-wide Safety Management Inspection (SMI) of the WMATA rail and bus transit systems. Utilizing new safety authority established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) in 2012, the FTA SMI evaluated WMATA’s operations and maintenance programs, safety management capabilities, and organizational structures to identify areas where the agency must further enhance its conformance with its own rules and procedures, FTA’s existing regulations, and FTA’s Safety Advisories to reduce risks and make improvements for the safety and wellbeing of its passengers and employees. As a result of this SMI, FTA issues 44 safety findings in eight categories regarding WMATA’s Metrorail system and 10 safety findings in five categories regarding WMATA’s Metrobus system. To ensure that FTA’s SMI findings are resolved, FTA is issuing Safety Directive 15-1 to WMATA that identifies 78 distinct corrective actions to be completed by Metrorail and 13 distinct corrective actions to be completed by Metrobus. KW - Bus transit KW - Conformity KW - Maintenance management KW - Metrobus (Washington, District of Columbia) KW - Metrorail (Washington Metropolitan Area) KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Occupational safety KW - Organization KW - Rail transit KW - Risk analysis KW - Safety audits KW - Transit crashes KW - Transit safety KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/WMATA_SMI_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357880 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01575836 AU - Spencer, Lynn AU - Caton, Jim AU - Maurino, Dan AU - Lazaro, Ream AU - Boyd, Caton & Grant Transportation Group, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Safety Management Systems (SMS) Framework PY - 2015/06/15 SP - 20p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Safety Management Systems (SMS) Framework provides the building blocks of SMS and some of the major milestones for its implementation. By sharing this Framework, the FTA aims to standardize the understanding of SMS and actively support its implementation through communication and partnership with the public transportation industry. KW - Framework (Planning) KW - Implementation KW - Safety Management Systems KW - Standardization KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_SMS_Framework.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367336 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01566085 TI - Successful Practices and Training Initiatives to Reduce Accidents and Incidents at Transit Agencies AB - Federal Transit Administration (FTA) research project, State of Bus Safety in the US, highlighted complex issues and opportunities associated with transit agency safety-related training. Bus operator failure to perform or the implied failure-to-react was indicated as a contributing factor to some transit safety-related events. Also, FTA's Transit Safety Research Roadmap, a survey of US transit systems, indicated that while safety training is, in general, effective, "human factor errors" are indicated. A specific recommendation was made for further study to document existing bus operator training programs and report on their effect in reducing the frequency and severity of motorbus collisions. This synthesis will document public transit agency training and re-training programs that have been successful in reducing accidents and incidents resulting in a safe system for the customer and reduced operating costs for the agency. It will also report on the current climate of transit safety-related training and how an organization's safety culture impacts how training is offered, how it is received, its frequency and its importance. This synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following items: (1) Common conditions under which incidents occur (i.e., impact of the path of travel for customers ingress and egress when attempting to catch a departing vehicle or after alight a vehicle, left bus turns, rear-end and rear-ending collisions, and even operator assaults); (2) Agency mitigation of incidents; (3) Content, delivery methods, and duration of training for new bus operators and the content, frequency, and duration of refresher training; (4) Successful locally-adopted, training/retraining and implemented policies and procedures, demonstrated to reduce human factors errors; (5) Organizational culture; and (6) Innovations in technology. This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. A draft further research needs statement might also be prepared. KW - Bus drivers KW - Hazard mitigation KW - Human factors in crashes KW - Organizational factors KW - Safety culture KW - Safety education KW - Training KW - Transit buses KW - Transit safety UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3979 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357036 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01566084 TI - Managing Extreme Weather at Bus Stops AB - A chronic problem for transit operations involves clearing bus stops, shelters, and adjacent walkways when extreme weather events occur. This creates not only a major inconvenience for transit riders, but a safety hazard for passengers who need to wait for buses in the street, and a potential accessibility barrier for persons with disabilities. Who, if anyone - property owners, municipality, county agency, transit authority - is responsible for bus stops, shelters, adjacent walkways varies greatly from one city to another (and sometimes depending on whether the stop is on a city street or state road). There is also great variety in terms of who actually performs maintenance - municipal or transit agency employees, private contractors, volunteers, or other resources (for example, during the recent snow emergency in Boston, prison inmates were used to clear snow; in other places, individuals required to perform community service in lieu of prison are used). In some cities, maintenance of certain bus shelters is paid for with advertising revenue. A synthesis is needed to report on the state of the practice in this area. This synthesis will survey North American transit operators affected by extreme weather events to determine what methods and procedures are used for clearing bus stops, shelters, and access walkways. The synthesis will document but, not be limited to the following: (1) Agency (or private property owner) responsibilities for clearing bus stops, shelters, and access walkways? (2) Who performs the work-public agency personnel, private contractors, etc.; (3) Innovative arrangements that other transit agencies might emulate; (4) Sample ordinances and contracts; (5) Standards/specifications applied (e.g., amount of snow accumulation allowed before removal); and (6) Experience with liability claims arising from bus tops, shelters, walkways that are not accessible This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. A draft further research needs statement might also be prepared. KW - Accessibility KW - Bus stop shelters KW - Bus stops KW - Legal responsibility KW - Liability KW - Maintenance KW - North America KW - Public transit KW - Safety KW - Snow removal KW - Specifications KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Walkways KW - Weather conditions UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3980 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357035 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01566083 TI - Design Fires in Transit and Rail Tunnels AB - Synthesis 415 entitled Design Fires in Road Tunnels published in 2011 was a comprehensive document addressing fires in road tunnels but, it did not address fires in transit systems or rail tunnels including subway, or underground rail stations. There are many differences between fires in road tunnels versus rail or transit tunnels. Such differences require implementation of different measures in order to provide safety and security to the passengers and assure structural integrity of the facilities during and after a fire event. National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) provided standards in its NFPA130 publications. However, research and developments have taken place throughout the world and these recent developments may not have been addressed by NFPA130. Also, there are many older 'grandfathered' transit systems and rail tunnels that do not meet NFPA130 provisions. Owners and operating agencies are in need of guidelines in terms of meeting facility safety provisions. This synthesis will provide state of the practice information in design fires in transit and rail tunnels. It will offer transit agencies information to help assist them in providing safety and security to passengers and assure structural integrity of facilities during and after a fire event. Information gathered will include but not be limited to the following: (1) Proper procedures in characterizing a credible fire scenario; (2) Management of a fire incident; (3) Fire protection systems; (4) Passenger safety; and (5) Impact of active and passive fire protection and security screening systems on the facility and its structural systems. This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review of US and International sources, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. A draft further research needs statement might also be prepared. KW - Design fires KW - Fires KW - National Fire Protection Association KW - Public transit KW - Railroad tunnels KW - Safety KW - State of the practice KW - Vehicular tunnels UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3981 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357034 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01566081 TI - Successful Practice for Evaluating the Economic Impact of Transit AB - Transit agencies have an increasing need to consistently and defensibly describe the economic impacts and benefits of their services. In transit, a diversity of evaluation methods can be applied, yielding challenges for consistent evaluation and documentation of economic impacts across studies and geographies. In 2012 the American Society of Civil Engineers published a study on the potential economic effects of transit under-investment at the national level and in 2013, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) updated a national report on the overall economic impacts and benefits of transit. Various metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), states and local transit operations have also undertaken studies showing the impact and benefit of transit systems and investments. Practitioners are challenged to interpret potentially conflicting and inconsistent approaches. The transit problem is widespread. Unique considerations make it very difficult to generalize transit economic benefits and impacts and relatively few transit operations or even metropolitan planning organizations can afford to sponsor original economic impact and benefit studies unique to their regions. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) and ongoing discussions about transportation legislation, continue to emphasize performance, accountability and mode-neutrality. Yet highway, bridge and freight modes have more universally accepted and consistent economic assessment methods than transit. Moreover, transit systems, like their other modal counterparts, are faced with the challenges of shifting demands, aging infrastructure, and constrained budgets, and need credible economic evaluations to make the case for sustained strategic investment. A synthesis is needed to provide state of the practice information for transit agencies in helping them to achieve consistency in incorporating economic benefits and impacts into their decision-making Information gathered will include but not be limited to the following: (1) Accepted methods of ascertaining transit economic benefit and impact, providing mobility and beyond; (2) Methods that can be practically applied given the analytical resources and staffing of a typical transit planning organization; (3) Available data sources to support implementation of these methods throughout the US; (4) How factors such as area type (urban/rural), community size, type of transit operation, economic base of a community and transit market profile affect the appropriateness or transferability of transit economic analysis methods; (5) Current successful practices for planners or decision makers seeking to evaluate claims of transit economic benefit and impact resulting from available methods; and (6) This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. APTA, Transportation Safety Institute (TSI), and National Transit Institute (NTI) resources will be reviewed, as available. A draft further research needs statement might also be prepared. KW - American Public Transportation Association KW - Capital investments KW - Decision making KW - Economic impacts KW - Evaluation KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - National Transit Institute, Rutgers University KW - Public transit KW - Transportation Safety Institute UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3983 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357032 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01591976 AU - Ouattara, Moustapha AU - Yu, J Gordon AU - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - WMATA Wayside Energy Storage Demonstration Project PY - 2015/06//Final Report SP - 39p AB - This report summarizes the experience and the test results from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Energy Storage Demonstration Project, a project that was partially funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). WMATA worked jointly with Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., to implement the demonstration. Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems served as the technical consultant. The installation was tested under normal revenue service conditions. The test results include energy saving, peak power reduction, and train voltage support that are provided by the 2MW Battery Power System (BPS) installation. In addition, the same installation was tested as an emergency power source to move trains to desired destinations when the traction power system is under a simulated blackout situation. Based on the obtained results and the prevailing electricity cost parameters, return-on-investment calculations were performed for the installation life times of both 10 years and 20 years. KW - Demonstration projects KW - Energy storage systems KW - Rail transit KW - Regenerative braking KW - Return on investment KW - Savings KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0086.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1398244 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01575526 AU - You, Taesun AU - Im, Soohyok AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - Haghshenas, Hamzeh AU - Nsengiyumva, Gabriel AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of Thin Asphalt Overlay Practice Preserving Nebraska’s Asphalt Pavements PY - 2015/06//Final Report SP - 89p AB - This study examined the current thin asphalt overlay practices implemented in Nebraska. To that end, the mechanical properties and performance characteristics of the two mixtures (i.e., SLX and SPH) were compared by carrying out laboratory tests such as dynamic modulus test, dynamic creep test, static creep-recovery test, semi-circular bending test, and Hamburg wheel tracking test. The laboratory test results were also used to characterize the material properties for pavement performance prediction simulation. Structural performance analysis was conducted using the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and finite element method in order to compare the pavement structures with the two different mixtures (i.e., SLX and SPH). In addition, a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was performed to compare the economic benefits associated with the thin-lift overlay to the conventional overlay practice. This provided insights into how the thin asphalt overlay with the SLX mixture behaved compared to the previous practice, which replaced the old asphalt with the SPH mixture. Laboratory results clearly showed that the SLX mixture behaved similarly to the SPH mixture in terms of mixture stiffness, rutting potential, and cracking resistance. However, the Hamburg wheel tracking test found that the SLX mixture had greater moisture susceptibility, a result that requires more investigation. Pavement performance simulation results from finite element analysis showed that the rutting and cracking potential of the pavement with SLX thin overlay mixture was lower than the pavement with SPH mixture. MEPDG simulations predicted that both pavements would perform satisfactorily during their expected design life, but the LCCA indicated that the practice of using the thin SLX preservation technique can reduce both the agency’s and user’s costs compared to the conventional SPH rehabilitation practice. Both performance prediction results need to be compared to actual field performance data. Only one-year field performance is available to date, which needs to be continuously monitored to judge how both pavement structures perform. KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Bituminous overlays KW - Finite element method KW - Laboratory tests KW - Life cycle costing KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Mix design KW - Nebraska KW - Pavement performance KW - Thin overlays UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/ACC/Final%20Report%20M015.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367020 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580924 AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Bouattoura, Fariel AU - Zingalli, Joe AU - Macias, Roberto AU - Miller, Bryan AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Test Report, Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2015/05/29/Final Report SP - 27p AB - The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is leading the US 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project for the Dallas region. Coordinated corridor operations and management is predicated on being able to share transportation information on highways, arterials, transit, weather, and incidents. The ICM system will utilize the existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Center-to-Center standards based communication infrastructure, and will provide direct connections to agencies not on the Center-to-Center network, via a web-based interface known as SmartNET. The ICM system uses SmartNET as the main graphical user interfaces for the ICM Stakeholders to create, edit, and view events in the corridor and region, view current conditions of field devices and congestion on the roadway network, and coordinate responses to incidents within the corridor. This Test Report covers the test process and results for the various phases of testing for the ICM system. KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Dallas Area Rapid Transit KW - Demonstration projects KW - Information dissemination KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Stakeholders KW - Systems analysis KW - Test procedures UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/56000/56200/56235/FHWA-JPO-15-211_v2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373249 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01574028 AU - Pecheux, Kelley AU - Strathman, James AU - Kennedy, Jason AU - Applied Engineering Management (AEM) Corporation AU - Portland State University AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of Transit Bus Turn Warning Systems for Pedestrians and Cyclists PY - 2015/05//Draft Final Report SP - 191p AB - As part of a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) conducted a demonstration test of three commercially-available pedestrian turn warning systems for transit buses. A total of 45 buses were equipped with the turn warning systems (15 buses with each of the 3 systems) for a period of 7 months (March– September 2014). A robust evaluation of the systems was conducted, including surveys and focus groups with bus operators and the general public, a video-based analysis of pedestrian behaviors, interviews with TriMet personnel, and a benefit-cost analysis. In addition to the turn warning systems, a unique crosswalk warning sign was deployed and tested at one intersection in downtown Portland. This report documents the findings from the test and evaluation. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Bus drivers KW - Crosswalks KW - Cyclists KW - Demonstration projects KW - Evaluation KW - Focus groups KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Pedestrians KW - Portland (Oregon) KW - Surveys KW - Transit buses KW - Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon KW - Warning signals KW - Warning signs UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0084.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55564/FTA_Report_No._0084.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1363775 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567264 AU - Middleton, Scott AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Cross-Modal Project Prioritization: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2015/05//Final Report SP - 36p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and best practices identified at the peer exchange on Cross-Modal Project Prioritization, held on December 16 and 17, 2014, in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). As the host agency, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requested this peer assistance in response to the Strategic Transportation Investment (STI) Law (House Bill 817) enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2012. The legislation requires that capital expenditures across all modes of transportation compete for State transportation funding. In implementing this legislation, NCDOT’s challenge is to develop an unbiased mechanism for comparing projects from different modes using quantitative data and a common set of criteria. In hosting the peer exchange, NCDOT’s goal was to gain knowledge of national best practices that could be incorporated into NCDOT’s Strategic Prioritization Process. KW - Best practices KW - Capital expenditures KW - Construction projects KW - Legislation KW - North Carolina Department of Transportation KW - Peer exchange KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation modes KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/Peer/NorthCarolina/NCDOT_cross-modal_12-16-14.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55000/55082/NCDOT_cross-modal_12-16-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1356185 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01562515 TI - Rail Neutral Temperature Monitoring for Rail Transit AB - The project will further develop and test unique Intelligent Rail Integrity System (IRIS) to determine the conditions leading to changes in Rail Neutral Monitoring Temperature (RNT), and provide the means to continuously monitor RNT in critical curve and abutment locations, to measure this effect, and communicate the condition to an IRIS website for remote access. This program will result in safer rail transit operations by more definitive continuous reporting of rail conditions and allow for verification of field welds, distressing curves, and any rail cuts. Continuous welded rail at curves and at abutments experience changes in rail neutral temperature (RNT) over time as stiff supports inhibit redistribution and equalization of longitudinal rail force. Significant changes in neutral temperature contribute to rail buckling and derailments. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will be participating with staff, equipment and facility for testing on their transit facilities. The project will be performed in the following two contingent stages. Stage I- Program Initiation and Stage II- System Implementation. KW - Buckling KW - Condition surveys KW - Continuous welded rail KW - Curved rail KW - Derailments KW - Maryland Transit Administration KW - Monitoring KW - Railroad safety KW - Temperature measurement KW - Websites (Information retrieval) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3826 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352303 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599335 AU - Lerner, Greg AU - Sawyer, Carla Leigh AU - King County Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Vashon Island Passenger-Only Ferry Study: Technology Demonstration Phase and Final Report PY - 2015/04//Final Report SP - 251p AB - This report summarizes work performed in earlier phases of this project to prepare for implementation of a County-operated passenger-only ferry service and documents the demonstration of three technology-based passenger ferry traveler information initiatives. The first two phases produced a policy study for County-operated passenger ferry service and a business and implementation plan for introduction of the service. The final phase evaluated opportunities for introducing technology to improve ferry traveler information, selected the most promising and feasible three technology options, and demonstrated and evaluated the three technology initiatives. KW - Ferry service KW - Implementation KW - Technological innovations KW - Technology assessment KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Vashon Island (Washington) UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0089.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1406941 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563561 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking PY - 2015/04//Revised SP - 24p AB - This guide discusses the federally required process for transportation decisionmaking. The Federal role is to provide funds, guidance, and standards. State Departments of Transportation, local governments acting through Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and transit operators make transportation investment decisions. This guide is here to inform you how the transportation decisionmaking process uses your input to create a safer, more efficient transportation system that supports your community. Topics covered include the following: how the decisionmaking starts; the basics of transportation decisionmaking; the government and transportation decisionmaking; transportation plans and programs; putting the plans in place; funding transportation projects; communities and the environment in transportation planning; your role in the planning process; the goals of project development and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process; documenting decisions; and your role in project development. KW - Communities KW - Decision making KW - Financing KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 KW - Public participation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/GuidetoTransportationDecisionmaking.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352936 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01594324 AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - University of Maryland, College Park AU - Capital Wireless Information Net AU - Battelle AU - Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Prototype Development and Demonstration for Response, Emergency Staging, Communications, Uniform Management, and Evacuation (R.E.S.C.U.M.E.) – Information Broker Framework PY - 2015/03/05 SP - 83p AB - The Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) program is designed to enhance deployment of emerging technologies and applications and promote collaboration in research and development of the mobility applications of future surface transportation systems. Response, Emergency, Staging, Communications, Uniform Management, and Evacuation (R.E.S.C.U.M.E.), is one component of the DMA program. Emergency Communications for Evacuation (EVAC) is one of three complementary applications that composes R.E.S.C.U.M.E. This document provides an analysis of the Regional Integrated Transportation Information Systems’ (RITIS) and CapWIN’s ability to serve as an Information Broker that is conceptualized to support various functions of R.E.S.C.U.M.E., in particular the EVAC application. In addition, it provides guidance on minimum functions that are required to enable the Information Broker and EVAC application in other regions nationally. KW - Advanced traveler information systems KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency communication systems KW - Emergency management KW - Evacuation KW - Information systems KW - Mobility KW - Prototypes UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/56000/56900/56965/Rewrite_Final_1.13.16_FHWA-JPO-15-233.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1400138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562614 AU - Juster, Reuben M AU - Jacobs, Thomas H AU - Hutchinson, Taran AU - University of Maryland, College Park AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of Regional Real-time Transit Communications and Data Information Sharing in the National Capital Region PY - 2015/03 SP - 53p AB - This final report documents transit-related enhancements to the Regional Integration Transportation Information System (RITIS), creation of the RITIS Chat Instant Messaging tool, and final project evaluation of the effectiveness of the RITIS Chat tool through a simulated incident with participants from transit agencies that actively use RITIS and members of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination (MATOC) Operations staff. KW - Communication KW - Coordination KW - Data sharing KW - Evaluation KW - Information dissemination KW - Information systems KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Simulation KW - Washington Metropolitan Area UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0079.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55561/FTA_Report_No._0079.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352128 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01605731 AU - Pierce, B AU - Zimmer, R AU - Battelle AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Warning Application: Concept of Operations PY - 2015/02/04/Final Report SP - 137p AB - This document describes the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Warning (TSPW) application. The ConOps describes the current state of operations with respect to the integration of connected vehicle technology in transit vehicles and at transit stops, establishes the reasons for change, and describes the TSPW application in terms of its features and operations. KW - Bus stops KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Pedestrian detectors KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Pedestrians KW - Public transit KW - Transit safety KW - Warning systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59100/59194/FHWA-JPO-16-332.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1415766 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599291 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2013 Statistical Summaries – FTA Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2015/02 SP - 187p AB - The 2013 Statistical Summaries report provides information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. FY 2013 was the first year that FTA incorporated 2010 Census data into its formula apportionments. In this report, obligations (beginning with FY 2013) are reported according to the urbanized area (UZA) code used to obligate the funds. The Statistical Summaries report is organized into three main sections. The first section includes appropriations and budget authorities. This is followed by detailed obligation data for the current fiscal year. The final section includes summarized historical data. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, Alternative Analysis, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. KW - Appropriations KW - Government funding KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - States KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Report_No._0087.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1406943 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01574085 AU - Nodine, Emily AU - Stevens, Scott AU - Najm, Wassim G AU - Jackson, Chris AU - Lam, Andy AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Independent Evaluation of the Transit Retrofit Package Safety Applications PY - 2015/02//Final Report SP - 157p AB - This report presents the methodology and results of the independent evaluation of retrofit safety packages installed on transit vehicles in the Safety Pilot Model Deployment—part of the United States Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation Systems research program. The Model Deployment included approximately 2,800 vehicles, equipped with designated short-range-communication-based vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology in a real-world driving environment. The goals of the independent evaluation were to assess system performance, safety impact, and driver acceptance of the vehicle-to-vehicle safety applications based on the naturalistic driving of 75 drivers who drove the equipped transit buses during the Model Deployment. The results of the analysis suggest that the TRP safety applications have the potential to improve driver behavior and increase driver safety, but improvements in accuracy are needed. Results from the Model Deployment will help shape future research direction. KW - Attitudes KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Behavior KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Drivers KW - Evaluation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Methodology KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Pilot studies KW - Retrofitting KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle safety UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54800/54839/FHWA-JPO-14-175_v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1363632 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570291 AU - Jones, MaryClara AU - Wilson, Nicholas AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Vehicle Qualification Test Compendium PY - 2015/02 SP - 93p AB - Qualification and acceptance testing and analysis for new passenger rail vehicles for transit systems has been specified by the transit/commuter agency for which the cars will be supplied to and/or by government agencies. Regulatory testing defined by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is currently only for passenger vehicles operating at 90 mph or greater. Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) was contracted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to identify and document all of the requirements for qualification or acceptance testing of passenger rail vehicles and signal and control systems that may be performed prior to their deployment in service in the U.S. Sources of the tests identified were found by reviewing American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recommended practices, FRA requirements, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and other international sources. In addition to identifying qualification tests, an assessment of the adequacy of the facilities currently available at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, for conducting these tests will be performed. For tests for which the required facilities do not exist at TTC, an assessment was performed to determine whether an alternative site capable of performing the tests exists. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Passenger cars KW - Performance tests KW - Railroad traffic control devices KW - State of the practice KW - Test facilities KW - Transportation Technology Center KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Research_Report_No._0083.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55565/FTA_Research_Report_No._0083.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360771 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551878 TI - The Relationship Between Asset Conditions and Service Quality AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reports to Congress on transit conditions and performance in a biannual report that provides relative condition ratings for major asset categories on a national level. Recent editions have also attempted to report the impact of these conditions on operating costs and vehicle reliability. This occurs in the context of discussions of the impact of different scenarios for investing in transit infrastructure. Reviews of this report consistently ask what the benefits of reinvestment in existing infrastructure (as opposed to expansion investments) are for those who consume transit services. The Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) used by FTA to project the impact of transit investment on transit system physical conditions (and capacity) directly estimates the physical condition of transit assets that would result from a given level of reinvestment in existing assets. This represents the first level of evaluating the return on this kind of investment. The second level would be to link these asset conditions to the resulting maintenance costs and failure rates. The highest level of investment evaluation would be to extrapolate from the second-level effects to determine what the impact on customer service would be. This research will consider what data, assumptions, and analysis would be needed to make it possible to estimate the impact of reinvestment on improved performance through lower maintenance costs and reduced failure rates, and then ultimately on the transit customer experience. The objective of this research is to develop a methodology for estimating the impact of different scenarios for reinvesting in transit assets on characteristics of the transit operations that matter to transit systems and their customers. The starting point would be the condition estimates, ideally estimates that are consistent with the outputs of TERM. Customer impact, system reliability, and maintenance cost metrics will be identified and data gaps for calculating these metrics will be defined. The research should develop a strategy for establishing quantitative relationships between asset condition estimates and operating characteristics that are of concern to transit systems and their customers. Metrics will be selected based on credible relationships with infrastructure conditions and data availability. Research to quantify these relationships will be proposed and a methodology to extend TERM to estimate impacts from deteriorated asset conditions will be proposed. KW - Condition surveys KW - Customer service KW - Infrastructure KW - Investments KW - Operating costs KW - Return on investment KW - Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3745 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342010 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551876 TI - Applicability of Public-Private Partnerships for Smaller-Scale Transit Projects AB - Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in developing creative solutions to inadequate funding for transportation systems, including transit. Funding constraints at all levels of government mean that public source funds are no longer sufficient to meet the backlog and sustain needed levels of investment going forward. To address this reality, a number of entities have tried using non-traditional planning and financing for transportation projects to support bridge, roadway, transit system, and transit station projects. For example, public-private partnerships (P3s) have been used by agencies across the country to help move deserving projects forward. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) defines the term "public-private partnership" as "contractual agreement formed between public-and private-sector partners, which allows more private-sector participation than is traditional". These arrangements usually involve a government agency contracting with a private company to renovate, construct, operate, maintain, finance, and/or manage a facility or system. While the public sector usually retains ownership of the facility or system, the private party will be given additional decision rights in determining how the project or task will be completed. The literature related to P3s documents successful examples of public-private approaches and highlights why P3s may or many not be successful for transit projects. While this information is helpful, it is limited because many of the case studies tend to be for large projects. There are likely smaller P3 projects that have been successful, but these are not well documented. This creates a void in the literature for small- to medium-sized communities who may be interested in considering alternative methods of funding for their transit projects. Furthermore, these communities, public agencies, and transportation authorities appear to lack the "roadmap" needed to realistically consider a P3 arrangement to support their project. Little information exists that either identifies smaller P3 projects or offers "best practices" that could be useful to other communities. Because it is often these smaller communities that are reliant on limited state and local funding and competing with larger projects for these minimal funds, better understanding when and how to implement a P3 is particularly critical. This research is intended to develop a library of case studies documenting small- to medium-sized P3 transit successes and, if particularly noteworthy, failures. It will also support development of a guidebook offering practical approaches to identifying projects that may be suitable for a P3, as well as tried-and-true methods for initiating, planning and implementing P3 for small- to medium-sized transportation projects. The research will build on existing reports, studies, and research, but also involve case study development of successful smaller-scale P3 projects. Projects that are part of a larger, community and livability enhancing effort will be a specific focus. It is recommended that research be conducted that relates to smaller-scale P3 projects that have been planned and implemented effectively. A case study of these P3 projects for transit would facilitate the determination of factors that appear to support P3 success. Documenting best practices for small- to medium-sized P3 projects would also help communities determine whether their project is well suited for P3, offer them some assurance that they do work on a smaller scale, and provide information that would assist those communities in planning for and implementing their project using a P3 method. One of the goals of this research effort will be to identify the variety of P3s that are available to support transit investments. Something as simple as signage on a local bus to support operations is an example of a P3, as is establishing a finance plan that involves a significant share of private local funding or employing a design-build delivery system. The goal of the effort will be to identify different types of P3s that communities are utilizing to support their transit investment, and publicize these examples to communities that may not be aware that these are options that could work for them. While large and small P3s may be similar in some ways, it is expected that there will be differences related to the number of private partners, the public funding sources available, the role of the private sector in the operation of the transit facility, and so forth. The research could potentially include the following steps: (1) Review existing studies related to P3 funding, focusing on any that highlight smaller-scale infrastructure investment. (2) Review experiences of communities and agencies that have utilized P3 approaches to fund and implement their project. (3) Identify the types of smaller transportation projects that might benefit from consideration of P3. (4) Interview communities or agencies that have used P3 to help fund their projects. It is expected that the interviews will involve collection of information related to: (a) Project type, size and scope; (b) Whether the project is part of a larger planning effort; (c) Funding that was pursued but unsuccessful prior to; (d) Community/agency approach to determining what public and private partners might be interested in funding the project; (e) Method for engaging those potential partners and documentation of successes and failures; (f) Explanation of P3 shares by each partner. Is the involvement simply division of the costs or are some in-kind services part of the arrangement; (g) Identification of the benefit to each of the partners. Why were they willing to become involved? (h) Legal and financial considerations; (i) Institutional impediments that were overcome and how. The outcome of this research would be a P3 guidebook and library of case studies that may be applicable to a variety of agency projects that may not otherwise consider public-private partnerships feasible or understand how to initiate a P3. The emphasis will be on smaller scale P3 projects, particularly those that are part of a larger community improvement effort. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Communities KW - Design build KW - Handbooks KW - Investments KW - Public private partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Transportation planning UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3928 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342008 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551875 TI - A Guidebook on Improving Bus Transit Reliability AB - Bus service unreliability is a key quality-of-service issue for passengers and an important driver of bus operations costs for transit agencies. From the passenger point of view, unreliable service means that customers must allow extra time for their trip to make sure of arriving at their destination by a particular time--time that could have been used more productively in other ways. Although a typical rule of thumb is that passengers perceive wait time as being twice as onerous as in-vehicle time, recent research indicates that transit passengers perceive unexpected wait time as being 3 to 5 times as onerous as in-vehicle time. In contrast, automobile travelers value travel time unreliability (i.e., unexpected delay) at approximately the same level that they value travel time, suggesting that transit service is at a competitive disadvantage with the automobile with respect to unreliable travel times. From the transit agency point of view, travel time unreliability impacts a route's cycle time and, ultimately, operating cost. In a best-case scenario, the reduced cycle time resulting from reduced travel time variability allows a bus to be removed from a route while maintaining the scheduled headway. Conversely, if reliability issues are not addressed, a transit agency eventually needs to add buses to a route (increasing costs) or decrease bus frequency (risking a vicious cycle of ridership decline and/or worsening unreliability). The Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual (TCQSM) lists the following factors as influencing reliability: traffic conditions and road construction, vehicle and maintenance quality, vehicle and staff availability, transit preferential treatments, schedule achievability, evenness of passenger demand, variations in bus operator experience, wheelchair lift and ramp usage, route length and the number of stops, and operations control strategies. Weather--particularly snow and extreme temperatures--also plays a role. These factors have been addressed individually by research to some degree--for example, operations control strategies, scheduling, bus operator experience, route length, and applications of Automatic Vehicle Location Technology--but no comprehensive research has yet been conducted that addresses all these factors in combination. Transit operators require guidance on measuring and valuing reliability from the passenger point of view; the effects of potential operational, technological, and physical measures to improve reliability in particular situations; and the potential benefits and costs of those measures. Accurately estimating the benefits of reliability-improvement measures is necessary for bus operators, both to gain the acceptance of roadway-owning agencies to implement certain treatments (e.g., bus stop relocation, traffic signal priority, queue jumps) and to compete for scarce transportation funds to implement improvements on a large scale (e.g., along an entire route or throughout a city). A guidebook on improving bus transit reliability would identify cost-effective techniques for improving bus reliability, thereby helping to improve ridership and provide more cost-efficient bus service. The objectives of this research are to (1) develop a toolbox of measures to identify, diagnose, and treat bus reliability issues; (2) quantify the benefits and costs of each measure on reliability; and (3) prepare a comprehensive guidebook for bus operators to use to improve their service reliability. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Handbooks KW - Quality of service KW - Reliability KW - Ridership KW - Traffic signal priority KW - Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual KW - Travel time UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3929 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342007 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551874 TI - Defining the Criteria for Requiring a Secondary Train Control System When Implementing Communications-Based Train Control (CBCT) AB - Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems have been developed and deployed with the objective of not only providing for the highest levels of train protection but also to enable the maximum return on the investment into rail transit infrastructure through optimized line capacity and passenger throughput and reduced operating/ maintenance costs. One of the fundamental operational benefits of CBTC systems is that movement authority limits are no longer constrained by physical fixed-block boundaries but are established through train position reports that can provide for "virtual block" or "moving block" control philosophies. With today's increasing demands on transit coupled with increases in customers,  such control philosophies can allow trains to operate safely at shorter headways and permit system operations to recover more rapidly in the event of service delays; all of which can offer a more regular and improved passenger service which can translate into increased line capacity constrained only by the performance of the rolling stock and the limitations of the physical track alignment. These benefits can be achieved without requiring track circuits for train detection. CBTC systems are available from multiple suppliers and have been operating in revenue service for over 25 years with more than 100 installations world-wide. CBTC is not a single product, but rather a concept in train control and train management that can be implemented in many different forms across a range of rail transit modes. Deployment of CBTC technology within the United States (US) has been limited, however, due at least in part to a perception of higher costs associated with the implementation of this technology are problematic. This perception of higher costs is driven in part by a perception that CBTC systems required a secondary track circuit-based or axle counter-based "fall-back" system to detect and protect trains in the event of CBTC system failures. It is estimated such secondary systems can increase the cost of a CBTC system implementation by at least 30%. The objective of this research is to develop guidelines to enable a transit agency to establish to what extent track circuit or other secondary train detection/protection equipment would need to be retained or provided when implementing a CBTC system. KW - Automatic train location KW - Communications Based Train Control KW - Headways KW - Passenger trains KW - Positive train control KW - Return on investment KW - Track circuits KW - United States UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3930 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342006 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551873 TI - Projecting Workforce Replacement Needs for Benchmark Transit Occupations/Knowledge Management as Part of Transit Agency Strategic Workforce Development AB - Transit leaders agree that the industry is experiencing a growing number of challenges related to organizational development and human resources management.  Pressure to make agencies more efficient and more accountable, shrinking revenues, and shifting population demographics are some of today's biggest external drivers for organizational change. At the same time, the retirement of the "baby boomer" generation has been cited as one of the greatest challenges facing transit organizations internally. The retirement issue has been downplayed in recent years due to the recession and the delay of many departures; however, the fact remains that a bubble of retirement-eligible employees is growing and a significant number of senior-level employees will be exiting agencies over the next 5-10 years. Those eligible to retire, in many cases, are the individuals who possess specialized knowledge and unique experiences that are critical for efficient operation of the organization. As a result of these internal and external pressures, transit agencies are increasingly looking to strategic workforce development practices borrowed from other transportation modes, different industries, and the private sector for best practices. As the transit workforce evolves demographically and organizations strive to become more efficient, agencies are at a critical risk of experiencing knowledge loss at a time when they most need swift access to current and historical knowledge. Thus, moving forward, it will be essential for the transit industry to proactively invest in knowledge management (KM) and related workforce development efforts. KM emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a response to the realization that valuable organizational knowledge, the collective knowledge that makes a company unique, was at risk and that the loss could compromise a company's ability to compete or operate in an increasingly-complex environment. KM is the identification, collection, organization and dissemination of critical knowledge within an organization. The goal is to identify what knowledge is needed now and in the future, where that knowledge is located (e.g., people, systems, artifacts, culture, standard operating procedures), who needs it, and how to best disseminate or transfer it. Knowledge management systems can range from simple electronic library and file systems, to search engines and query tools, to decision-making tools. One of the key aspects of the success of any knowledge management system is the ability of a novice to use the system successfully and add to it in an efficient and effective manner. Organizations facing turnover of employees due to retirements, new demands, budget constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances are at risk for large amounts of critical knowledge walking out the door unless steps are taken to preserve it within the organization. Organizational support of knowledge transfer mechanisms that address both the tacit (unwritten experience) and explicit (codified) knowledge is vital to avoid this loss and to quickly on-board new employees. Tacit knowledge originates with the individual and it is necessary for that knowledge to transfer from person to person to be useful to the organization. Once the knowledge is codified and made explicit, it no longer belongs solely to the individual but rather the organization owns it and can make it available to all employees, which benefits the organization through increased efficiency and effectiveness. Industry-level research needed is to advance knowledge management practices across the transit agencies and to describe KM's relationship to strategic workforce development. The objective of this research is to advance knowledge management practices across the transit industry and to describe KM's relationship to strategic workforce development. The results will provide guidance on knowledge management practices in many fields; context and resources for effective use of such practices by transit agencies; and the specific tactics likely to be effective in addressing the types of knowledge loss transit agencies experience. KW - Aged KW - Decision making KW - Demographics KW - Expert systems KW - Human resources management KW - Knowledge management KW - Labor force KW - Personnel KW - Retirement KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3931 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342005 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551872 TI - Frontline Workforce Training: Moving from Past Practice to Best Practice AB - Innovative training methods of proven effectiveness for transit's frontline workforce continue to lag in implementation. This continuing gap between past practice and best practice represents an important drain on industry resources that could be remedied by effective strategies to support implementation of best training practices. Best training practices for the front-line workforce have been well documented. For nearly two decades, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), Transportation Research Board (TRB), Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration (DOT/FTA), and United States Department of Labor (US DOL) have sponsored a number of important research programs to better define best practices in training for the frontline workforce. Subject matter experts (SMEs) from over forty different transit agencies and local unions have worked together to develop consensus industry-wide training standards. When implemented, standards-based training resources for the technical maintenance workforce have shown very large improvements in equipment reliability and costs of operations and maintenance.  These innovations and standards-based training approaches have saved agencies many millions of dollars and allowed them to save money and improve responsiveness by in-sourcing work that had previously been contracted out. However,in spite of these proven advantages, these innovations in frontline maintenance and operations training remain the exception, not the norm, across the industry. Barriers to broader implementation are undoubtedly numerous. Many medium-sized and smaller agencies have not been able to adopt many of the standards-based training programs because they typically have very limited training resources. This can limit their capacity for implementation - even if they understand that quality training practices could provide significant benefits. One way to address this barrier would be to make it possible for agencies to go beyond just sharing practices and find innovative ways to utilize and implement best practices within their stretched training budgets. In recent years, the industry has continued, particularly on the local level, to innovate in ways that can make frontline workforce training more effective for both operations and maintenance personnel. This research could evaluate the effectiveness of face-to-face networks, regional and national consortia, technology-enhanced learning (such as YouTube videos and e-learning), and web-based courseware sharing. Programs like the Keystone Transit Career Ladder Network (that provided training to 40 agencies and maintenance workers in all 67 of Pennsylvania's counties), the regional operator training network in Pennsylvania, the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium, and the Santa Clara Valley operator mentorship training program could be evaluated for effectiveness, while also exploring the feasibility of using the Internet to leverage instructor capacity at larger agencies to provide instructor-led training to smaller agencies.  In addition, the feasibility of using the Internet to leverage the instructor capacity at larger agencies and provide real time, instructor-led training to smaller agencies and the effectiveness of a web-based courseware sharing mechanism could be explored. Recognizing that budget and resource constraints sometimes limits an agency's ability to provide quality training, effective training programs could be evaluated for their return on investment and effect on areas such as absenteeism/turnover, equipment reliability and safety, and customer satisfaction. The industry needs to understand and address the barriers that are keeping less effective past practices locked in place. What can be done to close the gap between average practice and best practice? This research would provide transit agencies with a variety of options to explore when trying to implement a more effective training program within an often constrained training budget. Giving transit agencies the ability to share and alternative ways to implement training within their agencies could be the catalyst to propel transit agencies from past training practices to best practices. The objectives of this research would be to: (1) Identify and characterize effective innovative programs and practices in transit frontline workforce training and demonstrate their effectiveness using existing data sets that measure variables such as elevating worker skills, improving customer satisfaction, reducing turnover, and increasing safety and equipment reliability; (2) Identify, analyze, and evaluate alternative effective and affordable methods for overcoming barriers to implementation and for achieving broader effective application of these proven innovations, including: (a) Consortium models for reducing costs of implementation through use of shared resources, both through face-to-face regional networks and through Internet and computer-based delivery systems leveraging existing training at larger agencies for delivery to workers at medium and smaller agencies. (b) Potentially effective mechanisms (including Internet-based systems) for cataloging and sharing existing industry training resources, including curriculum, course materials, training standards, etc. (3) Pilot a test program to utilize existing training resources at large agencies (or elsewhere) for real-time delivery to frontline employees at smaller agencies. KW - Best practices KW - Internet KW - Labor force KW - Maintenance personnel KW - Pennsylvania KW - Southern California KW - Standards KW - Training UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3932 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342004 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01551871 TI - Toolkit for a Sustainable Transit Agency AB - The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has funded two closely related Syntheses of Practices in the past several years: Synthesis 84: Current Practices in Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings in Transit, and Synthesis 106: Energy Saving Strategies for Transit Agencies. Both reports synthesize existing research on strategies that transit agencies can use to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and thereby improve their sustainability. Both syntheses collected information from transit agencies about their experiences analyzing and implementing such strategies. The syntheses identified two research needs for transit agencies wishing to improve their sustainability, of which reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions is a major component: (1) More systematic and comprehensive research is needed on the most appropriate strategies for transit agencies in a variety of contexts. (2) A study on best practices, opportunities, and challenges for integrating climate change into transit planning. Many large North American transit agencies, such as Los Angeles Metro, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Sound Transit, and New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), have established sustainability programs, and provide solid examples of how to structure a program, develop a plan, and implement strategies. Other agencies have a high level of interest in improving their sustainability, but have not yet established a robust program. And even agencies that have sustainability programs already are in a constant state of improvement. A toolkit dedicated to establishing and improving sustainability programs at transit agencies would provide a central resource for sustainability managers, and would supplement the resources provided by American Public Transportation Association (APTA). In fact, as APTA's sustainability commitment grows (from 40 signatories originally to 100+ signatories today), the need for tools to establish and promote sustainability programs also grows. As TCRP Synthesis 84 notes: "Several recent studies have focused on how metropolitan planning organizations and state departments of transportation integrate climate change into planning objectives and practices. There has been no parallel research on transit agencies and transit planning." However, several agencies have made significant strides in the area, and could serve as case studies. Key questions include: (1) What are key elements of sustainability planning at transit agencies? How are sustainability plans best structured, developed, and applied? (2) What are the best staffing and management structures for sustainability programs, and integration of sustainability into transit agency operations? Some models and factors include: (a) Sustainability committees or working groups within each department; (b) Creating a dedicated position for managing sustainability; (c) Assigning responsibility for sustainability to one department; and (d) Impetus for sustainability coming from top-level management or the board of directors. (3) How do individual governance structures affect the sustainability agenda, for example when transit agencies reside within larger government agencies, and when transit agencies are almost entirely managed and operated by contractors? (4) How are existing sustainability tools, such as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental & Sustainability Management Systems, best applied? (5) Which metrics for assessing strategies (e.g., lifecycle cost, cost effectiveness) are most important to promoting strategies internally? (6) What strategies are most effective at reducing energy and resource use and saving money for transit agencies? (7) What internal outreach, education, and consensus-building techniques are most successful to the sustainability agenda? (8) What approaches for funding sustainability programs are most consistently successful? (9) What are key steps to establishing a sustainability program, such as data collection and monitoring, development of working groups, and sustainability plans? These research needs are further highlighted by transit agencies' responses to a recent survey as part of the development of TCRP Synthesis 106. When asked to describe their specific needs around energy saving strategies, respondents answered: (1) Information on how Emissions Monitoring Systems (EMSs) are working to implement sustainability strategies (2) Successful decision-making strategies that work for small agencies or even at a department level (3) Simple, adaptable, toolkit for best practices that can be applied by users without specific staff/departments in planning, engineering and sustainability The primary objective of this research is to develop a best practices toolkit for transit agencies to develop and implement a sustainability program from the ground up, or improve components of their existing sustainability programs. The toolkit should present best practices and case studies in a way that is visually engaging, with a graphical 'wayfinding' system for the reader. Text should be organized in brief paragraphs with frequent headings and subheadings, in order to make it as easy as possible to navigate to sections of interest. The toolkit should be appropriate for agencies facing a range of challenges, and for agencies of all sizes and organizational structures. As a secondary objective, the research should capture as much information as possible about the effectiveness of different types of sustainability strategies (such as vehicle fuel efficiency retrofits, alternative fuels, water saving strategies, etc.) in different transit agency contexts, in order to include that information in the toolkit. Research to address the primary objective above, developing a toolkit for best practices in sustainability management, could include the following: (1) Literature review of agency experiences and techniques; (2) Outreach to agencies working on sustainability Interviews with and case studies of transit agencies; (3) Peer exchanges and/or workshops to foster further discussion among interested agencies; (4) Development of problem-solving toolkit; and (5) Testing of recommendations and/or toolkit with transit agencies Additional research to address the secondary objective above, gathering information about strategy effectiveness, could include the following: (1) Limited original data collection on strategy impacts; and (2) Establishment of analysis parameters and key metrics. The topic of sustainability is an expansive one. It is suggested that this research initially address internal use of energy and water and other resources and production of GHG emissions and waste. These are relatively new topic areas for transit agencies. However, to the extent possible based on the resources available, it is hoped that this research can address sustainability on a more holistic level. Transit agencies surveyed for TCRP Synthesis 106 expressed both an interest in how best to integrate sustainability into their governance structures and some of the challenges of doing so. For example, 48 percent of survey respondents found internal expertise to be a barrier to strategy implementation and 23 percent said that achieving decision maker/stakeholder support was an issue. An improved understanding of how to manage for sustainability could help agencies to overcome these barriers. The suggested research could provide agencies with several possible models that they could adapt to their particular situations (e.g., depending on agency size, level of experience with sustainability, analytical capabilities, and existing organizational structure, etc.). Having an understanding of the main options for how to integrate sustainability would save each agency from having to "reinvent the wheel." In addition, the research would provide valuable information that any transit agency can use to prioritize sustainability strategies. Alt KW - Best practices KW - Climate change KW - Energy consumption KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - Sound Transit KW - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority KW - Strategic planning KW - Sustainable development KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3933 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342003 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01592016 AU - TriMet AU - City of Portland AU - Portland Streetcar AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - TriMet Streetcar Prototype PY - 2015/01//Final Report SP - 54p AB - This report documents the effort led by TriMet, the City of Portland (City) and Portland Streetcar, Inc. (PSI) to domestically manufacture a streetcar for operation in the Portland Streetcar system. The report includes documentation of the initial process of producing the streetcar, the extension of the grant to support domestic manufacture of the propulsion system by Rockwell Automation, and operation in revenue service. Also included is a discussion of the market for streetcars in the U.S. and a history of streetcar manufacturing in the U.S. KW - History KW - Manufacturing KW - Market assessment KW - Portland (Oregon) KW - Propulsion KW - Prototypes KW - Streetcars UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0085.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1398245 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570362 AU - Plesko, Todd AU - Gorman, Alan AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) – Transit Vehicle Real-time Data Demonstration PY - 2015/01//Final Report SP - 111p AB - This project demonstrated and evaluated the ability to collect and transmit transit location and passenger loading data to a transit management center(s) and/or Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system in real time. It also demonstrated and evaluated the ability to use the data in real time in a decision support subsystem, for example, to make informed operational decisions. Included in the project were the development, installation, testing, and demonstration of on-board automatic vehicle location (AVL) and automated passenger counter (APC) equipment and communications technologies to support real-time connectivity between transit vehicles and central facilities to support potential applications such as vehicle location, speed monitoring, and passenger load monitoring. The utility of realtime transit vehicle data was explored and assessed, and the issues, challenges, and feasibility of use were examined. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Data collection KW - Demonstration projects KW - Evaluation KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Passenger counting KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Transit centers UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0082.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55200/55274/FTA_Report_No._0082.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360031 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560332 AU - Middleton, Scott AU - Regan, Terry AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Performance-based Planning and Programming in the Context of MAP-21 PY - 2015/01//Final Report SP - 33p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and noteworthy practices identified at the workshop on “Performance-based Planning and Programming in the Context of MAP-21” held on March 6-7, 2014 in New York City, New York and via video teleconference. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The objectives of this workshop were to increase awareness of performance management and performance-based planning and programming; to discuss the planning challenges faced by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), its adjoining metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other planning partners in the New York metropolitan area; and to identify action items to help participating agencies prepare for implementation of performance-based planning and programming. This workshop helped agencies to prepare for three key requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21): (1) The development of performance measures and targets; (2) The integration of performance measures into the planning process; and (3) The development of performance-based plans for safety, asset management, and congestion. This workshop resulted in a framework for future discussions between the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and MPOs on the reporting of performance information to USDOT required by MAP-21. This workshop also provided training for NYMTC and its regional planning partners and resulted in the development of action plans for implementing performance-based planning requirements in the New York metropolitan area. KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - New York Metropolitan Area KW - New York Metropolitan Transportation Council KW - Performance based planning KW - Performance based programming KW - Performance measurement KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Transportation planning KW - Workshops UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54500/54585/NYMTC_Planning_MAP21_3-6-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344677 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01576155 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The Transportation Planning Process Briefing Book: Key Issues for Transportation Decisionmakers, Officials, and Staff PY - 2015 SP - 84p AB - This book provides an overview of transportation planning and will be useful for government officials, transportation decisionmakers, planning board members, transportation service providers, interested stakeholders, and the public. It covers the basics and key concepts of metropolitan and Statewide transportation planning, along with references for additional information. Part I discusses transportation planning and its relationship to decisionmaking. This section is general and provides a broad introduction to the planning process. Part II presents short descriptions of the key products that are prepared as part of the transportation planning process. This book has been updated to reflect recent changes in Federal legislation concerning the requirements for transportation planning at the metropolitan, and Statewide and nonmetropolitan levels. It is an informational publication that replaces its predecessor of the same title published in 2007. KW - Decision making KW - Legislation KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Policy KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/publications/briefing_book/fhwahep15048.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367532 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570388 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decisionmaking PY - 2015///Update SP - 171p AB - This guide provides a variety of tools to secure meaningful input from the public on transportation plans, programs, and projects—and it can help agencies improve their overall public involvement techniques. Contents include: Including people who are traditionally underserved; Bringing together a core participation group, Understanding different communications styles; Determining the best type of meeting; Interacting during meetings; Technology; and Generating feedback. KW - Decision making KW - Public participation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/publications/pi_techniques/fhwahep15044.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360887 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563452 AU - Hoback, W Wyatt AU - Conley, Adrienne AU - University of Nebraska, Kearney AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Overwintering Biology and Tests of Trap and Relocate As a Conservation Measure for Burying Beetles PY - 2015///Final Report SP - 81p AB - Burying beetles are carrion beetles and utilize dead animal carcasses for feeding and reproductive efforts. They assist with decomposition, prevent the spread of disease, and reduce the number of pest species. The largest species of carrion beetle, the American burying beetle, is a federally endangered insect and its distribution has been reduced by 90%. The conservation of this species is important in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Overwintering biology and trap and relocation were studied to determine how this beetle survives freezing temperatures and to find whether trap and relocation could be a suitable conservation management measure. Trap and relocation is a technique often used to relocate organisms from an area where human and animal habitats overlap. In this study, the authors test the efficacy of a trap-relocate technique with a surrogate species of burying beetle, Nicrophorus marginatus, to determine the implications of this technique on the conservation management of the federally endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus. Baited pitfall traps were used for capture, and the comparison of percent recaptures at different trap sites (control, source, and destination) was used to determine the effects of relocating beetles. The results showed that percent recaptures were lower for the beetles relocated to the new location; however, there was no statistical difference between trap sites. Trap and relocation, in circumstances where there is substantial threat to the American burying beetle’s habitat, should be considered for conserving this species. Insects are poikilotherms and have evolved strategies to survive freezing temperatures through changes in behavior and physiology. Overwintering insects either utilize a freeze tolerant or freeze avoidant strategy. Freeze avoidant insects cannot withstand their cellular fluids freezing solid, while freeze tolerant insects can survive this. Burying beetles from their northern range in Nebraska were put in a simulated, natural environment to determine whether they are freeze avoidant or freeze tolerant. The results showed that there was a strong relationship between beetle depth and temperature. Beetles from the northern range buried at or below the frost line to survive freezing temperatures. This could have further implications in the conservation of the American burying beetle if there are differences between the overwintering behavior of northern and southern range beetles. KW - Conservation KW - Construction KW - Endangered species KW - Ground freezing KW - Insects KW - Low temperature KW - Nebraska KW - Weather conditions KW - Winter UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Enviro/FinalReportM330.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352902 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01548184 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-13. Successful Practices for Utility Coordination in Transit Projects AB - Transit projects frequently involve designing and building infrastructure that affects other modes of transportation and all kinds of aerial and underground utility facilities that exist along those corridors. Two critical factors that contribute to inefficiencies in the management of utility issues are the lack of accurate, complete information about utility facilities that might be in conflict with the project and the resolution and overall management of those conflicts. Utility relocations are frequently cited as one of the top two reasons for delays in highway project development and construction, and many recent initiatives in this area have focused on how to address utility issues in highway projects more effectively. Very little has been documented regarding the use of successful practices to facilitate utility coordination in transit projects. The purpose of this synthesis project is to report on utility coordination practices at transit agencies around the country in order to identify their successful experiences. This synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following: (1) Phases of transit project development; (2) Data collection processes-who and how; (3) Identification and resolution of utility conflicts; (4) Utility/public or private and interagency coordination; (5) Staff professional capacity; and (6) Contractual practices-design/build, etc. This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including innovations, lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. KW - Contracts KW - Coordination KW - Design build KW - Overhead utility lines KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Underground utility lines UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3617 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335821 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01548183 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-34. Open Data: Challenges and Opportunities for Transit Agencies AB - In recent years, forward-thinking transit agencies are realizing the potential of open data that are freely and openly available to the public. By enabling software developers to build applications that allow riders to more easily and efficiently navigate public transit systems, their provision of open schedule, fare system, geographic and real-time vehicle location data has generated tremendous value for public transit. Open data presents opportunities and challenges for agency operations and other business functions. For example, some transit agencies may provide schedule information, while others provide performance metrics or public documents on agency websites. The use and deployment of mobile device technology (for real-time transit information) was originally reported in Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 91. This synthesis will document the current state of the practice and policies in the use of open data for improved transit planning, service quality and customer information; implications of open data and open documentation policies,; and their impact on transit agencies and public support. It will focus on successful practices in open data policy, use, protocols, and licensing. This synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following: (1) Definitions; (2) Benefits, challenges, and concerns; (3) Performance metrics; (4) Justifications/reasons for choosing to provide open data, or not (5) Uses; (6) Impacts on the public, private, and independent sectors; (7) Standards and protocols; (8) Legal and licensing considerations; and (9) Public disclosure practices. This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including innovations, lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information.  KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Data analysis KW - Geographic information systems KW - Open data KW - Public transit KW - Quality of service KW - Real time information KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3614 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335820 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547911 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-25. Practices for Establishing ADA Paratransit Assessment Facilities AB - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require establishment of a process for determining eligibility for complementary paratransit service provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA paratransit eligibility certification process is used to accurately identify who is eligible to use ADA paratransit services so that appropriate service is provided to the intended beneficiaries and costs are properly managed. To make eligibility decisions, transit agencies often use in-person interviews and, in some cases, functional assessments of an individual's ability to use fixed route transit for some or all of their trips. Little is known about the actual or optimal physical facilities used to perform these assessments. A synthesis study is needed to identify and document practices related to the characteristics, benefits, and costs of establishing ADA paratransit assessment facilities. The results of this synthesis will provide transit agencies with information on current practices to develop and structure ADA paratransit assessment facilities. The Synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following: * Decision-making process in establishing facilities, including community involvement/outreach used process; * Implementation process used to establish facilities; * Facility purpose and use; types of assessments performed, etc.; * Physical structure of centers including: size and capacity and location (single or multiple sites); * Equipment, indoor versus outdoor courses and other strategies to document an applicant's ability to use fixed route transit; environmental considerations, etc.; * Functional activity flow for applicants from entrance to exit; * Initial construction, start-up, equipment, ad on-going annual operating costs; * If other related activities are co-located, whether facilities are owned and managed by the local transit agency or contracted; * Whether staff is in-house or contracted and full-time or part-time and staff qualifications. This synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case examples/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-practice, including lessons learned, challenges, and gaps in information. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Decision making KW - Eligibility KW - Equipment KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Facilities KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Plan implementation KW - Public transit KW - State of the practice UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3616 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335559 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547852 TI - Identifying Best Practices and Sharing Resources for Transit Technical Training AB - The highly competitive airline, automotive and trucking industries all have a vested interest in ensuring that technicians are properly trained. Airlines demand a highly skilled workforce because of the obvious safety implications. Automotive and trucking organizations are dedicated to improving technician skills because vehicles that break down in service due to faulty workmanship produce significant business consequences. Although transit strives to achieve customer satisfaction through reliable and on-time service, it invests less in training than any other industry. Recent survey results show transit training investment of between 0.66 and 0.88 percent of payroll. Moreover, the current economic climate has forced many larger transit agencies to cut their training departments, while an alarmingly high number of small and even medium-size agencies lack training altogether. The shortage of training comes at a time when the technical complexity of transit vehicles is at its greatest and progressively getting more complicated each year. Sophisticated equipment such as automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems, clean propulsion systems and onboard camera systems will do little to improve customer satisfaction, the environment and security if technicians lack the necessary skills to keep these complex technologies operational. Although it would be difficult for transit to match training investments being made by the private sector to prepare their workforce, it can maximize the benefits of its existing capacity by sharing; something private transportation modes cannot do because of competitive pressures. In transit, those with the forethought and resources to develop comprehensive and effective training programs are essentially free to extend these resources to their peers. The need to take action and extend training to those who need it through sharing cannot be overstated. Transit faces historic technical workforce challenges arising from several causes, as follows: (1) The loss of skilled "baby boomer" technical workers now retiring in large numbers; (2) Increased demand for technical workers in other trades as more young people attend college and less emphasis is placed on those who engage in manual labor; (3) The ability of the private sector to offer training and higher wages diminishes transit's ability to attract this limited pool of workers; (4) The increased maintenance requirements of an aging capital stock with a growing shortfall of state of good repair, currently estimated at $78 billion industry-wide; (5) A rapidly changing cycle of technology where new and increasingly complex equipment is introduced at an alarming pace; and (6) Rapidly increasing ridership - up 38 percent from 1995 to 2008, with projections for continuing increases in the future. The ability to address these challenges has been limited by a strong focus placed on physical capital and unusually low levels of attention paid to building and sustaining human capital. Transit, however, is fortunate to have several highly dedicated agencies with effective bus and rail training programs that others can benefit from at little or no cost. An effort is needed, however, to facilitate the sharing process. The alternative is to have each agency develop its own training program at great expense, something the industry simply cannot afford during these harsh economic times. Unfortunately, the burden is greatest on smaller agencies responsible for repairing the same level of advanced technology equipment found at larger agencies but with little or no training resources. The objectives of this research would be to identify technical training techniques and resources that already exist, determine how effective they are, catalog resources according to content and usefulness, and determine procedures for disseminating the training resources to the transit community at large. The product of this research will be, as follows: (1) A set of best practices in technical training consisting of a report that identifies: (i) Proven approaches to developing an overall training program based on compliance to national training standards, curriculum development and courseware; (ii) Proven training delivery techniques that combine classroom instruction with hands-on exercises to engage students and appeal to young learners; and (iii) Innovative training methods currently that involve distance learning (instructor-led real-time e-learning). (2) A catalog of sharable bus and rail training resources organized by: (i) Mode (i.e., bus and rail with subcategories for engines, brakes, etc.); (ii) Source and contact information (transit agency, vendor, third party, etc.); (iii) Training material (curriculum outline, instructor guide, student handout, etc.); (iv) Media type (hardcopy, CD, DVD, PowerPoint, etc.); and (v) Determination as to whether the materials have been validated to available National Training Standards. A proposal to disseminate the sharable catalog of bus and rail training resources with others within transit with consideration given to the following: (1) (2) Legal issues; (3) Use of basic methods for obtaining materials such as contacting the source directly for distribution; and (4) Use of web technologies to disseminate collection of materials and engage transit training professionals and other stakeholders in interactive online sharing and dialog to improve technical training. The research would potentially include the following tasks: (1) Perform a literature search and review best practices of technical training programs at U.S. and international public transportation agencies and related benchmark industries. This research would identify different technical training models and assess their effectiveness in addressing the specific learning needs of maintenance technicians. In addition to transit, this research would gather information from other organizations with effective technical training programs such as those developed by automobile manufacturers and their dealer network; truck fleets - both private (e.g., UPS and FedEx) and public municipal truck fleets; and technician training programs developed by the airline industry. The literature search will focus on those materials where training is tailored to the specific needs and learning tendencies of technical workers with an emphasis on learning techniques that engage students in interactive exercises such as computer-based and hands-on training. The search will also identify training materials outside of those identified in # 2 below that could be purchased or shared freely with transit. Experiences related to e-learning will also be explored where students housed at various workshops can be provided with training from a single remote location. Adoption of this new approach to learning can greatly benefit transit agencies, especially the small to medium-sized organizations that currently lack the capacity for technical training. (2) Conduct detailed surveys of current technical training programs existing at public transportation to achieve three key objectives: (i) identify training programs where outcomes in terms of enhancing technical skills and knowledge have been proven and quantified, (ii) identity training courseware and other resources available from public transit agencies and private vendors that could be shared with other agencies nationally, and (iii) identify non-traditional approaches to training such as e-learning where results have been quantified. (3) Based on the survey results, develop a best practices report on training approaches, methods and techniques that agencies could use to guide and enhance their existing programs. (4) Develop a training resource cataloging mechanism for organizing training materials identified through the literature search and survey and populate it with a listing of training resources identified through this research. The catalog would include a description of each KW - Best practices KW - Education and training methods KW - Information dissemination KW - Labor force KW - Public transit KW - Technical training KW - Training UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3545 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335474 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01562516 TI - Effortless Passenger Identification System AB - The objective of this project was to evaluate the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of using medium-range radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track of four main tasks included field testing, controlled testing, consumer acceptance, and both operational and economic feasibility. Detailed passenger ridership data can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit planning, operations, and reporting. The RFID tags used by an Effortless Passenger Identification System (EPIS) system can be read at longer distances than contactless or proximity cards currently used in the industry. This characteristic allows passengers to be identified and counted as they board and alight vehicles without requiring them to physically present their card within a short distance of an on-vehicle reader. The medium-range reader used during field testing at North Dakota State University (NDSU) successfully recorded riders boarding the bus almost 90 percent of the time. The RFID tags used at NDSU were attached to the outside of student backpacks allowing for little interference between the card and the reader. Controlled testing results indicated that the reader received a valid signal from the RFID card if it was in plain sight and there was no interference present. When riders boarded the bus with the card either in their pockets or against their cell phones, the read quality dropped dramatically. However, read quality was very good when the RFID card was attached to a metal wheelchair. The consumer acceptance task evaluated the RFID perceptions of college students, people with physical and mental disabilities, and parents of school-aged children. Overall, all the three groups believed that RFID technology has merit with respect to bus transportation. Many respondents felt that an RFID card kept in a wallet or pocket would be more efficient for the riders and system as a whole. Students largely agreed that they would like to see RFID implemented at their college or university, replacing the use of their current student ID cards. Also, most felt that using RFID technology would reduce boarding times and keep the buses running on schedule, which is a main benefit when implementing an RFID system. However, the main obstacles and resolutions for successful implementation are the issues of multiple reads occurring when riders get too close to the antennas, and the current inability to create a system where the cards are read successfully through clothing and when interference is present from other items such as cell phones. Measures that could be taken to resolve these issues may include more advanced RFID readers and tags that employ technologies limiting interference from clothing and electronic devices. The economic feasibility of EPIS was evaluated by conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis simulating different agency and ridership scenarios. The analysis identified the economic impacts of EPIS on the agency, riders, contracting agencies, and other external stakeholders. The economic impacts in this analysis were quantified by identifying explicit and implicit costs and benefits over the life cycle of the investment. Measures including net present value (NPV), cost-benefit ratio (CBR), and internal rate of return (IRR) were calculated for each alternative to determine the economic feasibility of EPIS for different agencies and ridership scenarios. The analysis showed that with proper ridership numbers and varying percentages of non-student riders, EPIS technology can provide an economic benefit to transit agencies. Controlled testing of the equipment indicated that when interference was present, from clothing, cell phones, etc., card read quality dropped considerably. Because of this, field testing at NDSU was conducted with students attaching RFID cards to the outside of their book bags to minimize interference between the cards and the reader. Also, Zonar Systems has discontinued selling and supporting their medium-range readers because of their inefficiencies in tracking elementary aged children riding school buses. Therefore, in order for transit agencies to implement an effective EPIS system utilizing medium-range RFID readers and cards, current technology must be improved upon to address both read quality and interference issues that deem the system insufficient in its current form. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Boarding and alighting KW - Buses KW - North Dakota State University KW - Passenger counting KW - Radio frequency identification KW - Ridership UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3549 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352304 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547698 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-35. Better On-Street Bus Stops AB - Bus stops are critically important elements for bus services. The American Public Transit Association (APTA) is currently working on an "access to transit report". The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 19 - Guidelines for the Location and Design of Bus Stops and TCRP's Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual provide useful information on this subject, but these are generally written from a traffic engineers' perspective and some are dated. While the standard dimensions for bus stops have remained unchanged for decades, the guidelines do not recognize that most buses today have front mounted bike racks that increase length and maneuvering space needs. They also don't reflect 45 foot coaches and articulated buses. Also, they don't always reflect current street design and operating practices. A synthesis is needed to report on current practice for the design and location of transit bus stops. The study should reflect salient literature, dealing with location, size, and design of bus stops. This synthesis would look at such as curb-side and in street bus stop issues of bulb-outs; curb stops, pull outs and median bus stops, etc. from the perspective of transit operators. This synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following: (1) Current dimensional needs for bus stops, including maneuvering distances; (2) Facilitating safe pedestrian and bicycle access; (3) ADA considerations; (4) Transit and local agency interface/cooperation; (5) Passenger information needs at bus stops/way-finding, real-time, etc.; (6) Funding options; (7) Relevant experiences outside the US; and (8) Passenger amenities-shelters, street furniture, lighting, etc. KW - Accessibility KW - Bus stops KW - Guidelines KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Quality of service KW - State of the practice KW - Traffic engineering UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3615 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335330 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547682 TI - Advanced Wayside Energy Storage Systems (WESS) for Rail Transit AB - This project explored the use of wayside energy storage systems (WESS) in rail transit systems. The analysis monetized economic and technical benefits for transit agencies but also considered other stakeholders. Navigant Consulting modeled the costs and benefits of various applications through hypothetical simulations as well as case studies using real data from participating transit agencies in the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) and Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD). Six different WESS technologies were modeled including: flywheels, ultracapacitors, and lead acid, sodium sulfur, lithium ion, and zinc bromide batteries. The cost, benefit, and net present value (NPV) were calculated for seven simulations for a hypothetical transit system and for two case studies. The key findings were: (1) Combining applications provides benefits that result in the most attractive NPV. Simulations #6 modeled a combination of applications that resulted in a positive NPV. (2) Applications that solve a technical problem, such as to address a power quality or reliability issue, may be attractive to a transit agency even if the NPV is not positive. The important consideration is whether WESS is less expensive than the alternative technology. (3) The results for each of the applications could be improved with a reduction in WESS capital cost, which is expected for most technologies over the next few years as they become commercially available and are produced in larger quantities. (4) The financial value proposition for WESS would be improved by federal capital grants or other incentives. This project analyzed the value of WESS as an investment made solely by the transit agency without capital funds from other sources. (5) This analysis considered the business case for a transit agency and therefore monetized on the benefits that accrue to the transit agency. However, if a societal perspective had been modeled and other benefits were monetized, WESS would likely be much more attractive in these applications. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Case studies KW - Energy storage systems KW - Lithium batteries KW - Net present value KW - Rail transit KW - Technological innovations UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3137 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335314 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547654 TI - Transit Trip Planning Web Application AB - This project will provide travelers with door-to-door trip planning options for using public modes for longer distance intercity travel integrated with local transit. Resource Systems Group, Inc. (RSG) will further develop and test the method and advance it to a prototype for application and potential commercialization. The project will provide the traveler with integrated door-to-door trip details for using either Amtrak or intercity bus for the longer distance segment, and available transit for access to and from the long distance terminal points. The research team will reach out to new metropolitan transit information programs, such as the RideScout Mobile Application. KW - Amtrak KW - Bus transportation KW - Door to door service KW - Planning KW - Travel KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Web applications UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3675 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335207 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547653 TI - Predictive Failure Mode Characterization System for Rail Transit Car Equipment AB - This project will develop and test a predictive failure mode characterization system (PFMCS) for rail transit car equipment. The purpose is to improve safety and reliability and reduce life cycle costs. The PFMCS would be designed to identify impending failures of a piece of equipment. As a result, it could provide for more reliable service by avoiding failures before they happen. This system would be designed to facilitate advances in planning for maintenance, parts availability and turnaround time for repairs. The impending failure would be known in advance and maintenance personnel could schedule the maintenance action, have the parts ready and efficiently perform a specific maintenance action, rather than require an inspection first to determine what is wrong and then figure out exactly what to do about it and then work it into the maintenance schedule. This system could also reduce maintenance costs since the maintenance would only be "on condition" maintenance and would address issues that are impending. KW - Predictive Failure Mode Characterization System (PFMCS) KW - Life cycle costing KW - Maintenance KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad vehicle operations KW - Vehicles UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3548 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335206 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547536 TI - RideScout Mobile Application AB - RideScout LLC (RideScout) will further develop, test, and launch the RideScout mobile application, which aggregates information for travelers on all of the ride options, public and private, around a user in real time. Real time information on public transit will be combined with information on taxis and car sharing. The project investigators will complete further development and improvement of the RideScout mobile application, and test its usage and effectiveness in Austin, Texas and Washington, DC metropolitan areas. Prior to the launch in these two cities, investigators will build relationships with transit agencies, city officials, universities, and transportation management associations in the region. Investigators will explore integration of Zipcar and Car2Go data feeds into the application. KW - Applications KW - Austin (Texas) KW - Car2Go KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Real time information KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Washington (District of Columbia) KW - Zipcar UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3751 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334973 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547535 TI - Apparatus for Gap Management AB - Rutgers University will perform further development of a prototype device that dynamically bridges the gap between the door sill of a commuter rail train and the edge of a loading platform. The device is intended to provide three functions: 1) safe and easy access for mobility-impaired travelers, 2) protection against slip and fall injuries for all passengers and 3) automated data logging of actual gap widths in order to alert maintenance personnel of track movement or other changes in accordance with the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA's) approach to managing gap safety. This innovation applies to commuter rail trains that use a modified trap door apparatus for gap management, to provide access to both ground level pedestrian movement and high level platforms. It is a modification of existing trap doors that includes a movable plate that is automatically extended and retracted by a linear actuator arrangement from within the trap door. The unit incorporates a motor drive that is compatible with rail car power supply, contact sensors for safe operation, and a magnetic pulse sensor mounted on the linear actuator for measuring the length of the extension before contact with the platform, thus measuring the gap width. This method of dynamically bridging the gap will be designed to reduce the current operational cost and delays due to the manual use of portable plates that are commonly used to address Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements at stations. It will improve the safety of passengers by minimizing slip and fall accidents. It will assist transit agency personnel in implementing the FRA Office of Safety recommendations for managing gap safety by providing regular readings of the actual gap width at each station over time. New Jersey Transit will collaborate with the Rutgers University research team on this project. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Doors (Vehicles) KW - Falls KW - Gaps (Vehicle/platform) KW - Mobility KW - New Jersey KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Rail transit stations KW - Railroad commuter service UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3750 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334972 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547532 TI - Transit Information Access for Persons with Visual or Cognitive Impairments AB - This project will develop and test a system to enable access to relevant transit information to all passengers, including passengers with visual or cognitive impairments. Passengers with visual or cognitive disabilities face challenges when using public transportation. With the proposed system, passengers will be able to access personalized, real-time transit information through their cell phone. This information will be provided by Bluetooth beacons (termed info-beacons) placed at bus stations and on buses. The proposed info-beacons will transmit information that is already currently posted (in printed form or through audible and textual displays), but cannot be accessed by persons who have sensory or cognitive impairments. With the proposed system, this information will be made available to all passengers in their preferred format. The project investigators will collaborate with the Transportation & Parking Services group that operates buses at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who will participate in this project. The prototype system will be deployed and tested on one of their buses and in two bus stations on campus. KW - Access KW - Bluetooth technology KW - Bus transit KW - Cognitive impairment KW - Data communications KW - Passengers KW - Real time information KW - Santa Cruz (California) KW - University of California, Santa Cruz KW - Visually impaired persons UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3570 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334969 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547529 TI - Diesel-Electric Locomotive Energy Recovery and Conversion AB - This project will develop thermodynamic and economic computer models to assess technical and economic performance of a waste heat energy recovery and conversion technology as a retrofitting technology for commuter rail locomotive applications. Computer modeling will be supported by baseline testing data that will be obtained from a locomotive operated at the Transportation Technology Center Incorporated (TTCI), in Pueblo, Colorado. Computer model validation and optimization will also be supported by data obtained by testing a simulated locomotive exhaust gas manifold simulator, and a small-scale diesel-electric locomotive analogue. The simulated exhaust gas manifold will utilize exhaust gases by operating a modified oil-burner. The small-scale diesel-electric simulator will be coupled to a resistive load banks to simulate different locomotive notch settings and commuter rail locomotive duty cycle. The project investigators will work with TTCI technical staff, to install sensors and operate a locomotive at TTCI to obtain locomotive baseline data. KW - Computer models KW - Diesel electric locomotives KW - Energy conversion KW - Optimization KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Retrofitting KW - Thermodynamics KW - Waste heat utilization UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3546 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334966 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560089 AU - Schroeder, Jeremy AU - Smith, Theodore AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Burris, Mark AU - Songchitruksa, Praprut AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Saunoi-Sandgren, Emily AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Joy, Barbara AU - Battelle AU - Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Seattle/Lake Washington Corridor Urban Partnership Agreement: National Evaluation Report PY - 2014/12/02/Final Report SP - 344p AB - This document presents the final report on the national evaluation of the Seattle/Lake Washington Corridor (LWC) Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Seattle UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of Tolling, Transit, Telecommuting/TDM, and Technology, also known as the 4Ts. Those strategies include tolling all lanes of the SR 520 bridge, additional bus service in the SR 520 corridor, implementing active traffic management systems, and real-time traveler information signs on highways and at transit stops and stations. The national evaluation of the Seattle/LWC UPA projects is guided by the National Evaluation Framework, the Seattle/LWC UPA National Evaluation Plan, and individual test plans for various components. This report provides information on the use of the new Seattle/LWC UPA projects. Changes in travel speeds, travel times, trip-time reliability, park-and-ride lot use, and transit ridership are described. The results of interviews and workshops with local stakeholders, surveys of different user groups, and interviews and focus groups with Washington State Patrol officers, bus operators, and service patrol personnel are presented. The air quality, energy, and safety impacts of the Seattle/LWC UPA projects are examined. Information on changes in unemployment rates, gasoline prices, and parking costs is also summarized. KW - Evaluation KW - Public transit KW - Seattle (Washington) KW - Telecommuting KW - Tolls KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Urban Partnership Agreements UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54470/120214_seattle_upa_final_report.pdf0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344669 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01546280 TI - Local Economic Development Measurement Tool for Transit AB - Transportation economic impacts are too often viewed as merely based on jobs generated during construction. While real, these impacts have nothing to do with the long-term benefits that transportation generates. Too often, however, these impacts are used as the only rational for public investment. Long-term benefits reflect improvements in accessibility, mobility and productivity. Studies that document the actual observed effects of transportation capacity investments do but they are not always accessible in an organized fashion, nor are they of consistent quality. Transit is not unique with these issues. The Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) addressed this problem with a new Transportation Projects Impacts System (TPICS); see http://transportationforcommunities.com/t-pics. That earlier project identified different types of highway projects and developed an economic development measurement tool that can be used in two ways: (1) to enable local and regional planners to find the range of impacts associated with specific types of projects in specific types of settings, and (2) to facilitate future case study data collection and use, by setting up a national database of available case studies. All of this is now done for highways in a user-friendly web interface, and this study will utilize that same interface for public transit projects. The T-PICS framework was actually planned with other modes in mind. Transit is a logical addition, given the growth in transit use and the fact that transit faces the same public concerns to ensure that dollars are well spent. This project will build on the lessons learned from the SHRP2 project to provide a proof of concept for a transit version, in the form of a working prototype. It is recognized that significantly more resources will be required in future years to populate that prototype with more cases. KW - Case studies KW - Data collection KW - Economic impacts KW - Economics KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3910 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333162 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599207 AU - Thatcher, Russell AU - Hoesch, Karen AU - TranSystems AU - ACCESS Transportation Systems AU - National Aging and Disability Transportation Center AU - Easter Seals Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Determining ADA Paratransit Eligibility: An Approach, Recommendations and Training Materials PY - 2014/12//2014 Updated Edition SP - 357p AB - Determining ADA Paratransit Eligibility: An Approach, Guidance and Training Manual was developed and disseminated by Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA) in 2003 to provide fixed-route transit providers with information and resources regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) complementary paratransit service eligibility process. This manual is a revision and update of the 2003 document prepared by ESPA. It includes information about the latest revisions to the Department of Transportation (DOT) ADA regulations. It also incorporates information about successful approaches and materials developed by transit agencies since 2003, and it addresses common questions and issues raised by transit agencies as well as by persons with disabilities. This update: (1) Presents ADA paratransit eligibility determinations as part of a broader, holistic process for meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities, including coordination with travel training efforts; (2) Presents and discusses several approaches for developing processes that are appropriate to the local setting; (3) Stresses the importance of involving people with disabilities in the development, implementation, and management of the process; and (4) Includes a new section on key process management issues. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Manuals KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Recommendations KW - Regulations KW - Training KW - Transit authorities UR - http://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/NADTC-Determining-ADA-Paratransit-Eligibility.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407256 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567381 AU - Golden, Marilyn AU - Chia, David AU - Ellis, Buffy AU - Thatcher, Russell AU - Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Accessible Transit Services for All PY - 2014/12 SP - 381p AB - Ensuring the provision of accessible transit services for all requires that both accessible fixed-route transit services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services be provided. Significant progress has been made on both since the passage of the ADA in 1990. Some challenges remain, including the provision of high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable ADA paratransit. Between 1999 and 2012, demand for ADA paratransit increased from 68 million trips per year to 106 million trips per year, and the average nationwide cost per trip increased from $13.76 to $32.74. This report presents successful strategies for providing high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable ADA paratransit service and describes examples of inclusive service designs that can be used to effectively meet the transit needs of all riders. A nationwide survey of transit agencies was conducted to identify strategies and service designs. Twelve in-depth case studies were conducted to gather information about implementation and effectiveness. The disability community was involved to identify and select service strategies, designs, and case studies. KW - Accessibility KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Case studies KW - Implementation KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Surveys KW - Sustainable transportation UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0081.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55563/FTA_Report_No._0081.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1358319 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562610 AU - Biernbaum, Lee AU - Minnice, Paul AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Transit Vehicle Real-Time Data Demonstration: Dallas Case Study PY - 2014/12 SP - 35p AB - As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) purchased new automatic passenger counter (APC) technology for its Red and Orange line light rail vehicles to provide real-time passenger counts to its train control center and to provide data to the ICM decision support system. By gaining access to real-time passenger counts, DART hopes to respond more effectively to unplanned incidents on the rail network by enabling more responsive service adjustments. This report summarizes how DART responded to incidents before ICM, addresses what has changed after ICM deployment, and identifies constraints to optimum responses. KW - Before and after studies KW - Case studies KW - Dallas Area Rapid Transit KW - Data collection KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Passenger counting KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0077.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54700/54768/FTA_Report_No._0077.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352130 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560094 AU - Schneeberger, J D AU - Jacobi, Amy AU - Torng, Gwo-Wei AU - Noblis AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Transit Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Applications: Near Term Research and Development; Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Safety Application: Operational Concept PY - 2014/12//Final Report SP - 58p AB - This document serves as an Operational Concept for the Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Safety application. The purpose of this document is to communicate user needs and desired capabilities for and expectations of the Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Safety application. This document also serves to build consensus among transit user groups and stakeholders concerning these needs and expectations. The Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Safety application will alert nearby pedestrians indicating the transit vehicle’s intention of pulling into or out of a bus stop. The application allows messages to be sent from transit vehicles to instrumented transit stops that in turn provide audible or visual alerts to pedestrians in the vicinity of a bus stop. This Operational Concept describes how the application applies to motor buses; however the application is also applicable to other transit types such as light rail. Three scenarios are described, including: Scenario 1. Motor Bus Approaching the Transit Bus Stop; Scenario 2. Motor Bus Departing from the Transit Bus Stop; and Scenario 3. Warning to Pedestrians of Oncoming Vehicles when Alighting the Motor Bus at the Transit Bus Stop, This document is intended to convey at a high-level how the application may work, so others may design and implement systems in the future. As such, the Transit Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Operational Concept documents are “generalized” and not specific to a geographic area, an operating entity (e.g., transit agency), existing systems that may be in place for a region, agency operating procedures, nor political environment. KW - Bus stops KW - Operational concept description KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle to infrastructure communications KW - Warning systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54483/FHWA-JPO-14-174_v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344674 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560082 AU - Jackson, D AU - Semler, C AU - Ryus, P AU - Nevers, B AU - Kittelson and Associates, Incorporated AU - CH2M Hill AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - How to Guide - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems (TODSS) PY - 2014/12//Final Report SP - 120p AB - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems (TODSS) are decision support systems designed to support dispatchers in real-time bus operations management in response to incidents, special events, and other changing conditions in order to restore service when disruptions occur. This How-To Guide is intended for use by agencies planning, deploying, operating, and maintaining (TODSS). It was developed based on the outcomes and lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) sponsored TODSS Prototype project with Pace in Chicago IL, and from interviews with agencies and vendors that have recently deployed TODSS and TODSS-like systems. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Decision support systems KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Service disruption KW - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54471/FHWA-JPO-14-144_v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344660 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554286 AU - Eudy, L AU - Post, M AU - Gikakis, C AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Fuel Cell Buses in U.S. Transit Fleets: Current Status 2014 PY - 2014/12//Technical Report SP - 47p AB - This report, published annually, summarizes the progress of fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) development in the United States and discusses the achievements and challenges of introducing fuel cell propulsion in transit. It provides a summary of results from evaluations performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It tracks the progress of the FCEB industry toward meeting technical targets, documents the lessons learned, and discusses the path forward for commercial viability of fuel cell technology for transit buses. Its intent is to inform Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Energy (DOE) decision makers who direct research and funding; state and local government agencies that fund new propulsion technology transit buses; and interested transit agencies and industry manufacturers. The 2014 summary results primarily focus on the most recent year for each demonstration, generally from August 2013 through July 2014. The results for these buses account for more than 938,444 miles traveled and 85,061 hours of fuel cell power system operation. The summary results are from four demonstrations at three transit agencies: (1) Zero Emission Bay Area (ZEBA) Demonstration Group led by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in California; (2) BC Transit Fuel Cell Bus Project (final year of in-service operation) in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; and (3) Advanced Technology FCEB and American Fuel Cell Bus Project at SunLine Transit Agency in California. KW - Alameda Contra Costa Transit District KW - British Columbia Transit KW - Demonstration projects KW - Evaluation KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Sunline Transit Agency KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses KW - United States UR - http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/fc_buses_2014_status.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1343861 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01549300 TI - Implementation of Smart Card Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) Technology in Small Transit Agencies for Standards Development AB - Accumen Building Enterprises will implement the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Contactless Fare Media Standard (CFMS) specification for an interface between a smart card, smart card reader, and back-office fare collection system. They will also implement typical fare business rules on an industry standard smartcard using ISO/IEC, APTA standards (ISO/IEC 14443 Parts 1-4, APTA CFMS Parts 1-4), and other ITS Best Practices. In conjunction with Yuma County Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (YCIPTA) , Acumen will define and implement the system on all fixed route agency vehicles that are equipped with AcuFare readers . YCIPTA provides fixed route service throughout southwestern Yuma County including the cities of Yuma, San Luis, Somerton, Town of Wellton, Cocopah Indian Reservations and unincorporated communities of Yuma County, including Gadsden, Ligurta and Fortuna. This pilot period will last for 90 days after all agency fixed route vehicles are equipped with all associated fare collection software. This will provide a document that describes standards and interfaces and identifies all observed passenger benefits (reduced fare processing time, ability to transfer seamlessly, convenience of adding value/purchasing smart card online, durable fare media, reduced need for cash, and balance protection) for use of AFC in small transit agencies. KW - Automatic fare collection KW - Benefits KW - Best practices KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Passenger transportation KW - Smart cards KW - Standards KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Yuma County (Arizona) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3904 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1339616 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543710 TI - Detecting and Mitigating Low-Level DC Leakage and Fault Currents in Transit Systems AB - Low-level electrical fault currents are phenomena found in direct current (DC) traction systems used in public transit systems and electrified rail systems worldwide. These low-level currents are typically caused by small and sporadic failures of insulation within the electrification system, which often make them difficult to locate, measure, and control. The apparent effects of these faults can go unnoticed for long periods of time as a result of their slow and progressive nature; however, if these faults are left undetected, evidence exists to show that extensive damage to infrastructure of transit systems and infrastructure of adjacent private/public utilities may result. Recently, a transit system suffered damage to its electrification system because of low-level faults in the central core area. The failure resulted in damage valued at more than a million dollars that impacted rush hour revenue service at the time of occurrence. The failure further necessitated service reductions for several days in the central core transit system area while emergency repairs were performed. Similar problems have occurred at other transit agencies. Low-level DC leakage and fault currents may also create safety hazards to transit employees, patrons, and the general public as contact to any metallic structure (such as fences, light poles, and handrails) is potentially lethal because structures may become energized to dangerous voltages. At present, awareness of such hazards is dependent on acute conditions observed (e.g., boom, flame, smoke, steaming or glowing poles, steaming manholes, smoking insulators; train doors that do not open) or felt (e.g., sluggish train operation; shock or tingle on contact; hot water in cable hole), as well as chronic conditions observed (e.g., rail deterioration, rail web entirely destroyed, burnt surge arresters). Currently, there are no known technologies available to easily detect low-level DC leakage and fault currents. To detect low-level DC leakage and fault currents (at the agency level), it is necessary to conduct extensive field research, which is costly, labor intensive, and difficult to accomplish, particularly in areas remote from traction power substations. With current operating budget restrictions prevalent throughout the industry, this type of testing is not feasible. Research is needed to identify possible workable solutions; develop prototypes for detection and monitoring systems; and, produce a guide to mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents. The objectives of this research are to develop (a) one or more prototype methods, tools, or techniques for detecting/monitoring low-level DC leakage and fault currents (i.e., magnitude of current and location of fault) in electrified transit systems and (b) a guide to detecting and mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents in transit systems. Electrical faults of interest include, but are not limited to, those originating from subsurface conductors as well as third rail and overhead contact systems. Research tasks are as follows: Phase I (1) Survey DC-powered rail transit systems to (a) identify methods (including both technical and non-technical approaches) currently used for detecting and mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents and (b) collect pertinent information on design criteria; technical/performance specifications; hazard analysis; safety certification; constructability issues; monitoring and maintenance of fault current controls; and agency criteria for fault currents. (2) Identify the domestic and international body of knowledge that pertains to principles, procedures, methods, and criteria for achieving and documenting acceptable levels of leakage and fault currents. Include, at a minimum, existing and proposed standards (and the background used to develop those standards), methods of measurement, implementation, and compliance. Review the results of relevant research on low-level DC leakage and fault currents, including practices, performance data, research findings, lessons learned, emerging technologies, and other related information. Review relevant literature for potential low-level DC leakage and fault currents effects on people and animals, as well as low-level DC leakage and fault currents effects on tracks, signals and communications, utilities, structures, and equipment. Identify guidelines that are available in citable versions and those that will require further development. (3) Identify potential methods, tools, and techniques for detecting low-level DC leakage and fault currents on transit rail systems at (a) the system level, (b) the operations and maintenance levels by transit system personnel, and (c) the point level by the public. The panel is interested in a wide range of potential methods, tools, and techniques for detecting and reporting, from social media to end devices on equipment. (4) Based on Tasks 1 through 3, identify potential methods, tools, and techniques for mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents. Identify the key decision metrics associated with implementing, maintaining, and controlling low-level DC leakage and fault currents. (5) Prepare an interim report that documents the results of Tasks 1 through 4; recommends priorities for further development or refinement of methods, tools, and techniques identified in prior tasks; and provides an updated Phase II work plan that includes a detailed draft outline for the Phase II guide and describes the recommended approach for developing prototypes in Phase II. Phase II (6) Develop, per the approved Phase II work plan: (a) one or more prototype methods, tools, or techniques for low-level DC leakage and fault currents detection/monitoring systems that (1) can be tested within the funds available for this research and (2) can be further developed by the private sector; (b) a guide to detecting and mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents in transit systems; and, (c) descriptions of potential future methods, tools, and techniques. (7) Prepare a final report that includes: (a) prototype methods, tools, and techniques for low-level DC leakage and fault currents detection/monitoring systems; (b) a guide to detecting and mitigating low-level DC leakage and fault currents in transit systems; and, (c) descriptions of potential future methods, tools, and techniques. Include, as separate deliverables for use by transit agencies, an updated PowerPoint presentation and an executive summary of the project. KW - Detection and identification systems KW - Direct current KW - Equipment tests KW - Leakage KW - Metals KW - Monitoring KW - Overhead conductor rails KW - Prototype tests KW - Rail transit KW - Safety KW - Third rail UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3543 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331746 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543518 TI - Contracting Commuter Rail Services AB - Over the past 40 years, there has been considerable change in the way commuter rail services are provided in the major metropolitan areas of the United States and Canada. Up until the early 1960s, commuter rail services in these two countries were owned, operated, and paid for by privately owned freight railroads. Starting around that time, public agencies began to subsidize the continued operation of the few remaining trains that ran in only a handful of metropolitan areas. By contrast, the commuter rail industry in North America today has grown to 29 systems serving 24 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. Most of these systems contract for all or part of their operating and maintenance services. This expansion and evolution of commuter rail has led to a wide variety of strategies and approaches for managing the operation and maintenance of these services, which are offered by a growing number of entities. The result has been two basic approaches to service delivery: (1) bundled services where one entity provides all the functions necessary to operate the service and (2) unbundled services where the provision of services are broken down into separate contracts. Currently, there are no guidelines or generally recognized best practices to consider in determining how to provide a city or a metropolitan region with commuter rail service. There is a need for a presentation of potential approaches, an evaluation of the approaches, and guidance on how and when to apply them to existing and new services. The objective of this research is to provide guidance to public agencies and other key stakeholders in the contracting of commuter rail services. This research will include an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each potential approach, including the service effectiveness, service quality, and service cost effectiveness, as well as any safety impacts, of each approach. Key system attributes should be included as part of the evaluation such as passenger miles, train miles, revenues, costs, infrastructure ownership, and other appropriate criteria that could help the practitioner compare and assess the value of the various service approaches. The expected product is a guidebook that describes commuter rail services in North America, the various delivery approaches, and a broad range of issues associated with contracting of commuter rail services that will include, at a minimum, the following: (1) The general context for the provision of commuter rail services in North America (e.g., statutory framework, policy and funding environment); (2) The various current service delivery approaches; (3) The evolution of the various service delivery approaches and why they changed; (4) Quantifiable effectiveness of service delivery approaches from both the private and public perspectives; (5) Significant lessons learned from contracting out services; (6) Current best practices for contracting out commuter rail services; and (7) Innovative international and domestic approaches for contracting transportation services applicable to commuter rail. KW - Best practices KW - Canada KW - Contracting out KW - Maintenance practices KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Operations KW - Quality of service KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Subsidies KW - United States UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3746 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330965 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543504 TI - Improving the Resiliency of Transit Systems Threatened by Natural Disasters AB - Congress previously authorized the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to administer emergency relief funds for public transit and appropriated $10.4 billion for Hurricane Sandy relief, nearly half of which will be spent on resiliency projects in the affected area. The lessons from rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy and other major disasters experienced throughout the country will help public transit systems that have not yet been affected (but are susceptible to flooding, high winds, earthquakes, blizzards and other natural disasters and climatic events) better prepare their assets and infrastructure for potential major events. By deploying resiliency strategies, public transit systems nation-wide could save billions of dollars in recovery costs. Research is needed to investigate measures that were undertaken or will be undertaken to protect public transit equipment, infrastructure, and operations from future weather events--measures identified from among those developed by public transit agencies that have experienced severe weather events. For each measure, analysis is needed to address: (1) capital project planning and asset management; (2) maintenance and operations, and (3) administrative procedures.Research is also needed to address (1) situational assessment/risk analysis, including likelihood of a future hazard or disaster (vulnerability and criticality of assets, and extent of damage from previous hazards); (2) design criteria or operational concepts applied; (3) alternatives evaluated; and (4) rationale for selecting the option, including cost and anticipated reduction in damage or other negative impacts, including cost estimating and financing for capital planning. Information for this research will be gathered through targeted case studies and review of literature. Similarly, risk assessment techniques for planning for and predicting natural hazards are well advanced. Literature and case studies could yield numerous well-thought-out illustrative examples. Given the frequency, severity, and impact of natural disasters and climatic events in the United States, research is needed to develop strategies for public transit systems to improve their resiliency in order to better plan for, protect against, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and climatic events. The objectives of this research are to develop (1) a handbook with an associated suite of digital presentation materials to address planning principles, guidelines (including metrics), strategies, tools, and techniques to enable public transit systems to become more resilient to natural disasters and climatic events; and (2) a draft recommended practice for public transit resilience to natural disasters and climatic events suitable as input to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Standards Program. The handbook and its associated suite of digital presentation materials should be appropriately designed for use by public transit agency executive staff to plan, budget, and institutionalize effective practices to improve resilience, addressing (a) capital project planning and asset management (including financial planning and risk assessment for natural disasters and climatic events), (b) operations and maintenance, and (c) administration. They should provide sufficient detail to allow users to adapt them to their individual entities. KW - American Public Transit Association KW - Asset management KW - Cost recovery KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Handbooks KW - Hurricane Sandy, 2012 KW - Public transit KW - Resilience (Materials) KW - Risk assessment KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3744 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330951 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543450 TI - Decision-Making Toolbox to Plan and Manage Park-and-Ride Facilities for Public Transportation AB - The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has completed two important research reports that address park-and-ride services for public transportation. TCRP Report 153: Guidance for Providing Access to Public Transportation Stations and TCRP Report 95: Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes, Chapter 3: Park-and-Ride/Pool (see Special Note A). Additional research is needed to develop improved strategies and practices to plan new facilities and manage existing park-and-ride facilities for public transportation Public transportation agencies and the communities they serve seek to 'right-size" park-and-ride facilities. Under-sized parking facilities may discourage travelers from using public transportation or lead to spillover parking in nearby neighborhoods, resulting in complaints from residents. Over-sized parking facilities represent resources that could be better allocated elsewhere. Improved methods to estimate park-and-ride demand and establish parking capacity would help avoid these suboptimal outcomes and provide important benefits to public transportation agencies, passengers, and local communities. There are a range of concerns regarding the management of park-and-ride facilities for public transportation that need to be addressed, as well as opportunities that should be explored for introducing new technologies and innovation. Questions often arise regarding whether and how much to charge for parking at public transportation park-and-ride facilities; how to fund park-and-ride services; whether to expand existing or build new parking or use transportation demand management (TDM) strategies; how to respond to market changes; and how to work effectively with communities and stakeholders. The utilization of available parking may be improved and customers may be better served through the use of evolving technologies. Planners and managers of park-and-ride services for public transportation will benefit from a research product that presents strategies and practices targeted to their needs. The objective of this research is to develop a decision-making toolbox to better plan and manage park-and-ride facilities for public transportation. The toolbox should build on relevant completed research to address both of these important concerns. (1) Planning new park-and-ride facilities. The research should provide methodologies to estimate park-and-ride demand and determine capacity for park-and-ride facilities for public transportation. These can include proven existing methodologies and appropriate new methodologies. At a minimum the research should address: (a) The key factors that should be considered in estimating park-and-ride demand and establishing the capacity for parking at individual transit stops/stations and corridor-wide. (b) How park-and-ride estimates should be used in public transit planning and decision making. (c) How accurate the methodologies that estimate park-and-ride demand have been over time and how park-and-ride estimation methods can be enhanced. (d) The strengths and weaknesses of the currently used methods for estimating park-and-ride demand and determining the capacity for parking at individual transit stops/stations and corridor-wide and which methods work better in some situations than in others. (e) Improved tools for determining the "right size" for park-and-ride facilities. (2) Managing existing park and ride facilities. Based on the experience of transit agencies, as well as opportunities for innovation, the research should identify and assess strategies and practices to improve the management and operation of park-and-ride programs and facilities for public transportation. The research should consider, at a minimum: (a) Whether, when, who, and how much to charge for park-and-ride services; (b) How to best use parking facilities to optimize public transportation ridership; (c) How to fund the operation, maintenance, and expansion of park-and-ride facilities; (d) How to coordinate with local communities and stakeholders regarding parking for public transportation and minimize negative community impacts; (e) How to address park-and-ride facilities and land use decision making over time; (f) How to use innovative technologies to improve park-and-ride utilization; (g) How to use design and technology to improve safety and security of park-and-ride facilities; and (h) How to enhance customer experience through more convenient, user-friendly park-and ride amenities. KW - Decision making KW - Land use planning KW - Park and ride KW - Parking facilities KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Technological innovations KW - Travel demand management UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3748 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330906 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543407 TI - Development of a Prototype Retrofit Bumper for Improved Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Safety AB - The majority of fatalities that occur from light rail vehicle (LRV) operations are pedestrians and occupants of automobiles that are struck by the LRVs. This has been an area of more recent concern within the transit safety community. Recently, a study was performed to develop a prototype bumper system design with an improved profile and segmented energy-absorbing corner bumpers. The focus of this new Transit IDEA project is to adapt the energy absorbing bumper concept to a specific LRV design and develop a prototype retrofit bumper design that can be used in trial service and testing. The study will be performed by a team with Applied research Associates (ARA) providing the crashworthiness expertise in collaboration with Siemens providing the vehicle design expertise and Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) District which is interested in implementing this concept into their LRV fleet for enhanced safety. The project will be performed in the following two contingent stages. Task 1. Develop a rough adaptation of the bumper onto the Sacramento RT CAF LRVs. Task 2. Bumper Crashworthiness Analyses. KW - Bumpers KW - Energy-absorbing bumpers KW - Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) (Program) KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Prototypes KW - Sacramento (California) KW - Transit safety UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3825 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330804 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555372 AU - MORR Transportation Consulting Ltd. AU - American Public Transportation Association AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - An Analysis of Transit Bus Axle Weight Issues PY - 2014/11//Final Report SP - 117p AB - This report analyzes transit bus axle weight issues that have evolved over the past few decades with changes in regulations, bus design and construction, and operations. These changes have resulted in certain transit buses exceeding applicable axle weight limits. This report provides information to help decision‐makers identify options to reduce bus weight, mitigate the negative impacts of transit buses exceeding weight limits, and address competing regulations in this area. These options, which can be implemented individually or in combination, include various changes to (1) transit bus design and manufacturing, (2) transit operations, (3) pavement design and engineering, and (4) regulations. This research reviewed findings from literature and other documentation published over the past decade and gathered current knowledge from relevant stakeholders regarding: (1) Relevant national and state laws and regulations pertaining to transit bus weight, (2) The weight of transit buses while in service, (3) The impacts of transit buses on pavement, and (4) Options to mitigate negative impacts on pavement, transit systems, and communities. KW - Analysis KW - Literature reviews KW - Pavement distress KW - Policy, legislation and regulation KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle design KW - Vehicle weight UR - http://www.apta.com/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/An-Analysis-of-Transit-Bus-Axle-Weight-Issues-TCRP-J11-T20.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344157 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551278 AU - Valentine, David AU - Zimmer, Robert AU - Mortensen, Steven AU - Sheehan, Robert AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Battelle Memorial Institute TI - Transit Safety Retrofit Package (TRP): Leveraging DSRC for Transit Safety – Fielding Results and Lessons Learned PY - 2014/11 SP - 10p AB - A team led by Battelle, on behalf of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration, deployed five collision avoidance applications on University of Michigan transit buses, including two new applications—one for pedestrian crosswalks and one for vehicles turning in front of transit buses at bus stops—identified as high-priority concerns by transit agencies. This system, called the Transit Safety Retrofit Package (TRP), was part of the USDOT’s Safety Pilot Model Deployment—a large-scale field demonstration of the potential benefits of 5.9GHz Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) wireless technology that is supporting related decisions by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This article provides a summary of results, “fresh from the field”, pertaining to the transit safety applications, as well as the underlying project, system, and technologies. KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Crosswalks KW - Dedicated short range communications KW - Field tests KW - Michigan KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Pedestrians KW - Transit buses KW - Transit safety KW - Turning traffic UR - http://www.its.dot.gov/safety/pdf/trp_august2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1339975 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543410 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-18. Use of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tests within Transit AB - In 2004 the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) funded the development of transit-specific mechanical knowledge tests which are administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests for heavy truck mechanics had been available for many years, but the new tests were designed to determine a technician's knowledge and proficiency in various areas of transit bus maintenance. Since then, many transit systems have incorporated ASE testing into hiring practices and have provided incentives for incumbent maintenance employees to complete ASE certification. Because the development of these tests was funded by TCRP, it is appropriate to conduct a synthesis to document how and how widely ASE tests are used. It would help suggest opportunities for transit agencies management and technicians/mechanics to use or to increase the use of the tests. Information gathered will include, but not be limited to the following: (1) Transit agency awareness and communication of ASE test availability; (2) Reasons for pursuing ASE testing or alternatives; (3) How tests are used e.g. hiring requirement, reward, etc.; (4) Completion numbers, including re-certification percentage or ratio; (5) Transit union acceptance and contract language; (6) Metrics assessing test value, effectiveness, and use; (7) Costs; (8) Challenges and barriers; (9) Training and testing assistance; and (10)Technological change and gaps to be addressed by future test development . KW - Automotive Service Excellence KW - Buses KW - Certification KW - Hiring policies KW - Maintenance KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3829 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330807 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543412 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-16. Transit Agency Practices Interacting with People Who are Homeless AB - People who are homeless often utilize public transit vehicles or facilities as shelters to stay warm or cool, depending on the weather conditions and to stay safe. Due to various issues, many transit passengers do not feel comfortable when near people who are homeless. These factors can discourage transit utilization and hurt the image of public transit. It is a very real problem and challenge for all transit systems. Transit agencies attempt to manage this population and its impacts to preserve the quality of the transit environment. Some transit agencies have developed partnerships with law enforcement, social service agencies, and others to approach this issue in a more positive way. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has taken some encouraging steps in working with people who live in transient communities in the public rights of way. This synthesis will focus on the transit perspective, policies and procedures and will identify effective practices, approaches, and outcomes within the transit industry. This synthesis study will document the current state of the practice and provide an overview to help transit agencies address the challenges presented. KW - Homeless persons KW - Law enforcement KW - Public transit KW - Social service agencies KW - Transients KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3831 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330809 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543411 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-15. Transit Supportive Parking Policies and Programs AB - Parking is widely recognized as an important factor influencing transit access/ridership. An increasing number of communities and transit agencies have been revising their parking policies to encourage transit usage and to minimize resources consumed for parking. Some of the community policies have included pricing, supply and demand management, shared parking, and preferential treatment of specific groups. Recent implementation of transit supportive parking policies affords the opportunity to assess how effective they have been and to inform local communities and transit agencies of successful practices. This synthesis study will document the current state of the practice in transit supportive parking policies and programs. This information will help transit agencies answer the question about how parking policies affect transit access and ridership. KW - Accessibility KW - Demand KW - Parking KW - Policy KW - Pricing KW - Ridership KW - Shared parking KW - Supply KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3830 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330808 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543409 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-26. Use of Taxis in Public Transportation for People with Disabilities and Older Adults AB - Public transit agencies are being motivated to increase the use of taxis for passengers with disabilities and older adults. The high cost of door to door van services, economic strain on public budgets, and the advancement of technology are three examples of factors contributing to this. As communities explore the use of taxis in public transportation there are lessons to be learned from those who have taxi programs in place for people with disabilities and older adults. A synthesis is needed to report on current practice, trends, and to identify challenges using taxis in public transportation. It will identify agencies that use taxis and in public transportation and provide an inventory of the services provided, as well as other trends. Transit agencies might be guided through the documented experience of peers with taxi service to plan wisely and avoid pitfalls. KW - Aged KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Taxi services KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3828 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330806 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562604 AU - Basshgam, Lynnda AU - Luttrull, Dana AU - Lower Savannah Council of Governments AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Lower Savannah Aging, Disability & Transportation Resource Center: Regional Travel Management and Coordination Center (TMCC) Model and Demonstration Project PY - 2014/10//Final Report SP - 61p AB - This report details the deployed technology and implementation experiences of the Lower Savannah Aging, Disability & Transportation Resource Center in Aiken, South Carolina, which served as the regional Travel Management and Coordination Center (TMCC), created with assistance from a Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) grant award. The Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG) leveraged the MSAA award with grants from several other sources to procure and deploy a number of technologies to learn if they could enhance human services transportation and its coordination among the five transportation providers that served as partners in the regional TMCC demonstration project. KW - Aged KW - Aiken (South Carolina) KW - Coordination KW - Demonstration projects KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Mobility Services for All Americans Initiative KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0065.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55548/FTA_Report_No._0065.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352141 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543408 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-36. On-Board Electronic Surveillance Technologies for Buses AB - In 2001, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis #38 on Electronic Surveillance Technology on Transit Vehicles was published, but since September 2011, many transit agencies have adopted new technologies that are better and cheaper than the systems used 13 years ago. For the safety and security of passengers and drivers, many transit agencies have installed surveillance systems on buses, not just overseeing/listening in on the interior of a vehicle, but also the exterior of vehicles. What's behind and in front of the vehicle can provide very important transit agency evidence in case of accidents and/or insurance claims. This synthesis study will document the current use of electronic surveillance technology by transit agencies onboard buses. It will identify the new technologies and also list the practical uses (purposes and results) of the systems. This information can help transit agencies answer the question about how surveillance systems can be used to monitor bus driver's performance and help enforce the policy of "no distracted driving" in transit operations and the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Transit Safety Initiatives on Reducing Transit Distraction. I KW - Bus drivers KW - Buses KW - Crashes KW - Distraction KW - Driver performance KW - Surveillance KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3827 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330805 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544548 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Rizek, Jodi M AU - Sutherland, Pamela J AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Security and Emergency Preparedness Action Items for Transit Agencies: A Resource Document for Transit Agencies PY - 2014/09 SP - 26p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Office of Transit Safety and Oversight, Security and Emergency Preparedness Action Items for Transit Agencies: A Resource Document for Transit Agencies is part of FTA’s technical assistance to transit agencies. FTA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) collaborated to update and consolidate the FTA Top 20 Action Items into 17 Action Items, which are aligned with TSA’s Baseline Assessment and Security Enhancement (BASE) and the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). These Action Items apply to all transit modes directly operated or contracted by transit agencies. Transit Agencies are encouraged to include all of these Action Items in their security programs scaled appropriately to risk environment and operation size. This document provides an explanation of the current 17 Action Items, including supporting topics that further explain the content of each Action Item. High-level elements are used to organize and group similar Action Items. Relevant resource documents developed by FTA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), TSA, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Transportation Research Board (TRB), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA’s) security standards program have been included for each high-level element. These documents were selected to provide users with additional information and provide industry benchmarks for potential implementation. KW - Benchmarks KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Implementation KW - Public transit KW - Security KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/508_new_top_17.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330361 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541504 AU - Regan, Terry AU - Deaderick, Lauren AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - North Carolina DOT Peer Exchange on Performance Management PY - 2014/09//Final Report SP - 24p AB - This report summarizes the key themes and recommendations identified at a peer exchange on November 19-20, 2013 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) hosted peers from South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to exchange best practices surrounding performance management. The peer exchange was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). KW - Best practices KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act KW - North Carolina Department of Transportation KW - Peer exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - South Carolina Department of Transportation KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52700/52747/NCDOT_Performance_Mgmt_Peer_Exchange-_TPCB_Peer_Report-Nov_2013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1325008 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562607 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Caton, Melanie AU - Post, Matthew AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program: Second Assessment Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 239p AB - This report is the second assessment of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The TIGGER Program provides capital funds to transit agencies for projects that work to reduce the agency’s energy use and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their operations. The purpose of this report is to provide an overall status update for the program, provide an outlook on specific projects, and begin presenting an analysis of program results. This report briefly outlines the program and its goals, as well as the technologies being implemented. It also provides status updates for each project and analyzes results for projects that have accumulated a sufficient amount of data to do so. KW - Assessments KW - Capital investments KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Implementation KW - Public transit KW - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0064.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55547/FTA_Report_No._0064.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352142 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562603 AU - Alberts, Brian AU - Awan, Mazhar Ali AU - Gayle, Kimberly A AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit and Climate Change Adaptation: Synthesis of FTA-Funded Pilot Projects PY - 2014/08 SP - 27p AB - Public transit agencies play a critical role in providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to the communities they serve. In the face of increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, several public transit and other transportation agencies have taken the initiative to adapt their systems to make them more resilient to changing climate conditions, and a growing number of public transit agencies that are aware of the climate risks they face have identified their vulnerable assets and are prioritizing improvements to develop a more robust and resilient system. In 2011, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced its Climate Change Adaptation Initiative and committed $1 million in research funding to pilot projects in seven geographically-diverse locations, including nine transit agencies. This report is a synthesis of the final reports of those seven pilot studies. KW - Climate change KW - Pilot studies KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0069.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55552/FTA_Report_No._0069.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352137 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538155 AU - Brecher, Aviva AU - Arthur, David AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Review and Evaluation of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for Electric Transit Applications PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 61p AB - This research report provides a status review of emerging and existing Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies applicable to electric bus (EB) and rail transit. The WPT technology options discussed, especially Inductive Power Transfer (IPT), enable rapid in-station or opportunity (boost) dynamic recharging of electric bus batteries for range extension and promise economic, convenience, and safety benefits. Based on a comprehensive literature review, international and U.S. WPT bus and light rail systems deployed, demonstrated, or planned are described, noting their respective providers, system specifications and attributes, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-funded WPT demonstrations currently underway or planned are also highlighted. Industry technical and safety standards (frequency, power, and interoperability) are currently in development. Regulations and consensus standards for emissions and human exposure safety to electromagnetic radiation and fields (EMR/EMF) and protection from electromagnetic Interference (EMI) are reviewed. Measured EMR/EMR levels for various WPT electric bus systems comply with applicable occupational and public safety, health, and environmental exposure standards. Information on the cost-benefit, reliability, durability, and safety of WPT infrastructure and vehicle systems is scant. Research gaps, as well as challenges and opportunities for WPT commercial deployment, are identified. KW - Electric buses KW - Electric power KW - Electric power transmission KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Electromagnetism KW - Evaluation KW - Light rail transit KW - Literature reviews KW - Public transit KW - Standards KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0060.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52500/52580/FTA_Report_No._0060.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322778 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562605 AU - Flynn, Jennifer AU - Staes, Lisa AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - State of Bus Safety in the U.S.: Summary of Federal and State Regulations PY - 2014/06 SP - 132p AB - This report provides a comprehensive overview of transit bus safety regulations and standards developed by all 50 states, as well as information on how state departments of transportation (DOT) regulate the maintenance or operation of transit/paratransit vehicles operated by public transit agencies. For quick reference, this document is accompanied by a spreadsheet containing basic information on state DOT regulation of transit bus safety, state requirements for annual transit bus inspections, and a list of laws/regulations with hyperlinks to each statutory reference. The spreadsheet and map with hyperlinks are available at www.transitsafetycenter.org. Since many of the state laws contain references to federal regulations, this report begins with a summary of federal laws and regulations. KW - Inspection KW - Laws and legislation KW - Public transit KW - Regulations KW - Standards KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transit buses KW - Transit safety KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0078.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55560/FTA_Report_No._0078.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352129 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536074 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - AECOM Planning+Design AU - Citiventure Associates, LLC AU - E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC AU - PlaceMatters, Inc. AU - Van Meter, Williams, Pollack, LLP TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide—Section 1: Introduction PY - 2014/06 SP - 26p AB - This guide is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. “Section 1—Introduction” provides an overview of the guide, highlights challenges to transit-supportive development, discusses planning coordination, describes the publication development process, and presents information on the guide’s format and use. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Land use planning KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0053.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55540/FTA_Report_No._0053.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320937 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536072 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - AECOM Planning+Design AU - Citiventure Associates, LLC AU - E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC AU - PlaceMatters, Inc. AU - Van Meter, Williams, Pollack, LLP TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide—Section 5: Local Planning and Transit-Supportive Development PY - 2014/06 SP - 106p AB - “Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner’s Guide” is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. “Section 5: Local Planning and Transit-Supportive Development” presents information on station and transit-supportive development characteristics, and station neighborhood planning case studies KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Land use planning KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Regional planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0057.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55544/FTA_Report_No._0057.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320968 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536068 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - AECOM Planning+Design AU - Citiventure Associates, LLC AU - E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC AU - PlaceMatters, Inc. AU - Van Meter, Williams, Pollack, LLP TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide—Section 4: Corridor Planning and Transit-Supportive Development PY - 2014/06 SP - 300p AB - “Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner’s Guide” is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. “Section 4: Corridor Planning and Transit-Supportive Development” presents information on premium transit modes, corridor planning case studies, and guidance on integrating transit-supportive development considerations into the transit corridor planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Land use planning KW - National Environmental Policy Act KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0056.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55543/FTA_Report_No._0056.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320967 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536067 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - AECOM Planning+Design AU - Citiventure Associates, LLC AU - E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC AU - PlaceMatters, Inc. AU - Van Meter, Williams, Pollack, LLP TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide—Section 2: General Transit-Supportive Development Planning Topics PY - 2014/06 SP - 172p AB - “Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner’s Guide” is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. “Section 2—General Transit-Supportive Development Planning Topics” presents information on issues that affect all three planning levels, including leadership and champions, regulatory tools, funding and financing, economic benefits, and visualization tools. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Economic benefits KW - Financing KW - Land use planning KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regulation KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0054.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55541/FTA_Report_No._0054.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320938 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536066 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - AECOM Planning+Design AU - Citiventure Associates, LLC AU - E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC AU - PlaceMatters, Inc. AU - Van Meter, Williams, Pollack, LLP TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide—Section 3: Regional Vision Planning and Transit-Supportive Development PY - 2014/06 SP - 31p AB - “Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner’s Guide” is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. “Section 3: Regional Vision Planning and Transit-Supportive Development” presents key ingredients for developing regional vision plans and methods for forecasting regional markets. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Land use planning KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0055.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55542/FTA_Report_No._0055.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320939 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530946 AU - Santasieri, Colette L AU - Vroom, Sean C AU - Hughey, Robert AU - Bay, Paul AU - Dunphy, Robert AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Planning for Transit-Supportive Development: A Practitioner's Guide PY - 2014/06//Executive Summary SP - 34p AB - This guide is a toolkit of practical and innovative measures to help Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s), regional planners, transit agencies, and local government elected officials, staff, land use planners, and transit planners integrate transit planning with local land use planning. This guide includes best practices, guidance, success stories, useful techniques, transferable examples, and lessons learned, aimed at providing planners at the regional, corridor, and local levels with ideas on how to integrate, accommodate, and assess transit-supportive development and transit investment. Included are numerous success stories for integrating transit planning and land use planning. This guide seeks to go beyond just highlighting case studies by providing a link between the regional, corridor, and local planning processes for integrating land use and transit and examining regions that have successfully developed and integrated plans. The guide is meant to be a resource for planners to assist them in the development and implementation of strategies to integrate transit and land use planning in an effort to encourage transit-supportive development. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Land use planning KW - Public transit KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0052.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55539/FTA_Report_No._0052.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1314056 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530890 AU - Regan, Terry AU - Middleton, Scott AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Developing Formal Asset Management Plans: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2014/06//Final Report SP - 23p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and best practices identified at the peer exchange on Transportation Asset Management Plans (TAMP), held on February 5 and 6, 2014, in Columbia, South Carolina. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Through this peer exchange South Carolina Department of Transportation sought to gain a better understanding of the asset management process. The peers agencies represented were Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Minnesota Department of Transportation and North Carolina Department of Transportation. KW - Asset management KW - Best practices KW - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development KW - Minnesota Department of Transportation KW - North Carolina Department of Transportation KW - Peer exchange KW - South Carolina Department of Transportation KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/51000/51800/51869/SCDOT_Asset_Management_Peer_Exchange-_Columbia_February_2014__2_.pdf?utm_source=GovDelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=June%20newsletter UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1314141 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544687 AU - Burt, M AU - Zimmer, R E AU - Zink, G J AU - Valentine, D A AU - Knox, W J AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Safety Retrofit Package Development: TRP Concept of Operations PY - 2014/05/28/Final Report SP - 56p AB - This document describes the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the Transit Safety Retrofit Package (TRP). The ConOps describes the current state of operations with respect to the integration of Connected Vehicle technology in transit buses, establishes the reasons for change, and describes the TRP in terms of its features and operations. To achieve the objective of the study, the TRP project includes developing, testing, installing, and maintaining retrofit packages on three transit buses drawn from the University of Michigan transit fleets; developing two new transit safety applications (Pedestrian Warning and Vehicle Turning Right in Front of a Transit Vehicle); and collecting and providing data from the equipped buses to the Volpe Center for an independent evaluation. The specific objective of the TRP project is to design and develop safety applications for transit vehicles that can communicate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) as well as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) for enhanced transit vehicle and pedestrian safety. Ultimately, it is of interest to determine if Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technologies can be combined with on-board applications to provide real-time alerting of pedestrians in crosswalks as well as right turning vehicles in front of the transit vehicle. KW - Dedicated short range communications KW - Michigan KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Navigational aids KW - Pedestrians KW - Transit buses KW - Transit safety KW - Turning traffic KW - Vehicle electronics UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54000/54069/14-117.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329836 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544588 AU - Burt, M AU - Zimmer, R E AU - Zink, G J AU - Valentine, D A AU - Knox, W J AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Safety Retrofit Package Development: Applications Requirements Document PY - 2014/05/28/Final Report SP - 41p AB - This Application Requirements Document for the Transit Safety Retrofit Package (TRP) Development captures the system, hardware and software requirements towards fulfilling the technical objectives stated within the contract. To achieve the objective of the study, the TRP project includes developing, testing, installing, and maintaining retrofit packages on three transit buses drawn from the University of Michigan transit fleets; developing two new transit safety applications (Pedestrian Warning and Vehicle Turning Right in Front of a Transit Vehicle); and collecting and providing data from the equipped buses to the Volpe Center for an independent evaluation. The specific objective of the TRP project is to design and develop safety applications for transit vehicles that can communicate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) as well as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) for enhanced transit vehicle and pedestrian safety. Ultimately, it is of interest to determine if Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technologies can be combined with on-board applications to provide real-time alerting of pedestrians in crosswalks as well as right turning vehicles in front of the transit vehicle. KW - Bus transit KW - Computers KW - Dedicated short range communications KW - Michigan KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Navigational aids KW - Software KW - Transit safety KW - Vehicle electronics UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54000/54070/14-118.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329837 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536055 AU - Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Center for Neighborhood Technology AU - Reconnecting America AU - Strategic Economics AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Trends in Transit-Oriented Development 2000-2010 PY - 2014/05//Final Report SP - 57p AB - After decades of decline, public transportation ridership grew 36 percent from 1995 through 2008, almost three times the growth rate of the U.S. population (14%) and substantially more than the growth for vehicle miles of travel on our nation’s streets and highways (21%). This report analyzes the trends in transit regions and transit-oriented developments (TOD) from 2000 to 2010, illuminating changes in how and where we live, travel, and work. This analysis focuses on the regions and the ½-mile radius around station areas that existed in 2000 and 2010 and provides a snapshot of station areas in systems that came on line after 2000. Three case studies provide a closer look at how TOD impacts local communities. Investment in new fixed-guideway transit systems surged, and the number of regions with systems increased 43 percent, from 28 to 40. More households chose to live near transit in compact, mixed-use TOD communities closer to jobs and daily destinations, with easy access to transit, less reliance on automobiles, and more cost-of-living protection from volatile gas price spikes. KW - Case studies KW - Households KW - Mixed use development KW - Population KW - Public transit KW - Transit oriented development KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0050.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55537/FTA_Report_No._0050.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320927 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522278 AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - ARRA Lessons Learned: FTA Needs to Improve Its Grant Oversight to Prevent Improper Payments PY - 2014/04/02 SP - 25p AB - In February 2009, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) received an allocation of $8.4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for economic stimulus and recovery grants. FTA and other Federal agencies reimburse grantees for project costs, and ARRA, along with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (IPIA), requires agencies to hold grantees accountable for their expenditures. In its implementation of these statutes, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to increase their oversight of grantees. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated this audit to assess FTA’s oversight of ARRA expenditures. Specifically, the objectives were to assess whether (1) FTA’s oversight of ARRA grantees has prevented and detected grantees’ improper payments for project costs, and (2) FTA’s oversight of grantees’ use of their own workforces for preventive maintenance work was effective. As part of this audit, OIG selected a statistical sample of 627 invoices/line items totaling over $380 million made to 16 transit grantees which allowed OIG to project the total amount and percentage of improper payments, if any, within the universe of FTA’s payments to its ARRA grantees. KW - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 KW - Expenditures KW - Grant aid KW - Oversight KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Public transit KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FTA%20Oversight%20of%20ARRA%20Expenditures%5E04-02-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1306460 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562618 AU - Light, Lawrence E AU - McEvoy, Stephen AU - Kanarek, Jack AU - SYSTRA Consulting, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Transit Shared Use and Control Systems Study PY - 2014/03//Final Report SP - 204p AB - Since the 1990s, there has been growing interest in shared use of general railway system railroad rights-of-way and tracks by transit vehicles (such as light rail vehicles) that do not fully comply with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations that govern the existing freight and commuter rail services on the system. This has prompted several research efforts and initiatives by transit operators. Since the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 requires the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) on a significant portion of the general railway system to improve the safety of railroad operations, this research was undertaken with the goal of evaluating the potential to use PTC to facilitate the sharing of railroad rights-of-way and tracks that are under FRA oversight. The research reviewed currently-active transit services that have obtained temporal separation waivers from FRA; analyzed the functionality of existing PTC systems and identified the lessons learned in the development of these PTC systems; evaluated the feasibility, risk, and reliability of current PTC technologies for shared use operations; and identified the changes needed to PTC systems and underlying signal systems they enforce to enable shared use operations. In addition, the research prepared the outline for a scope of work for a potential demonstration project that would use Signal and PTC technologies to facilitate shared-use operations under a waiver from FRA. KW - Case studies KW - Demonstration projects KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Freight trains KW - Positive train control KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad signaling KW - Railroad tracks KW - Reliability KW - Risk analysis UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0062.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55545/FTA_Report_No._0062.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352144 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562608 AU - Smith, Bryan D AU - Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Kent, Ohio, Traveler Management Coordination Center (TMCC) Project PY - 2014/03//Final Report SP - 155p AB - A project team consisting of the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA), Geauga County Transit, Trapeze Group, and Kotting Consulting assembled a proposal to design a model system of human service transportation coordination using Intelligent Transportation Systems Technology (ITS). This project was one of eight demonstration grant sites, and although each began with similar assumptions and a prescribed methodology, each developed a unique approach to the problem and generated different models. This report summarizes the system development and design work conducted to support a Traveler Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for Human Service Transportation (HST) for the residents of Portage and Geauga counties in Ohio. The TMCC has been designed for the residents of these counties through the cooperation of two transit systems; two county governments; State, regional, and local human service agency leadership; and several public and private transportation and transportation-service related organizations. This TMCC is known as NEORide and has been structured to employ the transportation resources of its members, obtain greater efficiencies and effectiveness through the capture and application of information, and enhance the range and utility of shared-ride transportation. KW - Coordination KW - Geauga County (Ohio) KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Kent (Ohio) KW - Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority KW - Portage County (Ohio) KW - Public transit KW - Social service agencies KW - System design KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0063.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55546/FTA_Report_No._0063.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352143 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543709 TI - Bus Operator Workstation Design for Improving Occupational Health and Safety AB - It has been 15 years since the publication of Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 25: Bus Operator Workstation Evaluation and Design Guidelines, a reference for transit agencies seeking to evaluate and procure buses based on ergonomic considerations affecting musculoskeletal demands and human factors considerations of bus operators. In those years, much progress has occurred in bus operator workstation design and its impact on bus operator health and transit safety. However, further improvements are needed. The transit industry can make important strides forward by enhancing available options for bus operator workstation evaluation and design that improve bus operator health and safety and reduce costs associated with liability, time loss, and disability. Transit agencies need assistance in integrating improved and emerging technologies in bus operator's workstation design; evaluating the impact of innovations and modifications; and understanding how changes to bus operator workstation design may impact a wide range of measures. Research is needed to (1) better assess the bus operator workstation in the context of occupational health and safety; (2) examine how bus operator workstation design guidelines can best be used in the bus design and procurement processes; (3) produce user-friendly guidelines for improving bus operator workstation design, including but not limited to the physical, cognitive, and perceptual environments; and (4) develop a planning and decision-making tool that improves future bus procurements to benefit bus operator health and wellness and transit system safety performance. The research should assist key players to adapt to changing operational demands and changing financial pressures on transit agencies and bus manufacturers. The objectives of the research are to develop the following: (1) potential strategies, practices, and policies for reducing bus operator injury and illness and public liability and property damage, attributable to bus operator workstation design in the U.S. public transit industry; (2) guidelines to update and replace TCRP Report 25: Bus Operator Workstation Evaluation and Design Guidelines; (3) a digital Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of driver workstation that can be used by designers and transit agencies in bus specifications (See Special Notes C and D); (4) a cost/benefit analysis of implementing an ergonomically designed bus operator workstation that considers (a) life-cycle costs of the workstation, (b) bus driver turnover, illness, absenteeism, and injury costs, and (c) public liability and property damage costs; (5) strategies for transit agencies to train and educate a bus procurement team, that includes bus operators, to effectively participate in the development of specifications for the bus operator workstation; and (6) bus operator training material in ergonomics to improve their health, safety, and job performance. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Bus drivers KW - Buses KW - Computer aided design KW - Ergonomics KW - Life cycle costing KW - Occupational safety KW - Vehicle design UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3542 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331745 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01562673 TI - Advanced Locomotive Exhaust Gas Simulator to Fine-Tune Energy and Conversion Systems AB - ThermaDynamics will design and manufacture an advanced locomotive simulator to further test and validate the findings obtained in the technical and economic performance analysis of a waste heat energy recovery system applied to locomotive engines under contract TRANSIT-67. The new simulator will include an expanded combustion chamber to generate exhaust gases with thermodynamic properties comparable to those encountered in various diesel-electric locomotives operating with various duty cycles. The advanced simulator will enable prolonged testing of locomotive size waste heat recovery components and provide accurate validation data to support commercialization of these technologies. KW - Diesel electric locomotives KW - Energy conversion KW - Engine cycle KW - Exhaust gases KW - Heat KW - Locomotives KW - Simulation UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3952 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352364 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547340 TI - Examining the Effects of Separate Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Brokerages on Transportation Coordination AB - The Medicaid program is the federal government's largest provider of human services transportation (HST), spending between $2 and $3 billion annually on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). The successful coordination of federally funded human services transportation is affected by the extent to which resources for NEMT are coordinated with and complement public transit and human services transportation. Because the Medicaid program is administered by states, which are able to set their own rules and regulations within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) framework, coordination of NEMT with public transit and human services transportation is highly dependent on state Medicaid agencies' policies and priorities. Over the past decade, many states have made significant progress coordinating NEMT with other federally funded transportation services, most often by allowing local or regional organizations to broker NEMT trips with numerous other trip types. This approach results in transportation resources and costs being shared across multiple programs and transportation providers. Medicaid NEMT presents both opportunities and challenges for public transit and human services transportation providers wishing to coordinate more closely the various trips being provided in their service areas. The most frequently cited examples of coordination typically involve NEMT, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit (provided by public transit agencies), and human services trips coordinated on a local or regional basis. In recent years, numerous state Medicaid programs have separated their transportation services from local or regionally coordinated transportation systems in order to create a statewide or regional brokerage for all NEMT trips. This approach is often pursued for cost savings, fraud deterrence, and/or administrative efficiency. Transportation coordination and mobility management professionals have expressed concerns about this trend, saying that it leads to less coordination, more service duplication, loss of local revenue for transportation providers, trip shifting, and challenges for transportation of disadvantaged people who may be required to book trips through multiple systems, depending on their type of trip. Most research conducted on NEMT brokerages has focused on the impacts on the specific Medicaid program and agency. Meanwhile, the broader fiscal, coordination, and customer service effects of statewide Medicaid NEMT brokerages have not been fully studied. As more states consider the statewide or regional brokerage options for NEMT, it is important to determine (1) what the larger outcomes are for human services transportation and public transit, (2) what motivates states to establish separate NEMT brokerages, and (3) what the actual costs and benefits are. The objectives of this research are to present options for providing Medicaid-funded NEMT services and evaluate the effects of different options for providing NEMT on: (1) access to Medicaid services; (2) human services transportation (in particular, coordinated transportation services); and (3) public transit services, including ADA complementary paratransit services. The key audiences for this research include state-level policymakers and program administrators and other stakeholders affected by the different options for providing NEMT services. KW - Access KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Medicaid KW - Medical trips KW - Non-emergency medical transportation KW - Paratransit services UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3541 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334513 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551252 AU - Wolfe, Daniel AU - Silmon, Vincent AU - Plesko, Todd AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Marketing Plan: Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2014/01/06/Final Report SP - 22p AB - North Central Texas is a unique region in terms of its combination of recent, current and projected size, growth rate, ethnic diversity, and transportation profile – specifically in relation to congestion. This document summarizes a plan to market the US 75 Integrated Corridor Management Project by positioning 511DFW from its inception so that it is readily understood and adopted by those segments of the population that account for most of the growth and most of the new, emerging needs for traveler information. KW - Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Marketing KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54100/54134/FHWA-JPO-14-112_v2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340035 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551433 AU - Roberts, Ed AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Oberlander, Andy AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Operations and Maintenance Plan: Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2014/01/03/Final Report SP - 94p AB - This Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan describes how the Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) will be used in daily transportation operations and maintenance activities. The Plan addresses the activities needed to effectively operate the US-75 Corridor in a coordinated, multi-modal basis. This Operations and Maintenance Plan is separate from operating manuals and maintenance manuals used in daily operations by agencies or provided by system or component developers or suppliers. Those documents describe detailed procedures, whereas this Plan describes resources, organization, responsibilities, policies, and activities. KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Maintenance KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation operations UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54100/54131/Dallas_ICM_-_Final_Operations_and_Maintenance_PLan_508_v2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340037 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543712 TI - Innovative Operating Strategy for Paratransit Services AB - This project explored an innovative strategy for operating paratransit services that are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many transit agencies providing paratransit services within large service areas adopt zone service strategies. Some of these services can be inefficient because of the large amount of empty trip miles driven by transit buses for serving cross-zonal customers. This project quantified the potential benefits of enabling service providers to efficiently serve trips of cross-zonal customers in need of round trip rides. This project investigated both static and dynamic scheduling scenarios. The main benefits resulting from implementation of this innovative operating strategy will be a reduction of the empty trip miles driven (and their associated operating costs) for paratransit services, and an improvement of the level of service provided to customers. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Benefits KW - Empty trips KW - Level of service KW - Operating costs KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Scheduling UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3572 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331748 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543711 TI - Light Rail Transit / Street Grade Crossing Safety System AB - SIL4 Systems, Incorporated performed Transit Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project 68 to develop and test an intelligent Light Rail Transit/Street Grade Safety System that can be used by Light Rail Transit Systems. The concept investigated and developed in this project is active, adaptive, alert, and improves recording of crossing incidents for the approaching Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), its operator and the pedestrian, motorist, and/or worker at the crossing. The system has features including an active system which alerts the operator, as well as trespassers/workers, resulting in improved alertness/response time of the operators and persons at risk. Its active system also applies brakes. The system only works when a train approaches, thus avoiding false triggers. It includes a comprehensive record, which records events on the train and in the crossing. Because it is adaptable/portable, it can be set up in temporary work areas. Many of the features are implemented and achieved by the system such that it can activate the crossing light/alarm from the vehicle given the preset "time to crossing" programmed to 20 seconds. At this point, the Highway-Rail Crossing (HRC) package can then communicate to surface traffic controllers or gate mechanisms, or additional surface traffic lights/alarms via WiFi or Cellular networks; or relay logic interface. A comprehensive record is achieved via the on-board Data Logger/Event Recorder along with a Network Video Recorder record. The fact that the HRC package is compact, low profile and under 10 lbs means it can easily be mounted on a battery/work area lighting cart for temporary work area applications. Since it has an Onboard Global Positioning System, it can report its location wherever it is set-up. KW - Active safety systems KW - Adaptive control KW - Alertness KW - Light rail transit grade crossings KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Portable equipment KW - Transit safety UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3547 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331747 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01558250 AU - Middleton, Scott AU - Lucken, Emma AU - Regan, Terry AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Business Development Programs: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2014///Final Report SP - 29p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and best practices identified at the peer exchange on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Business Development Programs (BDPs), held on October 15 and 16, 2014, in Houston, Texas. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). KW - Best practices KW - Businesses KW - Disadvantaged business enterprises KW - Peer exchange KW - Program management KW - Recommendations KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/Peer/Houston/houston_10-15-14_DBE_programs.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1347056 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01534850 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings on the Web PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - Making Progress: Transportation Planners and Programmers Turn Ideas into Reality. Summary of a Conference PY - 2014 IS - 15 SP - 64p AB - Transportation planning and programming continue to evolve in response to the availability of sophisticated analysis tools and techniques, a growing number of related considerations, more diverse stakeholders, expanding policies, and the desire for increased transparency and accountability. To further explore the ways in which transportation professionals can use the various tools and techniques at their disposal to achieve transportation planning and programming goals, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) organized Making Progress: Transportation Planners and Programmers Turn Ideas into Reality, a conference held in Denver, Colorado, on May 23–25, 2012. Building on previous successful TRB statewide planning and programming conferences, this conference took a new approach by bringing the two topics, planning and programming, together. Considering these two topics together provided an opportunity to explore the connections between the two processes and to “cross train” the professionals in each area. After the opening session, the conference was organized around four steps: 1) establishing the vision; 2) establishing the roadmap; 3) turning the vision into reality; and 4) monitoring progress. Each step included both general sessions and breakout sessions. The conference also featured a tools and technology showcase and a walking tour of the Denver Union Station. The major topics addressed in the general sessions and breakout sessions are presented in this summary report following the same order as the conference program. The summary also includes further research needs, outreach activities, and implementation opportunities identified by the rapporteur from the discussions in the general sessions and the breakout sessions. U1 - Making Progress: Transportation Planners and Programmers Turn Ideas into RealityTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationAmerican Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)Colorado Department of TransportationPikes Peak Area Council of GovernmentsDenver,Colorado StartDate:20120523 EndDate:20120525 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Colorado Department of Transportation, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments KW - Conferences KW - Decision making KW - Plan implementation KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/171159.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320630 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01518905 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions & Performance. Report to Congress PY - 2014 SP - 482p AB - This is the tenth in a series of combined documents prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to satisfy requirements for reports to Congress on the condition, performance, and future capital investment needs of the Nation’s highway and transit systems. This 2013 report to Congress draws primarily on 2010 data, which reflect funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In assessing recent trends, many of the exhibits presented in this report present statistics for the 10 years from 2000 to 2010. Other charts and tables cover different time periods depending on data availability and years of significance for particular data series. The prospective analyses presented in this report generally cover the 20-year period ending in 2030. This document is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physical conditions, operational performances, and financing mechanisms of highways, bridges, and transit systems based both on the current state of these systems and on their projected future state under a set of alternative future investment scenarios. This report offers a comprehensive, data-driven background context to support the development and evaluation of legislative, program, and budget options at all levels of government. It also serves as a primary source of information for national and international news media, transportation associations, and industry. This report consolidates conditions, performance, and financial data provided by States, local governments, and public transit operators to provide a national-level summary. Some of the underlying data are available through the U.S. DOT’s regular statistical publications. The future investment scenario analyses are developed specifically for this report and provide national-level projections only. Chapter topics include: household travel and highway freight movement; trends in system characteristics; current physical conditions of highways; bridges and transit systems; safety; sustainability and operational performance; revenue sources; capital investment and future performance; and investment scenarios. Special topics include: transportation systems serving Federal and Tribal lands; the Federal Highway Administration's Center for Accelerating Innovation; and the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. KW - Bridges KW - Capital investments KW - Condition surveys KW - Financing KW - Forecasting KW - Highway safety KW - Highways KW - National Fuel Cell Bus Program KW - Public transit KW - Transit safety KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2013cpr/pdfs/cp2013.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55700/55708/cp2013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1300465 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545032 TI - Manual to Improve Rail Transit Safety at Platform/Train and Platform/Guideway Interfaces AB - Travel by public transit is one of the safest modes of transportation, yet incidents have resulted in injuries and sometimes fatalities at public transportation platform/train and platform/guideway interfaces. While there are regulations and a variety of measures used by transit agencies to promote safety at these interfaces, research is needed to comprehensively assess the nature of the incidents, the magnitude and types of incidents, and contributing factors. Transit agencies need information and guidance to assess their needs and requirements and to consider the strategies that can improve safety. The objective of this research is to develop a manual for practitioners to improve safety at rail public transportation platform/train and platform/guideway interfaces. The research should assist transit agencies to prevent and minimize the consequence of incidents and improve safety. This research should focus on rail transit systems where car floors are level (or near level) with the platform. KW - Fatalities KW - Guideways KW - Injuries KW - Manuals KW - Public transit KW - Safety KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3540 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332486 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547341 TI - Tools and Strategies for Eliminating Assaults Against Transit Operators AB - In Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 93: Practices to Protect Bus Operators from Passenger Assault, assault is defined broadly and includes overt physical and verbal acts of aggression by a passenger that interfere with the mission of a bus operator--to complete his or her scheduled run safely--and that adversely affect the safety of the operator and customers. Assaults on transit operators are a significant concern in the transit industry and contribute to absence, productivity shortfalls, and increased levels of stress for the operators. In addition to causing operator injuries, assaults against transit operators on transit vehicles, at bus stops, and on platforms causes fear and engenders a negative perception of transit in the minds of the public and transit passengers, as well as the transit workforce. Transit industry policies, practices, and operating procedures related to preventing, mitigating, and responding to operator assaults are not uniform. The policies and procedures set by the transit agency and situational and design factors can shape mitigation approaches. The format, scale, and implementation of these measures vary greatly among transit agencies. Many agencies have written policies that address workplace violence prevention, but they vary widely in content, scope, and application. Relevant skills and training required by transit operators to address this issue vary as well. TCRP Synthesis 93 includes a framework for understanding transit industry current practices, policies, and tools for addressing this complex, multi-faceted problem. However, further research is needed to better define the issues related to transit operator assaults, mitigation and prevention, including contributing factors such as behavioral and sociological factors, training requirements, community outreach, and policy enforcement practices. The objective of this research is to develop a practical toolbox for transit agencies to prevent or mitigate assaults against transit operators. The toolbox should include templates for assessing patterns of assaults, reporting of assault incidents, and program impacts, costs, and return on investment. The templates should be customizable by transit agency size and mode, types and prevalence of assaults, situational measures and technologies, types of policing and security, and community involvement. The toolbox should assist a cross-section of transit agencies with evaluating their needs, planning a tailored transit operator assault prevention and mitigation program, executing needed activities, and assessing the program impact. For the purpose of this research, transit operator will include fixed-route bus, rail, and relief operators. The toolbox is expected to be used by senior managers, organized labor, law enforcement officials, legal advisors, training personnel, and policymakers. The final product should complement, not duplicate, information provided in other published and unpublished research. The research should answer questions such as, but not limited to, the following: What are the impacts of transit operator assaults on operator health, safety, and retention, and on operations, maintenance, and costs (e.g., ridership attraction and retention)? Regarding transit operator assaults, how can transit agencies, unions, and other transit groups assess their needs, make data-based decisions, and evaluate program impact? What are the components of a model assault prevention and mitigation program? What approaches to preventing and mitigating assaults against transit operators have been shown to be effective, or ineffective, in the transit industry? What collaborations can be built to enhance transit operator assault prevention and mitigation efforts? What innovative approaches are used in other industries both in the United States and abroad to prevent and mitigate employee assaults? What are the barriers to implementing an assault prevention and mitigation program for transit operators? The work proposed must be divided into tasks and proposers must describe the work proposed in each task in detail. The research plan should build in appropriate interim deliverables that include, at a minimum, a detailed annotated outline of the toolbox, and at least two interim reports that describe work done in early tasks with an updated work plan for the remaining tasks. The final deliverables will include: (1) the toolbox as a stand-alone document that includes templates for assessing patterns of assaults against transit operators, program impact, costs, and return on investment; (2) a final report that documents the entire research effort; (3) an executive summary in the final report that outlines the research results; and (4) a Microsoft® PowerPoint presentation describing the background, objectives, research method, findings, and conclusions. The research plan should build in appropriate checkpoints and at least one face-to-face interim report review meeting. The research team will be expected to present the results at an American Public Transportation Association (APTA), or other relevant national organization, conference or meeting to be determined by the TCRP. KW - Crimes aboard public vehicles KW - Prevention KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit operators KW - Transit safety KW - Violent crimes UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3544 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334514 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567428 AU - John, Lori AU - Redington, Mike AU - Rutyna, Eve AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Shanahan, Felicity AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - MacroSys Research and Technology TI - Drug and Alcohol Testing Results 2009 Annual Report PY - 2013/12//Final Report SP - 90p AB - This is the 15th annual report of the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. This report summarizes the reporting requirements for calendar year 2009, the requirements of the overall drug and alcohol testing program (49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655), the results from the data reported for 2009, and the random drug and alcohol violation rates (the percentage of persons selected for a random test who produced a positive specimen or refused to take the test) for calendar years 2003 through 2009. This report provides a brief overview of the drug and alcohol testing requirements for both safety-sensitive employers and employees. The official random rates for 2009 are provided, as well as the official random rate trends over the last seven years. The results of alcohol and drug tests are provided by test type, employee category, and region. The positive testing rates for drugs and alcohol are also provided for each test type, employee category, and region. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Drug tests KW - Employees KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55000/55021/damis09.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55000/55023/damis09.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1358906 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562612 AU - Feng, Tian AU - San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District AU - Arup AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Pilot PY - 2013/12 SP - 151p AB - The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) infrastructure and to develop and implement adaptation strategies against those impacts. Climate change hazards considered are sea-level rise, downpours, and flooding. The study focuses on four specific types of assets: station and maintenance facilities, track and aerial structures, train control, and traction power. It evaluates the current and future impacts of the hazards and uses this information to assess the risk of four specific assets. Adaptation strategies are developed and linked to various departments within the organization. KW - Automatic train control KW - Climate change KW - Electric power KW - Floods KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Railroad tracks KW - Rain KW - Risk assessment KW - San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District KW - Sea level UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0074.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55557/FTA_Report_No._0074.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352133 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538321 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2012 Statistical Summaries – FTA Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2013/12 SP - 143p AB - The 2012 Statistical Summaries provides information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2012. The report presents detailed fiscal year (FY) funding data for FTA’s major financial aid programs. Use of these funds is identified by program, program element, urbanized area, and state. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, Alternative Analysis, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. KW - Appropriations KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Government funding KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - States KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0059.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322779 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536062 AU - Staes, Lisa AU - Begley, Justin AU - Perk, Victoria AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Bus Safety Study: A Report to Congress PY - 2013/11//Final Report SP - 122p AB - Section 20021(b) of the Moving Ahead for Progress for the 21st Century (MAP-21) legislation requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report of the results of a “Bus Safety Study” to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. The report’s objectives are to 1) examine the safety of public transportation buses that travel on highway routes where 50 percent or more of the route is on roads having a speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour, 2) examine the laws and regulations that apply to commercial over-the-road buses (OTRBs), and 3) provide recommendations as to whether additional safety measures should be required for public transportation buses that travel on highway routes. KW - Bus crashes KW - Bus transportation KW - Highway safety KW - Laws KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act KW - Recommendations KW - Regulations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0051.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55538/FTA_Report_No._0051.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320928 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562613 AU - Binder, Lara Whitely AU - Tohver, Ingrid AU - Shatzkin, Amy AU - Snover, Amy K AU - Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Sound Transit Climate Risk Reduction Project PY - 2013/09 SP - 260p AB - The Climate Risk Reduction Project assessed how climate change may affect Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) commuter rail, light rail, and express bus services. The project identified potential climate change impacts on agency operations, assets, and long-term planning; options for strengthening the agency’s resilience to these impacts; and opportunities for integrating climate change considerations into agency decision making processes. The project concluded that many climate change impacts will likely be minor to moderate, although potentially significant impacts are possible with higher rates of sea-level rise and mudslide activity KW - Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority KW - Climate change KW - Decision making KW - Long range planning KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Risk management KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0075.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55558/FTA_Report_No._0075.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352132 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522377 AU - Rumsey, Alan AU - Colangelo, Lori AU - Astell, Nigel AU - Ghaly, Nabil AU - Delcan Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - An Assessment of the Business Case for Communications-Based Train Control PY - 2013/09 SP - 195p AB - This study examines the retrofit of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on two North American transit properties, namely New York City Transit (NYCT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), with the objective of assessing the benefits realized and implementation challenges experienced. The study validates broader industry experience that CBTC offers benefits that cannot be achieved with prior generations of signaling technology. The study also highlights that the challenges in upgrading the signaling/train control systems on an existing high-capacity mass transit system should not be underestimated. To this end, the study recommends that an increased emphasis on a Systems Engineering process be adopted throughout the life-cycle of a CBTC upgrade project. This study provides transit agencies contemplating a CBTC upgrade program with a better understanding of CBTC technology, as well as a tool to assist in the planning, business case development, and management of CBTC projects. KW - Automatic train control KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Communications Based Train Control KW - Implementation KW - New York City Transit Authority KW - Rail transit KW - Recommendations KW - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority KW - Systems engineering UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_REPORT_No._0045.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1303969 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522313 AU - Cabrera, Antonio AU - Vargas, Marcelo AU - MTA-NYCT AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Automated Track Video Inspection Pilot Project PY - 2013/09 SP - 84p AB - This project had two main objectives. The first was to improve the safety of transit workers, specifically right-of-way safety for rail transit workers through demonstration of advanced track inspection techniques that limit the inspector’s exposure to rail right-of-way by visually inspecting the condition of the tracks from a safe location. The second objective was to enhance the quality of inspection by the use of objective, high-quality video systems capable of recording detailed images of the track and its main components at train speeds, coupled and synchronized with the use of multiple measuring systems installed onboard a Track Inspection Car. This report describes the use of those systems under a Pilot Project performed by MTA-NYCT using its TGC4 car on a segment of the Flushing Line (#7 Train) in New York City and includes a discussion of the results and benefits found by the use of the video and measuring systems together. KW - Inspection KW - Inspection cars KW - Maintenance of way KW - New York (New York) KW - Occupational safety KW - Pilot studies KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad tracks KW - Video cameras UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0049.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55536/FTA_Report_No._0049.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1306587 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01502119 AU - Farr, Victoria AU - Regan, Terry AU - Morse, Lindsey AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - City of Fresno Peer Exchange on Bus Rapid Transit: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2013/09//Final Report SP - 28p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and best practices identified at the peer exchange on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), held on May 21 and May 22, 2013, in Fresno, California. This event was sponsored by the Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program, which is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and developed with assistance from the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute (NBRTI). Topics include: planning and implementation; planning and project delivery; integrating planning and operations; integrating land use; and financial planning. KW - Best practices KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Economic impacts KW - Fresno (California) KW - Implementation KW - Land use KW - Peer exchange KW - Recommendations KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/48000/48300/48310/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-13-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1280321 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01499686 AU - Blake, Tagan AU - Isaac, Lauren AU - Rose, David AU - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Managing Railcar Maintenance: A Primer on Practices and Improvement Opportunities for the U.S. Transit Industry PY - 2013/09//1/2012-9/2013 SP - 205p AB - This report surveys the state-of-practice of transit railcar maintenance management and fleet management practices. It emphasizes a lifecycle management approach to fleet management. It also emphasizes the role of performance improvement programs and introduces Reliability-Centered Maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance as key examples of performance improvement approaches. The report also covers planning and performance measurement for rail fleet maintenance, as well as the role of supporting business processes and systems in railcar maintenance, including new vehicle procurement, facility upgrades, maintenance information systems, and purchasing and materials management. KW - Fleet management KW - Information systems KW - Maintenance management KW - Materials management KW - Passenger cars KW - Performance measurement KW - Purchasing KW - Rail transit KW - State of the practice KW - United States KW - Vehicle maintenance UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0043.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1267335 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562617 AU - Chicago Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - An Integrated Approach to Climate Adaptation at the Chicago Transit Authority PY - 2013/08//2/28/2013-8/31/2013 SP - 139p AB - Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) was selected as one of seven pilots funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance the state of practice for adapting transit systems to the impacts of climate change. This effort is in keeping with broader long-term goals to address state-of-good-repair needs and to enhance transit safety. The CTA pilot develops quantitative and qualitative tools that can be used by CTA and peer agencies to integrate consideration of climate impacts into operations, infrastructure planning, and standard business practices. KW - Chicago Transit Authority KW - Climate change KW - Public transit KW - State of the practice KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit safety UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0070.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55553/FTA_Report_No._0070.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352136 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562616 AU - Liban, Cris B AU - Egge, Matthew AU - Markovitz, Carley AU - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Project PY - 2013/08//1/15/2012-8/31/2013 SP - 237p AB - This Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Project Report details the project background of the recently-completed Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Transit Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Project as well as the various work elements, the results and findings, and Metro’s next steps in fulfilling its ongoing commitment to climate adaptation. The project capitalizes and uses Metro’s existing Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), Environmental Management System (EMS), and asset management system tools to integrate climate adaptation principles into ongoing conversations and implement best management practices in the areas of its operations and maintenance. The project also developed a comprehensive set of metrics that would enable Metro to gauge past progress while identifying new targets to guide the direction of future climate adaptation work. The project identified various messages and key points appropriate for targeted audiences, conducted a roundtable and a webinar, and produced a 100-second video to initiate a dialogue among stakeholders who are interested in and anticipated to work together with Metro in its climate adaptation efforts, with a special focus on the idea that Metro’s patrons are part of the overall strategy to prepare Los Angeles for the impacts of climate change. KW - Asset management KW - Climate change KW - Environmental policy KW - Implementation KW - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Outreach KW - Public transit KW - Stakeholders UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0073.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55556/FTA_Report_No._0073.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352134 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562615 AU - Brooks, Jonathan AU - Stevens, Roma AU - Sandidge, Stuart Matthew AU - Cherrington, Linda AU - Blessing, Russell AU - Stiles, Alexandra AU - Brody, Samuel AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Gulf Coast Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Study PY - 2013/08//Final Report SP - 131p AB - Climate change-related issues place substantial operating and financial burdens on public transit agencies, particularly in coastal settings. Gulf of Mexico coastal transit agencies and their constituents are especially vulnerable to natural hazards resulting from extreme heat, flooding, and high winds. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has billions of dollars in assets across the U.S., many of which are threatened by the adverse impacts of climate change. Reducing the impacts of weather events and long-term climate change is a key goal for Gulf Coast transit agencies as well as FTA. The study was one of seven climate change adaptation pilot studies. The purpose of the Gulf Coast study was two-fold: to provide benefit to three specific project member transit agencies and to compile practical information for all Gulf Coast transit agencies. While a great deal has been written about the expected impacts of climate change, little work has focused specifically on the implications for transit agencies operating along the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast pilot study report addresses the information and strategy gap by providing the following: background information about climate change, description of climate impacts along the Gulf Coast, a survey of agencies about past severity of various weather events, a conceptual framework for planning and adapting to climate change, vulnerability matrix planning tools, three case study examples of previous/ongoing adaptation strategies, and a detailed methodology using geographic information system (GIS) spatial data to assess climate change vulnerability of transit assets. As Gulf Coast transit agencies continue to plan for emergency weather events such as hurricanes and begin to proactively plan for the long-term effects of climate change, they will reduce risk and improve safety. Using the information in this report as a baseline guide, Gulf Coast transit agencies can renew and improve planning for the impacts of finite weather events and long-term climate change, thus increasing agency staff capabilities, protecting valuable assets, and improving rider safety. KW - Case studies KW - Climate change KW - Geographic information systems KW - Gulf of Mexico KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Strategic planning KW - Surveys KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0072.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55555/FTA_Report_No._0072.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352135 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562602 AU - Amekudzi, Adjo AU - Crane, Matthew AU - Springstead, David AU - Rose, David AU - Batac, Tiffany AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Climate Change Adaptation Assessment/Asset Management Pilot for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority PY - 2013/08//Final Report SP - 58p AB - Public transit agencies play an important role in the provision of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for the communities they serve. With the growing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes Irene and Sandy, several public transportation agencies have begun to adapt their systems to make them more resilient to the changing climate conditions. This report applies transit asset management principles to climate change adaptation using the Federal Transit Administration’s “Asset Management Guide.” Climate change adaptation generally involves understanding potential impacts of the changing climate on an agency’s services and assets and taking necessary actions to avoid, reduce, or manage anticipated impacts. For transit agencies, this involves identifying vulnerable assets and their associated risks and prioritizing improvements to develop more resilient systems while achieving other system performance objectives. Principles from the “Asset Management Guide” are applied to demonstrate how a public transit agency can adapt to extreme weather events or changes in climate using the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) as a case study. The report outlines procedures for identifying the climate hazards and vulnerable assets and their associated risks in a transit agency’s service area. It identifies opportunities to integrate climate adaptation strategies in a transit asset management system at the enterprise and asset levels and then link the resulting information to appropriate business units to manage risks while undertaking continual improvement and updates in the life cycle management of assets. Addressing climate change through asset management programs can help agencies achieve system resilience simultaneously with other system performance objectives such as safety, mobility and the state-of-good-repair. KW - Asset management KW - Case studies KW - Climate change KW - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Risk management KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0076.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55559/FTA_Report_No._0076.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352131 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01557570 AU - Choate, Anne AU - Groth, Philip AU - Snow, Cassandra AU - Phung, Thuy AU - Casola, Joe AU - Johanson, Erik AU - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority AU - ICF International AU - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of SEPTA’s Regional Rail: A Transit Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Pilot PY - 2013/08//Final Report SP - 92p AB - This final report for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Pilot describes the actions taken, information gathered, analyses performed, and lessons learned throughout the pilot project. This report describes the activities conducted for a vulnerability and risk assessment for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Regional Rail system. The project focused on SEPTA’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail line and began with an analysis of recent weather-related disruptions, tying them to observed weather conditions. The results of this analysis were combined with climate model projections for the area to project future delays, annulments, and costs that may be associated with climate changes. Next, the project team and SEPTA staff held a series of conversations to discuss SEPTA’s vulnerabilities to temperature, heavy precipitation, tropical storms, and snowfall to develop adaptation strategies to address these vulnerabilities. The report concludes with recommended adaptation strategies for SEPTA and lessons learned for other transit adaptation efforts nationwide. KW - Climate change KW - Costs KW - Forecasting KW - Pilot studies KW - Rail transit KW - Recommendations KW - Regional railroads KW - Risk assessment KW - South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Septa) KW - Traffic delays KW - Weather conditions UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0071.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55554/FTA_Report_No._0071.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1346332 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522295 AU - Wayne, W Scott AU - West Virginia University, Morgantown AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Vehicle Emissions Program PY - 2013/08//Final Report SP - 114p AB - The evaluation, selection, and implementation of fuel and powertrain technology choices are critically important to accomplishing the mission of providing safe, efficient, reliable, environmentally-conscious, and cost-effective public transportation. Vehicle procurement decisions evolve to be a difficult compromise between economic, environmental, and operability requirements. West Virginia University conducted a research program to provide the transit industry with resources to assist transit agency managers to evaluate a low-emissions, fuel-efficient option in vehicle procurement and planning activities to encourage the design, production, and use of environmentally-friendly transit buses. This report summarizes technical assistance provided to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Larsen Pennsylvania Transportation Institute to establish an emissions testing program as part of the Altoona Bus Testing Center. The report also summarizes the development of a searchable database of transit bus emissions data, a transit fleet emissions model, and a transit vehicle life cycle cost model. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Altoona (Pennsylvania) KW - Databases KW - Emissions testing KW - Life cycle costing KW - Pollutants KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA__Report_No._0048.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55491/FTA__Report_No._0048.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1306588 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01499324 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - New and Small Starts Evaluation and Rating Process Final Policy Guidance PY - 2013/08 SP - 39p AB - This document is a companion piece to the final rule published on January 9, 2013 and effective April 9, 2013, which governs how the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) evaluates and rates major new transit capital investments seeking funding under the discretionary “New Starts” and “Small Starts” programs authorized by Section 5309 of Title 49, U.S. Code. This policy guidance replaces all previous policy guidance documents published by FTA relating to the New and Small Starts programs. This document describes the measures and methods for calculating the project justification and local financial commitment criteria required by law for New and Small Starts projects and included in the final rule published January 9, 2013. The final rule and its appendix act as a framework for the New and Small Starts project evaluation process, and this policy guidance fills in the details. The mechanics of what project sponsors submit to FTA for evaluation and rating and the forms that must be completed are found in FTA’s Reporting Instructions, New and Small Starts templates, and Standard Cost Category worksheets. The final rule and this accompanying policy guidance cover the New and Small Starts evaluation criteria and rating process and the before and after study requirements for New Starts projects defined in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Proposed New and Small Starts projects are evaluated and rated according to criteria set forth in law. The statutory project justification criteria include: mobility improvements, environmental benefits, congestion relief, economic development effects, land use, and cost-effectiveness. The law also requires FTA to examine the following when evaluating and rating local financial commitment: availability of reasonable contingency amounts, availability of stable and dependable capital and operating funding sources, and availability of local resources to recapitalize, maintain, and operate the overall existing and proposed public transportation system without requiring a reduction in existing services. Each criterion is to be rated on a five point scale, from low to high. Summary project justification and local financial commitment ratings are prepared and combined to arrive at an overall project rating. KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Economic development KW - Environmental protection KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Land use KW - Mobility KW - New Starts Program KW - Policy KW - Ratings KW - Small Starts Program KW - Traffic congestion KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/NS-SS_Final_PolicyGuidance_August_2013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1267353 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488619 TI - Modoc Mobility Management Center AB - Operational tests are needed to demonstrate and evaluate innovative approaches to integrating APTS technologies and available Information Technology (IT) systems and to better coordinate subsidized transportation services in rural areas among multiple transit operators. The goal of this operational test is to stimulate the efforts of the Modoc County Transportation Commission (MCTC) to initiate a Mobility Management Center in rural northeastern California that will centralize and coordinate transportation services, mobility options, eligibility screenings and information about them in a "one stop shop." The funds will be used specifically to modify the Client Referral, Ridership and Financial Tracking (CRRAFT) system developed by the University of New Mexico, to meet unique local and State requirements and to fund infrastructure investments and report results. KW - Information technology KW - Mobility KW - Modoc County (California) KW - Ridership KW - Rural areas KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257596 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563294 AU - Giuliano, Genevieve AU - Blanco, Hilda J AU - Bahl, Deepak AU - University of Southern California AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Promoting Employment In Transit Construction Projects by Members of Minority and Low-Income Communities PY - 2013/07 SP - 262p AB - This project had a dual aim: understanding the extent to which local low-income and minorities participate in employment generated by transit projects and identifying practices to increase their participation. The authors developed four in-depth case studies of recent light rail projects: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s Vasona Project, Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Green Line, St. Louis Metro’s St. Clair Extension, and Los Angeles Metro’s Gold Line Eastside Extension. They determined that in three out of the four cases, local minority and low-income workers obtained a fair proportion of construction jobs generated. They conclude that a complex interplay of a transit agency’s size and construction activity, demographic profiles and trends within metropolitan areas, contracting methods and the relative integration of regional construction markets, and/or unions influences who gets the jobs in transit construction. The authors identified areas of concern and opportunity for best practices in minority and local hiring in transit projects: contracting mechanisms, outreach to ensure isadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) participation in transit projects, financial assistance for DBE firms, ensuring contractor compliance with DBE programs, and agency leadership. Under these categories, they identified 14 best management practices (BMPs) and prepared a manual for transit agencies. For each of the BMPs, the authors discuss the background for the practice, followed by the rationale for the practice and examples. They also document the research support for the practices. KW - Capital investments KW - Case studies KW - Construction projects KW - Contracting KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Dallas Area Rapid Transit KW - Employment KW - Jobs KW - Light rail transit KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Low income groups KW - Saint Louis (Missouri) KW - San Jose (California) KW - Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0080.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55562/FTA_Report_No._0080.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352226 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562669 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2011 Statistical Summaries – FTA Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2013/07 SP - 112p AB - The 2011 Statistical Summaries provides information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, Alternative Analysis, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. KW - Appropriations KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - States KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0039.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352145 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562665 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2010 Statistical Summaries – FTA Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2013/07 SP - 112p AB - The 2010 Statistical Summaries provides information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, Alternative Analysis, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. KW - Appropriations KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - States KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0038.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352146 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551377 AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Bouattoura, Fariel AU - Seymour, Ed AU - Poe, Chris AU - Forgang, Marc AU - Macias, Roberto AU - Zingalli, Joe AU - Miller, Bryan AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - US-75 ICM System Design Document: Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2013/06/21/Final Report SP - 231p AB - This System Design document for the US-75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Program has been developed as part of the US Department of Transportation Integrated Corridor Management Initiative. The basic premise behind the ICM initiative is that independent, individual network-based transportation management systems, and their cross-network linkages, can be operated in a more coordinated and integrated manner, thereby increasing overall corridor throughput and enhancing the mobility of the corridor users. This document is intended as System Design for the US-75 Corridor in Dallas consisting of freeway, arterial, bus and rail networks, and serving a central business district. The System Design provides a detailed description of the three subsystems: the Decision Support Subsystem, the SmartNET Subsystem, and the SmartFusion Subsystem. KW - Arterial highways KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Decision support systems KW - Freeways KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Public transit KW - System design KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54100/54137/US-75_ICMS_System_Design_Final_508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340047 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01598872 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Sutherland, Pamela J AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Response and Recovery for Declared Emergencies and Disasters PY - 2013/06 SP - 74p AB - This resource document is part of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA’s) technical assistance to transit agencies. It addresses response and recovery actions that transit agencies can take, including securing funding and reimbursement for restoring services following a declared emergency or disaster. It is written specifically for transit agencies that are either affected by a declared emergency or disaster or that offer services to an affected community or region. It applies to all modes of transit and to all types of declared emergencies and disasters. It includes information about the types of resources and waivers of regulation available to transit agencies under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FTA programs, including information about eligible reimbursements under the Stafford Act. KW - Disasters KW - Emergencies KW - Emergency response and recovery KW - Financing KW - Reimbursement KW - Service restoration KW - Stafford Act KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/Response_and_Recovery_for_Declared_Emergencies_and_Disasters_062813.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1405293 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562611 AU - Grengs, Joe AU - Levine, Jonathan AU - Shen, Qingyun AU - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluating Transportation Equity: An Intermetropolitan Comparison of Regional Accessibility and Urban Form PY - 2013/06 SP - 47p AB - The concept of accessibility is used as the measurement tool to assess the link between social equity and the built environment because it simultaneously accounts for both land-use patterns and a transportation system. This study compares 25 metropolitan regions to identify those regions that best support high accessibility for transit-dependent populations, racial minorities, and low-income households. Comparing across metropolitan regions enables a better understanding of which regions offer greater geographic equity in accessibility, and what factors underpin these differences. The analysis demonstrates that accessibility can be evaluated across multiple dimensions. KW - Accessibility KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Evaluation KW - Land use KW - Low income groups KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Minorities KW - Public transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0066.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55549/FTA_Report_No._0066.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352140 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562609 AU - González, Martín AU - Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Limited English Proficiency Accessibility Program: Demonstration Program PY - 2013/06 SP - 170p AB - In 2006, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) secured grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that enabled the agency to launch a creative and ambitious Limited English Proficiency (LEP) demonstration program. TriMet staff theorized that the combination of language-specific personal outreach and culturally-appropriate communication approaches would enhance the transit experience for individual LEP customers, LEP community groups, and front-line TriMet staff and result in clear, easy-to-understand communication pieces that would benefit all customers regardless of their language or literacy level. Spanish-speaking LEP persons were chosen as the primary audience for the demonstration project as they were the largest (65%) of the LEP populations in the TriMet district. The demonstration program activities included hiring an LEP Outreach Coordinator; developing standard operating policies and procedures for translating and interpreting vital documents; providing notice of second language services, and training staff; qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the program before and after implementation. This evaluation included input from the general population, LEP community partners, LEP individuals, and TriMet personnel. KW - Accessibility KW - Before and after studies KW - Communication KW - Demonstration projects KW - Hispanics KW - Language KW - Limited English proficiency KW - Outreach KW - Persons by language backgrounds KW - Public transit KW - Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0068.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55551/FTA_Report_No._0068.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01526385 AU - Knoebel, Geri AU - Brogan, James D AU - Hall, Jerome W AU - University of New Mexico, Albuquerque AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Mobility Enhancements on a Multi-Nodal Urban Campus PY - 2013/06 SP - 180p AB - This report documents a comprehensive needs analysis of the transportation options at the University of New Mexico, including an examination of administrative and operational alternatives to improve both the internal shuttle service provided by the University as well as transit service provided by the City of Albuquerque to university-area locations. This study also examines transit options for providing service from campus locations to connections for the NM Rail Runner Express commuter rail operation. KW - Albuquerque (New Mexico) KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Needs assessment KW - Public transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Shuttle service KW - Transportation planning KW - Universities and colleges KW - University of New Mexico UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0041.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1308228 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522340 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Chandler, Kevin AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - American Fuel Cell Bus Project: First Analysis Report PY - 2013/06 SP - 50p AB - This report summarizes the experience and early results from the American Fuel Cell Bus Project, a fuel cell electric bus demonstration funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. A team led by CALSTART and SunLine Transit Agency developed a next-generation fuel cell electric bus for demonstration. The 40-foot ElDorado National transit bus features a BAE Systems series hybrid propulsion system powered by a Ballard Power Systems fuel cell and lithium iron phosphate batteries. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been tasked by FTA to evaluate the buses in service. This report documents the early development and implementation of the buses and summarizes the performance results through February 2013. KW - Electric buses KW - Evaluation KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Implementation KW - Lithium batteries KW - National Fuel Cell Bus Program KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0047.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55535/FTA_Report_No._0047.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1306589 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01501997 AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Catala, Martin AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - LYMMO BRT: 15 Years Later PY - 2013/06 SP - 43p AB - LYMMO bus rapid transit (BRT) service began in August 1997 in Orlando, Florida, as one of the first bus-based premium downtown circulators in the United States. This report is a follow-up of the initial evaluation of LYMMO conducted in 2003. Average daily ridership on LYMMO has fallen three years in a row since 2010, and 2012 ridership was lower than the opening year ridership. The drop in ridership is partially attributable to a 15 percent loss in jobs located within ¼ mile of LYMMO between 2002 and 2010. LYMMO, nevertheless, continues to rank as one of LYNX Transit’s top five routes. It has also outperformed several rail streetcar systems in the U.S. in annual passenger trips and cost per trip. LYMMO continues to be rated highly by passengers, scoring a 4.5 out of 5 in overall customer satisfaction. Fifteen percent of downtown Orlando employers said in a survey that LYMMO was a factor in their decision to remain downtown. A majority agreed that LYMMO contributed to the economic development of downtown, made downtown a more attractive place to live and work, and improved mobility in downtown. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Lynx LYMMO KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Surveys UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0042.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1279639 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01493164 AU - North Central Texas Council of Governments AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission AU - Metropolitan Transportation Commission AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - North Central Texas Council of Governments Peer Exchange on Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Programs: A TPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2013/05 SP - 26p AB - This report highlights key recommendations and best practices identified at the peer exchange on bicycle and pedestrian count programs, held on May 29 and May 30, 2013 in Arlington, Texas, through the FHWA/FTA Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Program. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) requested this peer exchange to learn about different approaches for setting up and operating bicycle and pedestrian count programs to inform transportation planning. NCTCOG serves as the MPO for the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and is responsible for the regional transportation planning process for all modes. The NCTCOG Transportation Department is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Mobility 2035-2013 Update) for the 12-county area of the metropolitan planning area (MPA). This plan includes the region's `Active Transportation' (bicycle and pedestrian) strategies for improving mobility region-wide. NCTCOG also coordinates the regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) which includes stakeholders and advocates from multiple agencies, cities, counties, special interest groups, and non-profit organizations. NCTCOG is seeking to implement a bicycle and pedestrian monitoring program in the region to support these efforts and to obtain reliable data to address bicycle and pedestrian performance measures, prioritize future projects, and quantify the benefits of investments. KW - Best practices KW - Bicycle travel KW - Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area KW - Data collection KW - North Central Texas Council of Governments KW - Pedestrian counts KW - Peer exchange KW - Regional planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/48000/48100/48113/Bicycle_Pedestrian_Count_Peer_Exchange-_Dallas_May_2013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261171 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01522355 AU - Willer, Mark AU - Bombardier Mass Transit Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Track Worker Safety Protection Demonstration Project PY - 2013/04//Final Report SP - 43p AB - This report describes the demonstration of an innovative system, TrackSafe, to reduce the hazards of working in the track environment. TrackSafe provides improved location awareness and highly-relevant alerts to train operators and roadway workers. It provides this enhanced level of safety through the use of proven Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and use of the existing transit infrastructure as much as possible so that the system can be installed quickly and inexpensively. This document describes the deployment of the system, provides a summary of developments to further enhance the system for transit agencies and railroads, describes the testing of the system, and summarizes user feedback. KW - Maintenance personnel KW - Occupational safety KW - Radio frequency identification KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad tracks KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit safety UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0046.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55534/FTA_Report_No._0046.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1306590 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01526387 AU - Rao, Priscilla AU - Snow, Nancy AU - Transit Authority of River City AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Louisville Region Demonstration of Travel Management Coordination Center: System Pre-Deployment Preparation PY - 2013/03//Final Report SP - 32p AB - The purpose of the Greater Louisville Region Demonstration of Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC): System Pre-Deployment Preparation grant was to further phased implementation of the region’s TMCC design by focusing on two major components. One component was “Travel Management Information Integration” to design and build integrations with phone systems to improve customer service. Tasks chosen were to improve and increase ways customers can interact with the TMCC and to improve service efficiency. Activities centered on testing an interactive voice response (IVR) system, including automated “day-before reminder” and “10-minute alert” calls to a volunteer group of paratransit customers. The other major component was “Coordination Model Enhancement.” The intent was to develop new procedures and/or streamline existing processes to improve efficiency and the ability of the TMCC to manage multiple transportation providers and funding sources. Activities included optimizing use of existing Trapeze PASS software by obtaining consulting services to identify issues and increase staff knowledge of the software programs’ functions and features. Evaluation tools included surveys, performance monitoring, and customer and staff feedback. Pre-deployment results indicate that implementation of these changes can improve customer satisfaction, service efficiency, and the ability to coordinate services. KW - Communication systems KW - Customer service KW - Implementation KW - Louisville (Kentucky) KW - Messages (Communications) KW - Software KW - Surveys KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0040.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1308235 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551342 AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Bouattoura, Fariel AU - Zingalli, Joe AU - Macias, Roberto AU - Miller, Bryan AU - Olyai, Koorosh AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - System Acceptance Test Plan: Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2013/02/16/Final Report SP - 234p AB - The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is leading the US 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project for the Dallas region. Coordinated corridor operations and management is predicated on being able to share transportation information on highways, arterials, transit, weather, and incidents. The ICM system will utilize the existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Center-to-Center standards based communication infrastructure, and will provide direct connections to agencies not on the Center-to-Center network, via a web-based interface known as SmartNET. The ICM system uses SmartNET as the main graphical user interfaces for the ICM Stakeholders to create, edit, and view events in the corridor and region, view current conditions of field devices and congestion on the roadway network, and coordinate responses to incidents within the corridor. This Systems Acceptance Test Plan covers the test process and scripts for validating the requirements of the ICM system. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Communication systems KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Information dissemination KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Software KW - Transportation corridors KW - Validation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54100/54133/Dallas_ICMS_-_SAT_Plan__-_Final_508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340039 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545045 TI - Guidebook for Pedestrian Crossings for Public Transit Rail Services AB - Pedestrian safety at rail public transit crossings is critically important. Improved treatments and guidance for safe and effective pedestrian crossings are needed: there is a lack of consistency for rail transit crossing treatments; rail transit services (light rail, commuter rail, and streetcar) are being added in many areas; the number of pedestrians has increased; and the ubiquitous use of cell phones and other electronic devices distracts pedestrians or limits their ability to hear audible warnings. Research is needed that builds on and, as needed, updates the findings and conclusions of relevant manuals, guidance, and reports including but not limited to: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 17: Integration of Light Rail Transit into City Streets; TCRP Report 69: Light Rail Service: Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety; TCRP Report 137: Improving Pedestrian and Motorist Safety Along Light Rail Alignments; and Guidance on Pedestrian Crossing Safety at or Near Passenger Stations prepared by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in April 2012. This research should present safe and effective pedestrian crossing treatments and operating practices for rail public transit that can be used with greater consistency across the country. The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook for safe and effective treatments for pedestrian crossings for rail public transit services, including light rail, commuter rail, and streetcar services. The guidebook should, at a minimum: (1) present effective options considering rail vehicle speed and frequency, geometry of the crossing, sight lines for pedestrians and rail vehicle operators, and operating environment; (2) include drawings, illustrations, or photos of treatments and ranges of costs; and (3) provide guidance for planning and implementation. KW - Audible pedestrian signals KW - Handbooks KW - Light rail transit KW - Pedestrian movement KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad grade crossings UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3324 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332499 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01526324 AU - Hirsch, David G AU - Taylor, Emily AU - Rolf, Eric AU - Rodamer, Josh AU - Scheben, Vincent AU - Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Application of Information Technology to Transportation Logistics and Security at Northern Kentucky University PY - 2013/02 SP - 84p AB - This research grant provided the opportunity to research and deploy beneficial transportation technologies to support transit needs. Working with the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), solutions were developed that can apply to transit agencies and emergency management across the country. As a result of this research, technologies were developed and deployed to Wi-Fi-enable buses, send video content to buses in transit, send riders service alerts via email and text, visualize the cost and environmental advantages of public transit, and provide location aware trip planning and other informational services via the Web, desktop gadgets, mobile apps, text messages, and kiosks. KW - Buses KW - Communication systems KW - Emergency management KW - Information dissemination KW - Information technology KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0036.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1308237 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01487070 AU - Zhao, Fang AU - Gustafson, Thomas AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transportation Needs of Disadvantaged Populations: Where, When, and How? PY - 2013/02//Final Report SP - 91p AB - Transportation needs of disadvantaged populations (persons with disabilities, older adults, and the poor) are explored, and a methodology to address transit markets is examined to determine where, when, and how to provide for basic mobility needs assuming pedestrian and transit-accessible community development. Interrelated and innovative strategies are suggested that weave together suggestions for both the disadvantaged and those who would support a growing economy. Consequently, pathways for the whole population are envisioned. KW - Housing KW - Low income groups KW - Miami-Dade County (Florida) KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0030.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1254399 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545240 TI - Improving Transportation Network Efficiency Through Implementation of Transit-Supportive Roadway Strategies AB - With transportation demand outpacing capacity expansion in many regions, transportation networks and roadways are facing increasing congestion. The provision of transit-supportive strategies to reduce travel time, improve reliability, and provide operational cost savings is becoming increasingly important. Transportation management measures that obtain more capacity out of existing resources must be explored in order to provide financially viable transportation solutions. Transit-supportive strategies include both intersection treatments such as transit signal priority, special signal phasing, queue jump lanes and signals, bypass lanes and curb extensions, and roadway segment treatments such as exclusive or shared transit lanes within the travelled way, exclusive transitways (typically in the median), and corridor signal progressions favoring transit operations. Partnering of transit and highway/traffic agencies throughout the project development process is necessary but not sufficient; a clear understanding of the criteria for and costs and impacts of such strategies are critical to the implementation of transit-supportive strategies. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 83: Bus and Rail Preferential Treatments in Mixed Traffic began the process of obtaining information on the type and extent of recent urban street transit-priority treatment implementation in North America, including some representative examples of successful transit and highway/traffic agency partnering strategies, and identified key areas for future research. It provided a partial updating of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 155: Bus Use of Highways: Planning and Design Guidelines. Most transit and highway/traffic agencies still have neither formal transit preferential treatment programs nor formal intergovernmental agreements with respect to planning, design, construction, operations/maintenance, and performance monitoring of treatments. Research is needed to (a) identify processes for establishing transit preferential treatment needs on a spot improvement, corridor and regional scale, and (b) identify implementation strategies. The objectives of this research are to (1) identify consistent and uniform strategies to improve transportation network efficiency to reduce delay and improve reliability for transit operations on roadways; (2) develop decision-making guidance for operational planning and functional design of transit/traffic operations on roads that provides information on warrants, costs, and impacts of strategies; (3) identify the components of model institutional structures and/or intergovernmental agreements for successful implementation; and (4) identify potential changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and related documents to facilitate implementation of selected strategies. KW - Bus priority KW - Highway traffic control KW - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic signal priority KW - Travel time KW - Vehicle mix UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3325 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332759 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545050 TI - Linking Transit Agencies and Land Use Decisionmaking AB - Transit's success depends on land use, but transit is often not adequately considered in the land development planning and implementation processes. Local governments make land use and development decisions to advance community goals or in response to developer proposals. These decisions can have a significant influence on existing transit services or the prospects of new services and yet are often reached without full consideration of their potential to impact or benefit from transit connections. Local governments and transit agencies sometimes integrate transit and land use planning in comprehensive plans. This cooperation does not always extend to the development review process, resulting in incomplete plan implementation and the following types of problems: (1) Developments are planned and constructed without thoughtful consideration of transit services or access to transit services. For example, developments are planned without sidewalks or have street patterns that do not allow buses to circulate efficiently. Often developers relegate bus stops to remote, less accessible, and less visible locations. (2) Often transit agencies receive requests from completed developments for new or expanded transit services in locations where such services cannot be efficiently or effectively provided. (3) Negotiations among local governments, transit agencies, and developers are often problematic. There is often no structured forum for ongoing coordination among local governments, transit agencies, and the development community. (4) Transit planners are often not familiar with local planning and zoning processes and often lack important knowledge about procedures followed by local governments in the land use planning and regulatory processes. The relationships between transit and land use are becoming better understood. Some transit agencies have developed standards for land use in areas that want new rail services. Some transit agencies have land use standards for proposed corridor expansions. Many transit agencies have guidelines for adding bus stops, increasing transit services, and improving access to their services. Research is needed to assess the state of the practice of transit and land use decisionmaking and create a guidebook of approaches, techniques, and tools for transit agencies. The objective of this research project is to develop a guidebook about the connections among transit, land use planning, and development decision-making processes. The guidebook should (1) enable transit agencies to effectively engage local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), state departments of transportation (DOTs), and the development community; (2) present effective tools for transit agency participation in short- and long-range planning and development decisions; and (3) serve a wide spectrum of large, medium, and small communities and transit agencies that provide a range of transit services. KW - Accessibility KW - Decision making KW - Guidelines KW - Land use planning KW - Real estate development KW - Zoning UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3330 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332504 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545047 TI - Maintenance Technician Staffing Levels for Modern Public Transit Fleets AB - At one time, a simple measurement to determine if a transit agency had adequate maintenance technician staff was to use a basic bus-to-mechanic ratio. If an agency had four or five buses per mechanic it was considered to have an excellent "bus-to-mechanic" ratio. That formula is clearly an oversimplification from a time when engines were less complex, most fleets were using diesel fuel, and computers were not an essential mechanic tool. Today a computer is as essential as a socket wrench and the number of maintenance technicians needed to maintain a modern fleet can be difficult to measure. The number of maintenance technicians at a transit agency is based on financial constraints, fleet age, annual miles, powertrain type, how much work is outsourced, and a multitude of other key factors. There is no "text book" answer for maintenance managers to determine the optimum ratio of maintenance technicians for their fleet size, as the number varies tremendously between public transit fleets. Many public transit buses are in service well beyond the Federal Transit Administration minimum 12 years, 500,000 mile requirement. Transit agencies replacing buses are faced with significant leaps in technology over the past 6 to 12 years and now have options between purchasing clean diesel, hybrid engines, and various alternative fuel choices--all of which require additional highly skilled technicians. In addition, today's new engines require preventive maintenance every 3,000 miles, half the rate of the older, simpler engines. With new labor-intensive engines, various fuel types, highly sophisticated electronics, and an increase in preventive maintenance frequencies, many maintenance managers realize they need to hire additional staff. Often "in theory" they have enough maintenance technicians to maintain their fleet; however, in reality they find they are understaffed. With the many fleet variables and mandates to use alternative fuels, it is difficult to compare staffing levels among public transit fleets. There is no standardized guidance to help maintenance managers evaluate staffing requirements to maintain an aging, high-mileage fleet, or to transition into new technology hybrid or battery-powered engines. Research is needed to provide a resource for public transit fleet managers to determine the optimum number of maintenance technicians required to maintain a modern public transit fleet. The objective of this research is to produce a guidebook for use in determining optimum maintenance technician staffing levels for public transit bus and other revenue fleets (e.g., paratransit, trolleys, minibuses, etc.). At a minimum, the guidebook will include (1) a state of the practice report identifying existing tools and practices used to determine optimum maintenance technician staffing levels; (2) identification and analysis of variables that influence maintenance technician staffing needs; and (3) a computer-based tool or set of tools for use by transit managers to determine optimal maintenance technician staffing levels for small, medium, and large transit fleets. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Buses KW - Labor force KW - Mechanics (Persons) KW - Service life KW - Technicians KW - Vehicle fleets KW - Vehicle maintenance UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3327 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332501 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545048 TI - A National Training and Certification Program for Transit Vehicle Maintenance Instructors AB - Over the past several years, the public transportation industry has made significant progress in establishing industry standards for transit vehicle maintenance--both bus and rail. Among the multiple efforts to establish industry standards for transit bus maintenance technicians is Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project E-6, "Transit Bus Mechanics: Building for Success -- The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Transit Bus Maintenance Certification Test Series." TCRP Project E-6 brought transit expertise to the table with experts from ASE to develop transit-specific standards and established ASE as the certification body for transit bus mechanics. In parallel with TCRP Project E-6, a joint labor-management committee for bus maintenance training standards began work in 2004. The joint labor-management training standards committee was convened by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to develop detailed learning objectives in vehicle maintenance subject areas. As a result of these various efforts, there is a program to become ASE certified as a transit bus maintenance technician. Other efforts to establish industry standards for transit vehicle maintenance include, TCRP Project E-7, "Establishing a National Transit Industry Rail Vehicle Technician Qualification Program: Building for Success." Similar to TCRP Project E-6, TCRP Project E-7 is currently underway and focuses on certification for rail vehicle technicians. The industry now needs to define and establish credentials for a national training and certification program for transit vehicle maintenance instructors. TCRP Project F-19, A National Training and Certification Program for Transit Vehicle Maintenance Instructors, seeks to develop a business plan for potential implementation of a vehicle maintenance instructor training and certification program. The deliverables will include (1) a feasibility study; (2) a best practices report; (3) a training and certification program plan; and (4) a business plan for implementation of a vehicle maintenance instructor training and certification program. KW - Buses KW - Certification KW - Instructors KW - Maintenance practices KW - Mechanics (Persons) KW - Training KW - Vehicle maintenance UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3328 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332502 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551379 AU - Miller, Kevin AU - Bouattoura, Fariel AU - Seymour, Ed AU - Poe, Chris AU - Roberts, Ed AU - Olyai, Koorosh AU - Dallas Area Rapid Transit AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Training Plan: Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project PY - 2013/01/11/Final Report SP - 23p AB - The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is leading the US 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration Project for the Dallas region. Coordinated corridor operations and management is predicated on being able to share transportation information on highways, arterials, transit, weather, and incidents. The ICM system will utilize the existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Center-to-Center standards based communication infrastructure, and will provide direct connections to agencies not on the Center-to-Center network, via a web-based interface known as SmartNET. The ICM system uses SmartNET as the main graphical user interfaces for the ICM Stakeholders to create, edit, and view events in the corridor and region, view current conditions of field devices and congestion on the roadway network, and coordinate responses to incidents within the corridor. This Training Plan covers the policy, process, and technology training requested by the users and maintainers of the system for the Dallas ICM project. KW - Communication systems KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Graphical user interfaces KW - Information dissemination KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Software KW - Training KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54100/54132/Dallas_ICM_Training_Plan_v3_3_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340046 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545046 TI - Use of Web-based Customer Feedback to Improve Public Transit Services AB - Transit customers are increasingly reporting transit-related issues using web-based tools and expecting both response and action. These issues could include, but are not limited to, safety and security, maintenance, and service delivery. As a result, transit agencies must determine how they will best use these web-based tools. They must be able to collect input from various channels; respond online; create a dialogue with the public; prioritize reported problems; and act on them in a reasonable timeframe. While many aspects of this process will not differ from traditional means of communicating, web-based tools may be a more attractive form of communication. While some customers may not have access or desire to use this form of communication, web-based tools can increase the speed, volume, structure, and richness of communications. Ideally, this medium of customer feedback can result in enhanced public transit services. To that end, research is needed to identify best practices among transit agencies and other industries using in-house or third-party web-based platforms, including mobile applications, to engage customers. This research would investigate those organizations throughout the United States and abroad using available and emerging web-based tools. The objective of this research is to develop a practical and easy-to-use toolkit of best practices, emerging platforms, and promising approaches for customer web-based and electronic feedback to help improve public transit services. The toolkit should include (1) a menu of platforms available to manage structured feedback from customers incorporating various design choices (e.g., web-based forms versus native apps), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) versus non-GIS applications, third-party applications versus in-house, and general public availability versus employees only; (2) a menu of the specific kinds of feedback that will provide actionable and useful information in areas such as safety, security, maintenance, and customer service (a detailed hierarchy of categories and sub-categories should be developed); (3) suggestions on how to categorize and organize unstructured feedback from social media outlets; and (4) best practices in implementing structured feedback systems and utilizing the feedback both internally and externally with customers. KW - Best practices KW - Customers KW - Feedback KW - Geographic information systems KW - Real time information KW - Ridership KW - Social media KW - Websites (Information retrieval) UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3326 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332500 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545051 TI - Improving Transit Integration Among Multiple Transit Providers AB - Consumer travel today knows no boundaries; however, public transportation providers operate within boundaries. As a result, many consumers are unable to travel using public transportation without facing challenges related to these boundaries. Is integration and coordination a key aspect to overcoming those challenges? More than 90% of U.S. public transportation riders are served by systems that interface with at least one other public transportation provider. This condition occurs especially in larger metropolitan areas, but is also true in smaller communities. Individual travel needs often extend beyond the service area of a single public transportation agency, yet full coordination of operations and services to meet those travel needs is the exception in the United States. This is in contrast to the seamlessness that exists in street and road systems, where every city, county and state government is responsible for portions of the system; yet, the connected system allows an individual to drive from any point to any point without regard to the multiple agencies involved. In some cases, lack of public transportation integration results in inferior service to existing customers and lost opportunities to attract new customers. In other cases, duplicative services offered by multiple organizations waste resources that could be deployed more effectively. Efforts to improve integration have often generated significant increases in transit ridership; however, at times those efforts have been piecemeal, generally focusing on only one element of integration, such as fares. In other developed countries, a comprehensive or universal approach to integration is more common. The objective of this research is two-fold: (1) to conduct original research and prepare a report that identifies and documents the motivations, benefits, and barriers to public transportation coordination and integration that facilitates seamless travel, reflecting the viewpoints of all stakeholders; and (2) based on that report, to provide guidance on how to integrate and coordinate delivery of a public transportation system in a multi-service region. KW - Coordination KW - Guidelines KW - Integrated systems KW - Internet service providers KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3331 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332505 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01488309 AU - Tumbali, Gerry AU - Hilkert, Scott AU - Regional Transportation Authority AU - Clarity Partners, LLC AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Multi-Modal Trip Planning System: Northeastern Illinois Regional Transportation Authority PY - 2013/01//Final Report SP - 52p AB - This report evaluates the Multi-Modal Trip Planner System (MMTPS) implemented by the Northeastern Illinois Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) against the specific functional objectives enumerated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in its Request for Proposals (RFP). The report considers a qualitative examination of how each function was implemented and also looks at user satisfaction and perception of individual features. KW - Costs KW - Illinois KW - Implementation KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois) KW - Ridership KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0033.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257244 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01481254 AU - Rall, Jaime AU - Wheet, Alice AU - National Conference of State Legislatures AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Labor TI - A Mission to Serve: State Activities to Help Military Veterans Access Transportation SN - 9781580246811 PY - 2013/01 SP - 80p AB - There are over 23 million military veterans in the United States. This report focuses on individual state activities to provide veterans with transportation options. The data in this report is based on a 2012 survey of state departments of transportation, legislatures, veterans affairs departments, transit agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The report begins with an overview of veterans' travel needs and current federal, regional, local and private attempts to meet those needs. Topics include: coordinating funding, involving veterans in transportation planning, exemptions from travel-related fees, and lessons learned. Each state is profiled and includes data on funding and legislation. Three case studies provide a detailed look at Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin. KW - Accessibility KW - Case studies KW - Financing KW - Legislation KW - Military personnel KW - Mobility KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Transportation planning KW - United States KW - Veterans UR - http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/NCSL_Mission_to_Serve_Veterans_Transportation_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246175 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01514241 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Honolulu Rail Transit Project (formerly the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project), City and County of Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawai'i : final supplemental environmental impact statement/section 4(f) evaluation and amended record of decision PY - 2013///2 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1298566 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01513659 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Honolulu Rail Transit Project (formerly the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project), City and County of Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawai'i : draft supplemental environmental impact statement/section 4(f) evaluation PY - 2013///1 online resource. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1297983 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01509989 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal Expansion Project : draft environmental impact statement/environmental impact report PY - 2013///1 online resource. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294313 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01509104 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project : supplemental final environmental impact statement for construction-related potential impacts on business revenues PY - 2013///1 online resource. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1293428 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01508814 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Purple Line, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Maryland : final environmental impact statement and draft section 4(f) evaluation PY - 2013///57 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1293138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01508221 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Lynnwood link extension, King and Snohomish Counties, Washington, draft environmental impact statement PY - 2013///12 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1292545 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507263 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Van Ness Avenue bus rapid transit project, city and county of San Francisco, California : final environmental impact statement/environmental impact report PY - 2013///17 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291587 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507241 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Mukilteo multimodal project : final environmental impact statement PY - 2013///27 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291565 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507229 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project, San Diego, California : draft supplemental environmental impact statement PY - 2013///3 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291553 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01486782 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine TI - Performance Measurement of Transportation Systems: Summary of the Fourth International Conference SN - 9780309286695 PY - 2013 IS - 49 SP - 118p AB - This report was prepared by the conference rapporteur as a factual summary of what occurred at a recent conference on U.S. and international approaches to performance measurement for transportation systems. The theme for the fourth in a series of international conferences, driving change and being driven by change, captured the changing environment in which transportation services are delivered as well as the role of performance measurement in delivering these services. The conference attracted 130 participants from Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States, and featured transportation specialists who offered real-world expertise on the application of performance metrics and case studies. This range of experiences provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the techniques and approaches being applied to transportation systems both in the United States and abroad. The conference program was organized and developed along five tracks: 1) driving forces for change; 2) performance-based decision making: the bucks start here; 3) data collection and analysis technologies; 4) drivers and applications; and 5) capturing system performance: new measures for difficult-to-measure topics. Each track consisted of a plenary session followed by three concurrent breakout sessions. These proceedings follow the conference format, with the plenary sessions and the breakout sessions for each of the five tracks presented in chronological order. The breakout sessions and the closing session gave participants the opportunity to provide ideas and suggestions on further research, technology transfer, and training. Research topics identified for potential consideration are listed in the section on concluding remarks. The conference also featured an interactive poster session. Summaries provided by the poster authors are presented as an appendix. U1 - Performance Measurement of Transportation Systems. Fourth International ConferenceFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationTransportation Research BoardIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20110518 EndDate:20110520 Sponsors:Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Transportation Research Board KW - Conferences KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Decision making KW - Performance measurement KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/169214.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256544 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01477969 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings on the Web PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Harrison, Frances D TI - Meeting Critical Data Needs for Decision Making in State and Metropolitan Transportation Agencies: Summary of a Conference PY - 2013 IS - 9 SP - 114p AB - The objective of the conference, Meeting Critical Data Needs for Decision Making in State and Metropolitan Transportation Agencies, was to understand the data needs of today’s transportation decision makers and to identify and discuss strategies to ensure that essential data will be available to support transportation decisions in the future. Approximately 100 policy makers, program managers, data experts, and analysts from states, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), academia, and the private sector came together to establish an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for addressing transportation data needs. This conference summary presents summaries of the conference presentations that are intended to capture the key points made by each speaker. After the presentation summaries, brief descriptions of each application presented at the electronic poster session are provided, with links to follow for further information. This report includes selected references that were provided to the conference participants in advance of the conference and a list of the attendees. Appendix A provides a summary of key themes and observations from the three preconference workshops. Appendix B provides a tabular synthesis of the information needs, research questions, and potential approaches discussed by each breakout group. Appendix C presents the results of a postconference survey that was distributed to conference participants to identify what insights they gained at the conference and what follow-up activities they felt were important. U1 - Meeting Critical Data Needs for Decision Making in State and Metropolitan Transportation AgenciesFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationResearch and Innovative Technology AdministrationNational Cooperative Highway Research ProgramStrategic Highway Research Program 2Transportation Research BoardIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20111205 EndDate:20111207 Sponsors:Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Strategic Highway Research Program 2, Transportation Research Board KW - Conferences KW - Data collection KW - Data needs KW - Decision making KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - States KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation planning KW - Workshops UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/168754.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1247606 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547681 TI - A Context Aware Transit Navigator AB - The objective of this project was to create a real-time, context-aware transit navigation system. The system integrates the route-planning and real-time tracking functionality provided by current systems into a single, real- time and context-aware application, combining a smartphone end-user device, such as the Apple iPhone, with a sophisticated back-end service.The completed navigation system supports unified real-time transit navigation, including walking, biking or handicapped access, across all three Chicago transit agencies: CTA buses and subway trains, Pace suburban buses, and Metra commuter rail. The back-end is built as a generic routing service, which can be used by any number of client applications. On the client side, an iPhone application has been created, with an attractive user interface and a wide selection of convenient features. The iPhone application has been published on the iTunes App store for public download. The app is downloaded by approximately 2,000-3,000 users per month, and has received over 1,000 reviews, many of which are very positive. KW - Accessibility KW - Chicago Metropolitan Area KW - Navigation systems KW - Real time information KW - Routing KW - Smartphones KW - Tracking systems KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3136 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335313 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562606 AU - Renne, John L AU - Sanchez, Thomas W AU - Brown, Lauren AU - Grimshaw, Jacky AU - Jenkins, Pam AU - Litman, Todd AU - Wolshon, Brian AU - Cahalan, Clare AU - Dodson, Jon AU - Marmol, Mariana AU - Peterson, Robert AU - Williamson, Max AU - University of New Orleans Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - National Study on Carless and Special Needs Populations: Mobilizing Your Community for Emergency Evacuation PY - 2012/12 SP - 81p AB - The National Study on Carless and Special Needs Evacuation Planning was a multi-year study funded by the Federal Transit Administration to research how state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transit agencies, and local governments are considering, in the context of their emergency preparedness planning, the unique needs of carless individuals and people with specific and/or special needs. This report includes findings of that study as well as an emergency evacuation guidebook and workbook and a summary of stakeholder workshops, including case studies. KW - Case studies KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Evacuation KW - Handbooks KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Stakeholders KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0067.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55550/FTA_Report_No._0067.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352139 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538194 AU - Fisher, Bruno AU - Bhatnagar, Himanshu AU - Montachusett Regional Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - UWR/MSAA Demonstration of Coordinated Human-Services Transportation Models— Phase II: Phased Implementation PY - 2012/12//Final Report SP - 39p AB - Montachusett Area Regional Transit Authority's (MART’s) Integrated Traveler Services (M-ITS) was the Phase I project designed under the United We Ride/ Mobility Services for All Americans (UWRMSAA) Initiative. The current project is the pre-award phase of the M-ITS model that implements two selected modules (trip booking, trip board) and performs a study of the current on-line billing systems for designing the M-ITS Billing module. The chief findings of this pre-award project were 1) demand for Web-based trip booking and trip selection via a bulletin board to replace coordination via faxes and telephones; 2) difficulties in testing software projects with agencies due to logistics problems such as funding cuts and staff training and losses; and 3) a sophisticated on-line billing system can be built. The Town of Acton’s Web-based transportation system and the Easter Seals Special Transit Services shuttle were two successes of coordination efforts. One demonstrated using Web-based scheduling and dispatching to coordinate rides on three vehicles belonging to three agencies, and the other designing a shuttle using a mobility management communication tool. The billing study successfully identified issues and challenges in the Payment Management, On-line Billing, Fare Card/Voucher Management, and Rider Accounting functions. The potential benefits in labor savings are significant, provided the users can be convinced to change. KW - Billing KW - Computer online services KW - Coordination KW - Implementation KW - Mobility KW - Montachusett Area Regional Transit Authority KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Travel demand management UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0058.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322780 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01488310 AU - Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - LAFLA Public Transportation Public Participation Pilot Program PY - 2012/12//Final Technical Report SP - 63p AB - This report documents and presents the results of a pilot project conducted by the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA). LAFLA identified that there is a perception among those living in and providing services to low-income communities that transportation planning processes have not been responsive to their needs as compared to more affluent areas. LAFLA proposed that one way to address this issue might be to look for ways to improve the level of education in low-income communities about how to effectively participate in transportation planning processes. To test this hypothesis, LAFLA developed a popular education curriculum focusing on the transportation planning process as it relates to low-income communities and organized four workshops in conjunction with local community groups representing low-income people in Los Angeles County. The workshops trained more than 80 participants from 11 different organizations. LAFLA used these workshops to develop and refine a transportation planning curriculum that can serve as a model for and be implemented in similar efforts across the nation. This curriculum focused on giving participants the tools and information necessary to effectively participate in transportation decision-making processes. Evaluation methodologies included using pre- and post-workshop surveys, three-month phone follow-up surveys, and observation during workshops. Overall, the workshops were successful in improving the ability of low-income communities to effectively communicate their needs to decision-makers. KW - Education and training methods KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Low income groups KW - Public participation KW - Surveys KW - Transportation planning KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0032.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257246 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01476034 AU - Brecher, Aviva AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Bus Applications of Lithium Ion Batteries: Progress and Prospects PY - 2012/12//2007-2012 SP - 42p AB - This report provides an overview of diverse transit bus applications of advanced Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs). The report highlights and illustrates several FTA programs that fostered the successful development, demonstration, and deployment of fuel-efficient hybrid-electric and electric drive transit buses in operational urban fleets over the last decade. The focus is on recent progress in the rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) that successfully integrated the lighter, more compact LIBs with higher energy density and capacity in a broad range of power and propulsion configurations for urban transit bus fleets. Improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental performance of succeeding generations as well as LIB-related safety, cost, reliability, availability, and maintainability challenges are discussed in context, including recent recalls due to LIB safety issues. Progress in and prospects for future LIB improvements and remaining bus application challenges are also discussed. KW - Electric buses KW - Energy storage devices KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Lithium batteries KW - Rechargeable batteries KW - Transit buses KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0024.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/47000/47000/47077/FTA_Report_No._0024.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1245585 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01473711 AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Ndembe, Elvis AU - Hough, Jill AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2011 Transit and Community Livability Report PY - 2012/12 SP - 31p AB - This study is an attempt to empirically measure livability to emphasize its role in community livability. Establishing these measures would enhance the practice and implementation of livability principles by various practitioners in the transit industry. This is in view of the difficulties faced in the past and presently by various transit authorities in incorporating the concept into their planning processes to better serve their communities. KW - Accessibility KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Statistics KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP262.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244110 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469934 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Travel Behavior and Mobility of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Evidence from the National Household Travel Survey PY - 2012/12 SP - 49p AB - Older adults, people with disabilities, individuals in low-income households, and those living in rural areas can face significant mobility challenges. This study examines travel behavior and mobility of these transportation-disadvantaged groups by analyzing data from the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). NHTS data on driving, trip frequency, staying in the same place all day or week, miles driven per year, mode choice, use of public transportation, trip purpose, trip distance, and issues and concerns regarding transportation are highlighted. Differences are shown by age group, gender, household income, whether a person has a disability or condition affecting ability to travel, and whether the individual lives in a rural or urban area. Differences between 2001 and 2009 are documented to identify trends in travel behavior. A binary logit model is used to estimate whether an individual took a trip during the day or week. For those who have not taken a trip for more than a day, a negative binomial logit model is used to estimate the number of days since the last trip. For those who have not taken a trip in more than a week, a binary logit model is used to identify the characteristics of those who would like to get out more often. Lastly, cluster analysis was used to identify transportation disadvantaged groups. NHTS survey respondents were clustered into 12 groups based on household income, age, gender, household size, and if they had a medical condition affecting their ability to travel, and the travel behavior of each cluster was analyzed. KW - Age groups KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Gender KW - Logits KW - Mobility KW - Mode choice KW - National Household Travel Survey KW - Public transit KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Travel behavior KW - Trip length KW - Trip purpose UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP258.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225801 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545049 TI - Transit Labor-Management Partnerships: What Makes Them Work? What Makes Them Last? AB - Public transportation is a labor intensive service industry with a workforce comprised largely of employees who operate, maintain, supervise, and manage transit services. Most transit employees in large and mid-size urban areas are represented by labor unions, in particular vehicle operators and maintenance workers. As in many other industries, relations between labor and management at transit agencies are sometimes strained and adversarial, characterized by a lack of trust and respect, animosity, and poor communication. Many argue that these negative relations create lose-lose situations for transit managers, employees, and communities. Advocates for positive labor-management relationships believe much can be gained by building effective partnerships, resulting in broader cooperation between labor and management. Over the past 30 years many organizations in the United States have pursued initiatives to improve labor-management relationships. These initiatives often occur in conjunction with efforts to address specific work place problems. While some research has been conducted, more information is needed about challenges organizations have faced building and sustaining these initiatives. For example, more information is needed regarding (1) the practical factors and circumstances that lead to success in creating and sustaining positive labor-management partnerships both within and outside the transit industry and (2) the potential benefits to labor and management of successful labor-management cooperation and partnerships. The objective of this research is to develop a practical toolkit for creating, implementing, and sustaining positive labor-management partnerships at transit agencies. The toolkit will address how successful partnerships can benefit both labor and management; identify the factors and circumstances that lead to success in creating and sustaining positive labor-management relationships; and serve transit agencies interested in improved labor-management cooperation. KW - Cooperation KW - Labor force KW - Management KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Quality of service KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Urban areas UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3329 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332503 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547913 TI - Serving the Mobility Preferences of Generation Y AB - Generation Y or the Millennial Generation are terms that describe people born in the early 1980s through the 1990s. Recent research suggests that this age cohort may differ from older generations in places of residence and travel habits. Specifically, many adults in their 20s and early 30s frequently live in cities and travel less by automobile than past generations did at that age. Younger adults increasingly make more trips by public transportation, car sharing, bicycling, and walking, and they often telecommute for work or shop on-line, thus avoiding many trips. Some argue that the changes in residential location and travel preferences of younger adults are an anomaly, precipitated by recent economic factors including higher unemployment rates and gasoline prices that make auto ownership and travel by automobile less affordable, and in many cases, impossible. Others argue that personal priorities - such as concerns for health and the environment, dislike of suburban lifestyles, and a desire to avoid lengthy auto trips on congested highways - are factors influencing younger adults' residential location and travel behavior choices. Regardless of the forces at work, recent research suggests that younger adults may be an important market that transit agencies should nurture. The objectives of this research project were to (1) explain trends in residential location, life style, and travel behavior of Generation Y and examine their implications for public transportation and (2) present strategies that transit agencies can pursue to promote increased and sustained use of public transportation by Generation Y. The strategies, which should be targeted to younger adults, may include enhancements to services, increased emphasis on multi-modal connections (e.g., bike-share and car-sharing programs), new technology (e.g., real-time arrival information, fare collection systems, passenger feedback mechanisms), additional passenger amenities, and innovative marketing practices. KW - Generation Y KW - Life styles KW - Marketing KW - Mobility KW - Mode choice KW - Public transit KW - Residential location KW - Stated preferences KW - Strategic planning KW - Technological innovations KW - Travel behavior KW - Vehicle sharing KW - Young adults UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3718 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335561 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01502080 AU - Ede, William Moore AU - Brosseau, Joseph AU - Otter, Duane AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Capacity Improvement Study for Commuter Operations PY - 2012/11//8/2009-1/2013 SP - 78p AB - This report describes principles and concepts related to capacity for commuter rail operations. It offers a combination of considerations and evaluation tools pertaining to relevant means of capacity improvements (technology, operations, route, and vehicle upgrades), both conventional and emerging. Guidance regarding minimizing cost of achieving the level of capacity improvement required is provided. Report topics include track and station configuration, rolling stock, train operations, and signal issues. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) identifies promising potential improvements and additions to infrastructure to increase capacity (emphasizing cost-effective technology solutions). Discussion is provided on investment planning to increase commuter rail system capacity by making the various improvements noted. The study also discusses the benefits, effectiveness, and life cycle costs of the various solutions. To illustrate these principles, TTCI has evaluated various aspects of the present capacity limitations versus ridership for a large commuter rail system in the United States to determine capacity constraints and to identify areas where improved capacity might be needed. Two sections present an overview and selected case studies of the Metrolink system operating in the Los Angeles regional area with analysis of various capacity issues. In each case study, different aspects of commuter rail capacity are examined. In some cases, suggestions are offered where improvements could be made that would increase system reliability. KW - Case studies KW - Investments KW - Life cycle costing KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Ridership KW - Strategic planning KW - Train operations KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0037.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1279638 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01488312 AU - Flynn, Jennifer AU - Yassin, Menna AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Community-Oriented BRT: Urban Design, Amenities, and Placemaking PY - 2012/11//Final Report SP - 144p AB - The purpose of this report is to provide a useful resource for communities that wish to learn how others have successfully used bus rapid transit (BRT) as a tool for enhancing the public realm. Information for this effort was gathered through a literature review, in-depth profiles of three BRT systems, and a detailed questionnaire that was administered to transit agencies in the United States, Canada, and Australia. While the literature review provides historical background on the relationship between transit projects and the public realm, the questionnaire focuses specifically on the interaction between BRT and public space. The system profiles provide a detailed account of the Los Angeles Orange Line, Cleveland’s HealthLine, and the EmX in Eugene, Oregon, along with recommendations and lessons learned. It should be noted that this report does not attempt to offer detailed instructions of the type that would be found in design manuals or other highly technical literature. Rather, the focus is on sharing the experiences of agencies that have been successful in designing and building community value into BRT projects. KW - Bus and high occupancy vehicle facilities KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Cleveland (Ohio) KW - Eugene (Oregon) KW - Literature reviews KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Questionnaires KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Urban design UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0034.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257250 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479059 AU - Hoopengardner, Roger AU - Thompson, Marc AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Low-Speed Urban Maglev Research Program: Updated Lessons Learned PY - 2012/11 SP - 85p AB - In 1999, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) initiated the Low-Speed Urban Magnetic Levitation (Urban Maglev) Program to develop magnetic levitation technology that offers a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally-sound transit option for urban mass transportation in the United States. Maglev is an innovative approach for transportation in which trains are supported by magnetic forces without any wheels contacting the rail surfaces. Maglev promises several attractive benefits, including the ability to operate in challenging terrain with steep grades, tight turns, all-weather operation, low maintenance, rapid acceleration, quiet operation, and superior ride quality, among others. This Urban Maglev program is essentially completed, and government program executives and managers desire a program review with an emphasis on lessons learned. The lessons learned in this report have been captured through a multifaceted assessment of general project impressions, project execution, project conclusions and deliverables, project team performance, stakeholder participation, risk management, and project communications. The assessments are drawn from project documentation, discussions with the performing teams, and direct experience with the five Urban Maglev projects. This updated report provides lessons learned from the two projects that continued through 2011–2012. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Lessons learned KW - Magnetic levitation KW - Magnetic levitation vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Research KW - Technological innovations KW - United States KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Research_Report_No._0026.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55511/FTA_Research_Report_No._0026.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248080 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01502050 AU - Ede, William Moore AU - Vieira, Paulo AU - Otter, Duane AU - Matthews, Joshua AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Capacity Improvement Study for Heavy Rail Transit Operations PY - 2012/10 SP - 78p AB - This report describes principles and concepts related to capacity for heavy rail transit operations. It offers a combination of considerations and evaluation tools pertaining to relevant means of capacity improvements (technology, operations, route, and vehicle upgrades), both conventional and emerging. Guidance regarding minimizing cost of achieving the level of capacity improvement required is provided. Topics include track and station configuration, rolling stock, train operations, and signal and train control issues. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) identifies promising potential improvements and additions to infrastructure to increase capacity (emphasizing cost-effective technology solutions). Discussion is provided on investment planning to increase transit system capacity by making the various improvements noted. The study also discusses the benefits, effectiveness, and life cycle costs of the various solutions. A sequence for implementation of the various recommended changes is suggested. To illustrate these principles, TTCI evaluated various aspects of the present capacity limitations vs. ridership for two large rail transit systems in the United States to determine capacity constraints and to identify areas where improved capacity might be needed. One section presents a limited case study of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system. A second case study presents an overview of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, along with a more in-depth analysis of BART operations and suggestions for capacity improvements. In each case study, analysis of delays shows areas where improvements could be made that would increase system reliability. Reduction in variability and unplanned events can provide not only increased capacity but a better passenger experience. Increased reliability and reduced delays and variability are keys to getting the most capacity out of existing systems. Analysis of train operations and model simulations for congested areas on one system point to the root causes of congestion. Changes and upgrades to train operations and train control systems are then simulated to determine effectiveness of measures to improve system capacity. KW - Case studies KW - Investments KW - Life cycle costing KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Ridership KW - San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District KW - Simulation KW - Strategic planning KW - Train operations KW - United States KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/images/FTA_Report_No._0035.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1279634 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479060 AU - Rose, David AU - Isaac, Lauren AU - Shah, Keyur AU - Blake, Tagan AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Asset Management Guide: Focusing on the Management of Our Transit Investments PY - 2012/10 SP - 268p AB - To advance transit asset management, this guide provides a transit-specific asset management framework for managing assets individually and as a portfolio of assets that comprise an integrated system. The guide provides flexible, yet targeted guidance to advance the practice and implementation of transit asset management. Objectives include: (1) Explain what transit asset management is and what the business benefits to an agency are; (2) provide an enterprise asset management framework and business model that agencies can refer to as“best practice;" (3) describe the elements of transit asset management plan; (4) detail, for each major asset class, the major enabling components of asset management: inventory, condition assessment, performance analysis and modeling, risk management, and lifecycle cost management; and (5) guide organizations through the migration from their current baseline to high-performance asset management. KW - Asset management KW - Business practices KW - Guidelines KW - Implementation KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55512/FTA_Report_No._0027.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248081 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479062 AU - Bailey, J Ronald AU - Hairr, Mark E AU - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus: Extending the Range of Electric Shuttle Buses PY - 2012/09/30/Final Report SP - 159p AB - This report documents the results completed by the Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment (CETE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) under Federal Transit Administration Cooperative Agreement TN-26-7034. This research has addressed the limited range of electric shuttle buses by two different methods: first, by wayside charging using inductive power transfer, and second, by adding a small (10 kW) on-board generator set powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) fueled by hydrogen. Wayside charging reduced fuel costs to less than $0.10 per mile while eliminating tailpipe emissions that would have been produced by a similar diesel bus. The hydrogen hybrid bus eliminated emission of carbon dioxide, but the cost was found to be prohibitive because of the relatively poor thermodynamic efficiency of the ICE and the high cost of hydrogen. Better results were obtained when the ICE was fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG), which resulted in a range in excess of 170 miles at a lower fuel cost per mile than a comparable diesel-fueled hybrid bus. KW - Auxiliary power units KW - Battery chargers KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Costs KW - Electric buses KW - Exhaust gases KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen KW - Range (Vehicles) KW - Shuttle buses KW - Tennessee UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0028.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55513/FTA_Report_No._0028.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248082 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543871 TI - Guidance for Applying the State of Good Repair Prioritization Framework and Tools AB - Keeping public transportation systems in a state of good repair is essential to sustaining existing transportation services, providing mobility, and supporting livable communities. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) State of Good Repair Assessment calculated a backlog of over $78 billion for state-of-good-repair investment needs for the U.S. transit system. The FTA assessment highlights the fact that U.S. public transportation agencies face an enormous set of challenges as they seek to preserve their existing capital assets. Asset preservation is an important concern not only for the older, well-established operators, but for newer transit systems as well. Transit agencies have a wide variety of assets to maintain, including, but not limited to, buses, facilities, rail cars, stations, fixed guideway, and various supporting systems. Absent adequate funds many transit agencies could suffer significant reductions in system reliability, which may eventually result in restricted transit service. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project E-09, State of Good Repair: Prioritizing the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Existing Capital Assets and Evaluating the Implications for Transit, resulted in development of a framework and supporting tools for prioritizing and evaluating the impacts of transit asset replacement and rehabilitation for achieving a state of good repair. This effort was intended as a foundational project to help define what analyses should be performed to support state-of-good-repair investments. TCRP Project E-09A, Guidance for Applying the State of Good Repair Prioritization Framework and Tools, has been initiated to extend upon the TCRP E-09 work to further develop and enhance the state of good repair framework and supporting tools. The objective of this project is to develop guidance for applying the framework and tools developed previously through TCRP Project E-09 to evaluate and prioritize capital investments in transit assets for achieving a state of good repair. The research will enhance the existing framework and tools, demonstrate application of the framework and tools through a set of pilots and a transit agency workshop, and result in development of supplemental web-based guidance for transit agencies to use to apply the framework to improve the state of repair of transit capital assets. KW - Asset management KW - Capital investments KW - Maintenance KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Web applications UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3456 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332019 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01525072 TI - National Transit Network Level of Service Data and Analysis AB - The General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) offers a robust and comprehensive data format that can be used to improve service planning, provide powerful tools for service evaluation, and ultimately increase ridership. For example, GTFS can provide numerous benefits beyond its immediate application as an itinerary planning tool. Its open-source architecture permits unfettered access to data, thus creating new opportunities for transit agencies to evaluate service and improve ridership experience. GTFS is widely utilized, and most transit customers are able to plan trips based on its data. Its broad acceptance and rich repository of data offers an opportunity to develop evaluations on a nationwide scale. The creation of a National Transit Network database based on the GTFS may lead to the development of national accessibility and mobility measures. The realization of a National Transit Network requires the evaluation of the GTFS. The GTFS was not designed as a National Transit Network database, nonetheless its rapid and popular adoption coupled with its robust information, provides an opportunity for the transit industry to leverage a uniform data format as the foundation of a National Transit Network that supports consistent and widespread transit service evaluation. The use and development of the GTFS was born out of a collaborative effort that engaged transit professionals and advocates, and underscores the potential GTFS has in standardizing transit performance reporting and evaluation. Consequently, this research promotes the utilization of GTFS by highlighting its benefits, developing a data schema unique for GTFS inventory, identifying measures relating to accessibility and mobility that are integral to gauging transit performance, and making recommendations for a newly formed National Transit Network. Research will also identify the data gaps and limitations currently faced by transit agencies, in order to better articulate the opportunities that overcome obstacles to streamlined information flows. KW - Accessibility KW - Databases KW - General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) KW - Level of service KW - Mobility KW - Ridership KW - Service planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.nctr.usf.edu/2012/09/national-transit-network-level-of-service-data-and-analysis-2/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1309801 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538306 AU - Jamison, Doug AU - Ghani, Gisela AU - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center (MORE TMCC), Phase II Final Report PY - 2012/09//Final Report SP - 82p AB - The final report for the Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center (MORE TMCC) presents the details of the 2½-year process of the partial deployment of the original MORE TMCC design created in Phase I of this project. The purpose of Phase II was to deploy certain modules of the original design, given the limited funding and resources that were available to the project team. As part of the Phase II partial deployment, one aspect of the original design was implemented—multimedia trip management. As one of the foundations of MORE TMCC, enhanced trip management allows customers “around the clock” access to book, view, or cancel trips online or via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone. Additionally, representatives such as human service agencies, dialysis clinics, or nursing homes are able to access their customers’ trips as well. This system reduces telephone call hold times and customer no-shows because they are able to manage their trips online. Additionally, a Short Message Service (SMS) system was implemented to notify customers of their vehicles imminent arrival. This report reviews the project methodology, Phase II deployment, self-evaluation, outreach, and results and findings. KW - Computer online services KW - Evaluation KW - Implementation KW - Methodology KW - Mobility KW - Multimedia KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Outreach KW - Paratransit services KW - Scheduling KW - Travel demand management KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0061.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322777 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479817 AU - Humphrey, Ronald G AU - Lewis, John C AU - Xie, Yuanchang AU - Sharp, Susan AU - CodeRed Business Solutions AU - Bi-State Development Agency AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Asset Inventory Development and Integration: Asset Management Methodology/Condition Assessment Methodology Research PY - 2012/09 SP - 316p AB - This report summarizes the results of a 13-month effort by CodeRed Business Solutions (CRBS) to consider how urban rail transit agencies can leverage data within their maintenance management systems to build asset inventories for higher-level analysis. The research goal/requirement was to provide the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with a plan or road map for transit agencies to leverage existing asset management and maintenance data, regardless of which asset management or maintenance data collection system the agency deploys. KW - Asset management KW - Condition surveys KW - Data collection KW - Inventory KW - Maintenance management KW - Methodology KW - Rail transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0023.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55509/FTA_Report_No._0023.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248173 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479061 AU - Bergin, Stephen P AU - VSE Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Zero-Sulfur Diesel Fuel from Non-Petroleum Sources: The Key to Reducing U.S. Oil Imports PY - 2012/09 SP - 45p AB - Zero-sulfur diesel fuel of the highest quality, the fuel used in this project, can be made by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis from many nonpetroleum resources, including natural gas, which is increasingly abundant in the United States. Zero-sulfur FT diesel fuel can upgrade, and more-than-proportionally increase the supply of, conventional ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel by targeted blending. Zero-sulfur FT diesel fuel could eventually even replace conventional ULSD. The primary purpose of this project has been to evaluate the operating performance benefits and develop market acceptance of synthetic Fischer-Tropsch (FT) diesel fuel. The approach has been to understand and resolve, within the transit-bus context, the issues that make FT fuel different or unique in comparison to conventional diesel fuel, prominently including the virtual absence of both aromatics and sulfur from FT diesel fuel. This project and report add to the existing base of data and experience, demonstrating again that FT diesel fuel is indeed a fully functional “drop-in” replacement for conventional diesel fuel in a U.S. Air Force transit bus, equipped with a Caterpillar C-7 engine, as used over a wide range of operating conditions in Michigan for a period of three years. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Diesel fuels KW - Fischer-Tropsch Process KW - Michigan KW - Performance tests KW - Synthetic fuels KW - Transit buses KW - Ultra low sulfur diesel UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0029.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55514/FTA_Report_No._0029.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248083 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454025 AU - Heskitt, Mike AU - Smith, Tim AU - Hopkins, Jeff AU - Altair ProductDesign AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Design & Development of the LCO-140H Series Hydraulic Hybrid Low Floor Transit Bus: BUSolutions Final Technical Report PY - 2012/09//Final Technical Report SP - 84p AB - Automation Alley, Altair, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in a public-private partnership, teamed up to advance a new transit bus initiative that would improve America’s local and regional transit systems while requiring no infrastructure upgrades to operate. The goal was to develop a significantly lighter-weight, heavy-duty bus design that yields superior fuel efficiency to conventional buses at a lower lifecycle cost. The four main areas of focus for reducing the lifecycle cost of the new bus were purchase price, fuel economy, scheduled maintenance, and unscheduled maintenance. The results yielded the Altair ProductDesign LCO-140H hydraulic hybrid bus, a physical technology demonstration vehicle that is projected to have a 20 percent lower purchase price than most electric hybrids and saves over 30 percent in total lifecycle costs. The LCO-140H is projected to even save 20 percent in lifecycle costs over a basic non-hybrid diesel bus. Fuel economy test results showed a 110 percent improvement in fuel economy as compared to the average non-hybrid diesel bus, and over a 30 percent better fuel economy than the best-in-class hybrid electric bus results found in the Altoona database. The net result is that this design enables a transit authority to reduce their reliance on oil and save money while doing it. KW - Fuel consumption KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydraulic transmissions KW - Life cycle costing KW - Low floor vehicles KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle design UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0018.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55504/FTA_Report_No._0018.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1222402 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446043 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Peterson, Del AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - North Dakota State University Student Transit Survey, 2010-2011 PY - 2012/09 SP - 59p AB - The Small Urban & Rural Transit Center (SURTC) conducted surveys of North Dakota State University (NDSU) students during the fall and spring semesters of 2010-2011 regarding travel behavior and experience with Metro Area Transit (MATBUS). An on-vehicle survey of MATBUS riders on two NDSU campus routes was conducted in the winter of 2010, and an online survey of NDSU students was conducted in the spring of 2011. The onboard survey was conducted both by paper and with the use of smartphones. The two surveys captured a significant amount of information regarding student travel behavior, use of transit, and opinions about current MATBUS service. The on-vehicle survey collected responses from 120 individuals, mostly NDSU students, while the online survey of NDSU students received 858 responses, including responses from both transit users and non-users. The survey collected information on student access to vehicles, transportation modes used to travel to campus, factors influencing mode choice, use of transit services, opinions on MATBUS service, thoughts on how to improve service, opinions on marketing efforts and preferred methods of accessing information, interest in wireless Internet access onboard, willingness to pay for transit services, and issues concerning parking. KW - Bus transit KW - Campus parking KW - College students KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Metro Area Transit (MATBUS) KW - Mode choice KW - North Dakota State University KW - On-board surveys KW - Public transit KW - Surveys KW - Travel behavior KW - Web-based surveys UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/SP175.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1213750 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554359 AU - Balducci, Patrick AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation – San Diego Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Plan PY - 2012/08/21/Final Report SP - 52p AB - This report presents the test plan for conducting the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM projects being deployed in San Diego include a suite of strategies aimed at balancing corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. Operational strategies to be deployed in the San Diego I-15 highway corridor include: simulations to predict travel conditions for improved incident response, interdependent response plans among agencies, traffic diversion to strategic arterials, traveler mode shift to the bus rapid transit (BRT) system during major freeway incidents, and comparative travel time information to the public and operating agencies for freeway, High-Occupancy Tolling (HOT) lanes, arterial streets, and BRT. Technologies that will be used to carry out these strategies include a Decision Support System, a 511 traveler information system (telephone and website), a regional center-to-center information exchange network, dynamic message signs, adaptive ramp metering, and responsive traffic signals. This BCA Data Test Plan is based on the ICM Initiative Demonstration National Evaluation Framework. This test plan provides an overview of the BCA framework and describes the specific qualitative and quantitative data that will be collected to support the analysis. Data analysis methodologies as well as risks and mitigations associated with this evaluation analysis are also discussed in this test plan. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Methodology KW - Modal shift KW - San Diego (California) KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54351/icm_san_diego_benefit_cost_testplan__FHWA-JPO-13-042_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342215 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554210 AU - Lee, Ming-Shiun AU - Krile, Bob AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation – San Diego Corridor Performance Analysis Test Plan PY - 2012/08/21/Final Report SP - 80p AB - This report presents the test plan for conducting the Corridor Performance Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM projects being deployed in San Diego include a suite of strategies aimed at balancing corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. Operational strategies to be deployed in the San Diego I-15 highway corridor include: simulations to predict travel conditions for improved incident response, interdependent response plans among agencies, traffic diversion to strategic arterials, traveler mode shift to the bus rapid transit (BRT) system during major freeway incidents, and comparative travel time information to the public and operating agencies for freeway, High-Occupancy Tolling (HOT) lanes, arterial streets, and BRT. Technologies that will be used to carry out these strategies include a Decision Support System, a 511 traveler information system (telephone and website), a regional center-to-center information exchange network, dynamic message signs, adaptive ramp metering, and responsive traffic signals. This Corridor Performance Analysis Test Plan is based on the ICM Initiative Demonstration National Evaluation Framework. This test plan provides an overview of the Corridor Performance Analysis and describes the specific qualitative and quantitative data that will be collected to support the analysis. Data analysis methodologies as well as risks and mitigations associated with this evaluation analysis are also discussed in this test plan KW - Analysis KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Methodology KW - Modal shift KW - San Diego (California) KW - Simulation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54352/icm_san_diego_corridor_perform_testplan__FHWA-JPO-13-043_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342216 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554410 AU - Lee, Ming-Shiun AU - Krile, Bob AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation – Dallas Corridor Performance Analysis Test Plan PY - 2012/08/17/Final Report SP - 78p AB - This report presents the test plan for conducting the Corridor Performance Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM projects being deployed in Dallas include a suite of strategies aimed at balancing U.S. 75 corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. Operational strategies to be deployed in the Dallas U.S. 75 highway corridor include: simulations to predict travel conditions for improved incident response, interdependent response plans among agencies, traffic diversion to frontage roads and strategic arterials, traveler mode shift to the light rail system during major freeway incidents, and comparative travel time information to the public and operating agencies for freeway, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, frontage roads, arterial streets, and light-rail transit lane. Technologies that will be used to carry out these strategies include a Decision Support System, a 511 traveler information system (telephone and website), a regional center-to-center information exchange network, dynamic message signs, parking management systems, transit signal priority and responsive traffic signals. This Corridor Performance Test Plan is based on the ICM Initiative Demonstration National Evaluation Framework. This test plan provides an overview of the Corridor Performance Analysis and describes the specific qualitative and quantitative data that will be collected to support the analysis. Data analysis methodologies as well as risks and mitigations associated with this evaluation analysis are also discussed in this test plan. KW - Analysis KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Light rail transit KW - Methodology KW - Modal shift KW - Simulation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54347/icm_dallas_corridor_perform_testplan_final__FHWA-JPO-13-037_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342213 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554340 AU - Lee, Matt AU - Pack, Michael AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation – Dallas Decision Support System Analysis Test Plan PY - 2012/08/17/Final Report SP - 54p AB - This report presents the test plan for conducting the Decision Support System (DSS) Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM projects being deployed in Dallas include a suite of strategies aimed at balancing U.S. 75 corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. Operational strategies to be deployed in the Dallas U.S. 75 highway corridor include: simulations to predict travel conditions for improved incident response, interdependent response plans among agencies, traffic diversion to frontage roads and strategic arterials, traveler mode shift to the light rail system during major freeway incidents, and comparative travel time information to the public and operating agencies for freeway, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, frontage roads, arterial streets, and light-rail transit lane. Technologies that will be used to carry out these strategies include a Decision Support System, a 511 traveler information system (telephone and website), a regional center-to-center information exchange network, dynamic message signs, parking management systems, transit signal priority and responsive traffic signals. This DSS Analysis Test Plan is based on the ICM Initiative Demonstration National Evaluation Framework. This test plan provides an overview of the DSS Analysis and describes the specific qualitative and quantitative data that will be collected to support the analysis. Data analysis methodologies as well as risks and mitigations associated with this evaluation analysis are also discussed in this test plan. KW - Analysis KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Light rail transit KW - Methodology KW - Simulation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54348/icm_dallas_decision_support_testplan_final__FHWA-JPO-13-039_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342211 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554239 AU - Lee, Matthew AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation – Dallas Technical Capability Analysis Test Plan PY - 2012/08/17/Final Report SP - 60p AB - This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM projects being deployed in Dallas include a suite of strategies aimed at balancing U.S. 75 corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. Operational strategies to be deployed in the Dallas U.S. 75 highway corridor include: simulations to predict travel conditions for improved incident response, interdependent response plans among agencies, traffic diversion to frontage roads and strategic arterials, traveler mode shift to the light rail system during major freeway incidents, and comparative travel time information to the public and operating agencies for freeway, High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, frontage roads, arterial streets, and light-rail transit lane. Technologies that will be used to carry out these strategies include a Decision Support System, a 511 traveler information system (telephone and website), a regional center-to-center information exchange network, dynamic message signs, parking management systems, transit signal priority and responsive traffic signals. This Technical Capability Test Plan is based on the ICM Initiative Demonstration National Evaluation Framework. This test plan provides an overview of the Technical Capability Analysis and describes the specific qualitative and quantitative data that will be collected to support the analysis. Data analysis methodologies as well as risks and mitigations associated with this evaluation analysis are also discussed in this test plan. KW - Analysis KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Light rail transit KW - Methodology KW - Modal shift KW - Simulation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54349/icm_dallas_tech_capab_testplan_final__FHWA-JPO-13-040_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342214 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479825 AU - Perk, Victoria A AU - Catala, Martin AU - Reader, Steven AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Land Use Impacts of Bus Rapid Transit: Phase II—Effects of BRT Station Proximity on Property Values along the Boston Silver Line Washington Street Corridor PY - 2012/07 SP - 54p AB - The development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is relatively recent in the U.S.; however, several systems are operating and many more are being planned. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between land uses and BRT systems is needed, particularly in comparison to other fixed-guideway modes such as rail. This report describes an effort to quantify the impacts of access to BRT stations on the sale prices of surrounding condominiums located along Boston’s Washington Street where Phase I of the Silver Line BRT began in 2002. To test the hypothesis that the BRT stations have an impact on market value that is commensurate with rail transit projects (considering the level and permanence of services and facilities), a hedonic regression methodology was used to estimate the impact of access to BRT station on sale prices of condo units. A key result is that for condo sales that occurred in 2007 or 2009, the BRT premium was approximately 7.6 percent. For condo sales in 2000 and 2001, prior to the opening of the Silver Line, no sales premium existed for proximity to the corridor. Further, changes in land uses along the corridor were examined over the period from 2003 to 2009. As more BRT systems continue operating in the U.S., this methodology should be applied to other cities as well as to other types of properties. These studies can help policymakers and those in the transit industry gain a better understanding of the overall impacts of proximity to BRT stations on property values, land uses, and economic development. KW - Accessibility KW - Boston (Massachusetts) KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Economic development KW - Land use planning KW - Market value KW - Property values UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0022.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55508/FTA_Report_No._0022.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248174 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479820 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Chandler, Kevin AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Connecticut Nutmeg Fuel Cell Bus Project: First Analysis Report PY - 2012/07 SP - 52p AB - This report summarizes the experience and early results from a fuel cell bus demonstration funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program (NFCBP). A team led by the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium and UTC Power developed a next-generation fuel cell electric bus for demonstration. A total of four buses are being operated in service by Connecticut Transit in Hartford. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been tasked by FTA to evaluate the buses in service. This report documents the early development and implementation of the buses and summarizes the performance results through May 2012. KW - Connecticut Transit KW - Demonstration projects KW - Electric buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hartford (Connecticut) KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - National Fuel Cell Bus Program KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0020.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55506/FTA_Report_No._0020.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248176 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01445989 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Burgess, Robert AU - Ainscough, Chris AU - Lewis, John AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program: First Assessment Report PY - 2012/07//FTA Report No. 0016 SP - 148p AB - The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and preliminary analysis of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. TIGGER provides capital funds to transit agencies for projects that would reduce the agency’s energy use and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report outlines the program history, goals, and technologies being implemented. It also provides a preliminary analysis of potential energy and GHG savings estimates. The report provides a description and current status of each project awarded in the program. KW - Assessments KW - Capital investments KW - Case studies KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - History KW - Savings KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0016.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55502/FTA_Report_No._0016.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212617 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469942 AU - Khattak, Aemal AU - Luo, Zheng AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Safety Improvements at Highway-Railroad Crossing for Pedestrians and Bicyclist and the Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Centerline Curbing PY - 2012/06//Final Report SP - 73p AB - The focus of this research was on assessing the long-term effectiveness of median barriers at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs), the impacts of barrier maintenance in resurrecting safety, and on exploring and assessing ways to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety at HRGCs. Nebraska has about 7,000 HRGCs and each one represents a potential conflict point among trains and highway users, i.e., motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Safety at HRGCs is compromised when highway users resort to unsafe maneuvers, such as passing around closed gates when trains are approaching. Gate-related violations by motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists were studied at three selected HRGCs in Waverly, Fremont, and Lincoln, all cities located in Nebraska. The barrier at the Waverly HRGC was removed after being in place for a long time while the dilapidated barrier at the Fremont HRGC was revived through maintenance. An educational activity focused on pedestrians and bicyclists at the Fremont HRGC was evaluated for reducing gate violations. Removal of the barrier in Waverly contributed to greater frequency of unsafe maneuvers by motorists. Specifically, the frequencies of aggregate unsafe maneuvers (i.e., the sum of motorist gate rush, U-turn and backup), as well as gate rush and U-turn, increased after barrier removal. Safety deteriorated over the long-term at the Fremont HRGC while maintenance resurrected safety by reducing the frequency of passing around fully lowered gates by 30-50%. Regarding the effects of the educational campaign focused on pedestrians and bicyclists at the Fremont HRGC, the drive successfully reduced passing around fully lowered gates by about 39%. The recommendations from this research include emphasis on maintenance of barriers in top condition after installation and educational campaigns focused on pedestrians and bicyclists for safety improvements at HRGCs. KW - Center lines KW - Cyclists KW - Grade crossing protection systems KW - Highway safety KW - Maintenance KW - Median barriers KW - Nebraska KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Safety education UR - http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/R6000/B016.0189-2012.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46600/46656/P323_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225683 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457332 AU - Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Families and Transit-Oriented Development: Creating Complete Communities for All PY - 2012/06 SP - 28p AB - This planning manual illustrates why planning for transit-oriented development (TOD) that serves families is important for creating complete communities and how such integrated planning can be achieved. The first half of the book lays out the why - families are an important market segment that can receive many benefits from locating in transit-rich locations with a mix of housing, retail, and other uses. Next, the manual describes the ten core connections between TOD and families, and then delves into seven action-oriented steps to support family-friendly complete communities and high-quality education. KW - City planning KW - Education KW - Families KW - Mixed use development KW - Public transit KW - Schools KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://citiesandschools.berkeley.edu/reports/tod205_familiesandTOD_2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225525 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547636 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-24. Methods for Title VI Fare and Service Equity Analysis AB - Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires that providers of public transportation who meet specific criteria conduct a Title VI equity analysis in the course of planning a major service change or any magnitude of fare change. Equity analyses are required regardless of whether proposed changes would be detrimental or beneficial to riders on the whole: a service expansion or fare decrease must be evaluated according to a similar process as a service reduction or fare increase. There is a wide variation among transit agencies in the performance of fare and service equity analysis. Additionally, recently FTA has issued new Environmental Justice and Title VI circulars. Various analytical tools, geographic information system applications, transit rider surveys, census data, and other data sources could be used to support fare and service equity analysis. However, data sources to do fare and service equity analysis may be dated, incomplete, or insufficient to undertake fare and service equity analysis. This synthesis will report on successful practices for undertaking fare and service equity analysis. It will identify methods for collecting data, including geographic and demographic information, transit survey techniques, and information available from government and private sources. Additionally, the analytical methods used to complete the fare and service equity analysis may be identified for a variety of fare and service change applications. This would be helpful to small, medium, and large transit agencies which are required to undertake the Title VI Equity Analysis when a fare change or major service change is proposed. The Synthesis will document, but not be limited to the following: (1) Institutional relationships; (2) Survey methods, including instruments used; (3) Data sources; (4) Evaluation measures and analytical techniques; (5) Presentation and reporting; (6) Definitions, including "major service change", "disparate impact", "minority route", etc.; (7) Community engagement efforts and outreach strategies, including limited English proficiency (LEP); (8) Costs and resource commitments, including staffing; (9) Impact mitigation examples; and (10) Sub-recipient requirements and monitoring. A synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice. A literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished to report on the state-of-the-practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Civil Rights Act Title VI KW - Data collection KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Fares KW - Public transit KW - Regulation UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3376 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335189 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547488 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-12. Optimizing Bus Warranty AB - The Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 111: Optimizing Bus Warranty explores how some transit agencies address key aspects of their warranty programs. The report examines the steps taken to more accurately monitor warranty coverage periods, optimize the warranty process, and maximize warranty reimbursement to fulfill U.S. Federal Transit Administration requirements and taxpayer expectations. KW - Buses KW - Maintenance KW - Maintenance management KW - Optimization KW - Warranty UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3377 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334852 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547397 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-32. System-Specific Spare Bus Ratios Update AB - (The Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 109: System-Specific Spare Bus Ratios Update documents successful practices in the United States and Canada, and presents information on efforts employed to achieve optimal bus fleet size and effective spare bus ratios. The synthesis is designed to provide guidance to transit agencies on how various factors may affect optimal fleet size. KW - Bus transit KW - Buses KW - Canada KW - Guidelines KW - Optimization KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3375 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334661 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547328 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-31. Common Sense Approaches for Improving Transit Bus Speeds AB - The Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 110: Common Sense Approaches for Improving Transit Bus Speeds explores approaches transit agencies have taken to realize gains in average bus speeds. The report also identifies metrics pertaining to measures such as changes in travel speed and its components, operating cost, and ridership. It shows the results of each or a combination of approaches implemented KW - Average travel speed KW - Bus transit operations KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Operating costs KW - Ridership KW - Speed KW - Traffic flow KW - Transit buses UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3374 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334501 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545928 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-30. Maintaining Transit Effectiveness under Major Financial Constraints AB - The Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 112: Maintaining Transit Effectiveness Under Major Financial Constraints discusses transit agencies that implemented plans to increase their cost effectiveness and how the agencies communicated with their communities during challenging fiscal circumstances. KW - Communication KW - Constraints KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Economic factors KW - Stakeholders KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3373 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332877 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545067 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-14. Sub-Allocating FTA Section 5307 Funding Among Multiple Recipients in Metropolitan Areas AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 113: Sub-allocating Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 Funding Among Multiple Recipients in Metropolitan Areas documents the approaches, methodologies, and practices for the sub-allocation of U.S. FTA Section 5307 Formula Funds in urbanized areas of multiple types and sizes. Section 5307 formula funds are the primary source of financial support for public transportation capital projects including vehicle, facility, and equipment purchases; preventive maintenance; and other eligible expenses. The report also summarizes practices for fund distribution to help regions interested in developing a distribution practice or altering their current methodology. KW - Capital investments KW - Financing KW - Funds allocation KW - Public transit KW - Resource allocation KW - Urban areas UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3378 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332521 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01495096 TI - Pilot Deployments of TCIP AB - This project describes three pilot deployments of Transit Communications Interface Profile (TCIP) that will serve as the initial implementation testbeds for TCIP. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - ITS deployment KW - Pilot studies KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1264528 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01495083 TI - Pilot Program to Demonstrate the Benefits of Vehicle Assist and Automation (VAA) Applications for Full-size Public Transit Buses AB - No summary provided. KW - Applications KW - Benefits KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Pilot programs KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle assist and automation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1264515 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554196 AU - Balducci, Patrick AU - Burt, Matt AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Pierce, Ben AU - Krile, Bob AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Lee, Ming-Shiun AU - Lee, Matt AU - Pack, Michael AU - Fincher, Scott AU - Kishan, Sandeep AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation Final National Evaluation Framework PY - 2012/05/07/Final Report SP - 160p AB - This report provides an analytical framework for evaluating the two field deployments under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration Phase. The San Diego Interstate 15 corridor deployers and the Dallas U.S. 75 corridor deployers are implementing a suite of strategies aimed at balancing corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. The strategies include decision support systems to aid transportation operators in synthesizing incoming transportation system data and to develop, select and modify response plans; center-to-center information sharing and distribution strategies to promote coordinated, multi-modal and multi-agency responses; traffic signal timing adjustments and short-term transit capacity additions; and enhanced pre-trip and en-route traveler information to shift travelers to alternative modes or routes or to postpone trips to less congested periods. The evaluation will investigate and document the investments made by both sites, including ICM-related changes in policies and procedures; document and evaluate the capabilities acquired through ICM deployment and how those capabilities were utilized; and assess the impacts of the deployments, including mobility, safety, air quality and overall benefit-cost. Institutional and organization issues and lessons learned will also be investigated. The evaluation features eight individual analyses focusing on specific ICM capabilities and types of impacts. KW - Air quality KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Decision support systems KW - Evaluation KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Mobility KW - San Diego (California) KW - Traffic safety KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54350/ICM_National_Evaluation_Framework__FHWA-JPO-13-015_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342212 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563299 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Statistical Summaries PY - 2012/05 SP - 44p AB - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Statistical Summaries provide information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) financial investment programs funded through ARRA.This report covers the Urbanized Area Formula Program and the Non-Urbanized Area Formula and Capital Program. The Capital Program is further broken into two components: Fixed Guideway Modernization and New Starts. Also included are the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Surface Transportation Program (STP), a portion of whose funds were transferred to FTA. The data used in this report are compiled from the ARRA grants that were awarded to transit authorities, states, local governments, and other eligible recipients. KW - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 KW - Capital investments KW - Energy conservation KW - Government funding KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Ground transportation KW - Public transit KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0025.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55510/FTA_Report_No._0025.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352153 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379174 AU - Panero, Marta AU - Shin, Hyeon-Shic AU - Zedrin, Allen AU - Zimmerman, Samuel AU - New York University, New York AU - National Association of City Transportation Officials AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Peer-to-Peer Information Exchange on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Bus Priority Best Practices PY - 2012/05 SP - 109p AB - The purpose of this effort was to foster a dialogue among peers at transportation and planning agencies about their experiences with promoting public transit and, in particular, the challenges they face related to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, as well as the solutions they have developed in response. Agencies from dozens of large cities around the United States participated at three peer-to-peer exchanges in New York City, Los Angeles, and Cleveland. The facilitated discussions were structured to address the unique barriers to BRT implementation on the streets of dense and/or highly-congested large urban centers. Three major themes were the focus of the workshops: Network, Route and Street Design; Traffic Operations; and Building Political, Interagency and Stakeholder Support—BRT as a Driver of Economic Development. The results of the workshops make clear that better public transportation in general and BRT in particular can be cost-effective and useful tools for improving transportation and the environment and for restoring the livability of America’s large cities. KW - Best practices KW - Bus priority KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Large cities KW - Peer-to-peer communication KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0009.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55495/FTA_Report_No._0009.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146716 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456901 AU - Stansbury, John AU - Moussavi, Massoum AU - Zhang, Tian AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Feasibility of Integrating Natural and Constructed Wetlands in Roadway Drainage System Design PY - 2012/04/30/Final Report SP - 349p AB - Stormwater from roadways could have negative effects on the environment and aquatic ecosystems. Typical highway runoff pollutants include solids; heavy metals, particularly cadmium, copper, and zinc; petroleum hydrocarbons; gasoline constituents; polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); oxygen demanding compounds measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); and road salts. Roadway runoff falls under the legislation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) via the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). CWA regulates discharge of nonpoint source pollutants, such as roadway runoff, by issuing permits to public entities which manage Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The objectives of volume I of this research were to characterize the pollutants in roadway runoff and determine the effectiveness of the existing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the study site. To accomplish these objectives, eleven rainfall events were sampled from November 2008 through November 2010. The objective of volume II was to fulfill the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) permitting requirement of creating a design guide for BMPs to remediate roadway runoff in Nebraska. BMPs which were most applicable to treating roadway runoff were those which removed 80% of the total solid load in the runoff, reduced metal concentrations to below acute toxicity levels, had low maintenance burden, were cost effective, did not pose a safety hazard to motorists, could be implemented within the right-of-way, did not negatively impact the road subgrade, and were aesthetically pleasing. The BMPs which best fit these criteria were vegetated filter strips, vegetated swales, bioretention, sand filters, and horizontal filter trenches. In this study fact sheets and design guides were compiled for each of these BMPs. The fact sheet provides background on the BMP including cost considerations, siting constraints, and predicted maintenance requirements. The design guide provides the process for sizing the BMP, design criteria the BMP must meet, and a design example which goes through the design process for a hypothetical application. KW - Best practices KW - Design standards KW - Drainage KW - Nebraska KW - Pollutants KW - Runoff KW - Wetlands UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224017 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545037 TI - Community Toolbox for Improving Options and Coordination of Transportation for Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families AB - During the past several years, there has been growing recognition that America's military service members, veterans, and their families need more and better transportation services. World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans are aging, and service members from the 10-year-long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been leaving their families to serve multiple tours of duty, often returning with significant physical and emotional injuries. Many of these people who have served our country are often challenged by lack of mobility and inadequate access to healthcare, employment, education, training, shopping, social, and other activities. In particular, military service members and veterans from rural areas and small towns have mobility problems because travel distances are longer and fewer transportation services are available. The health, economic and social well being, and overall quality of life of our military community are being seriously affected as a result. This situation causes considerable costs to military service members, veterans, and their families; to the government; and to our entire society. Important efforts have been made to support, provide, and improve transportation services for military service members, veterans, and their families, with special emphasis on healthcare-related trips. These include efforts by (1) the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) volunteer initiatives from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other veterans organizations; (3) public transportation providers in rural, urban, and metropolitan areas throughout the United States; and (4) the new Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), Veterans' Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI) which helps individuals connect to a variety of community transportation service options needed to access healthcare, employment, education, and other services. (This initiative can serve as an incubator of new ideas to improve mobility for America's military service members, veterans, and their families.) Although progress has been made, the need for research that supports improved mobility for America's military service members, veterans, and their families is still great. Additional research is needed to further define the mobility needs, further improve transportation services, make more efficient use of resources, and provide improved access to healthcare, employment, education, training, shopping, social, and other activities. KW - Access KW - Health care KW - Military personnel KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Veterans UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3228 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332491 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01511563 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Atlanta BeltLine, tier 1 : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/04//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix, F KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Georgia UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1295887 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01509785 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - City of Hercules Intermodal Transit Center : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/04//Volumes held: Draft(2v), F KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294109 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466777 TI - Automated Track Inspection Pilot Project AB - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), through New York City Transit (NYCT), in partnership with Plasser American Corporation (PAC) of Chesapeake, Virginia, will demonstrate advanced track inspection technologies that limit the track inspector's exposure to rail rightof- way, enhance the quality of inspection, and potentially reduce operating costs. NYCT's Track Inspection Car TCG4 is equipped with right-of-way, rail view, and gauge-side view video systems. This project will add new video inspection systems providing field-side view of the running rails and the power rail (third rail) to complete the spectrum of measurements and visual inspection of major track components. This research will also enhance and modify the existing software to provide the proper identification, reporting, and comparison tools for the defects found by any of the on-board video systems. NYCT will perform a Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection Pilot Project using the TGC4 on a portion of NYCT's Flushing Line (#7 train service). NYCT will prepare a report documenting the results of the Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection System as used in the Pilot Project as well as its possible shortcomings, need for any improvements or system enhancements, preliminary conclusions, and additional issues that need to be resolved for future implementation of a larger rollout of the Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection Program. KW - Automation KW - Inspection cars KW - Maintenance of way KW - Operating costs KW - Transit safety KW - Video technology UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235012 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379150 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - North Dakota State University, Fargo AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Use of Alternative Fuels and Hybrid Vehicles by Small Urban and Rural Transit Systems PY - 2012/04 SP - 105p AB - A survey was conducted of small urban and rural transit agencies regarding their use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. Responses were received from 115 transit providers across the country, including 31 that use biodiesel, eight that use E85, 10 that use compressed natural gas (CNG), four that use propane, and 24 that own hybrid-electric vehicles. Larger agencies and those operating in urban areas tend to be more likely to adopt alternatives than smaller, rural providers. Improving public perception, reducing emissions, and reducing operating costs tend to be the greatest motivating factors for adopting these alternatives, in addition to political directives and incentives. Concerns about infrastructure development and costs, vehicle costs, maintenance, and fuel supply are the greatest deterrents to adoption. Those agencies that have adopted alternative fuels or hybrids have been mostly satisfied with their experience, but some problems were identified. An analysis of satisfaction with biodiesel indicates that agencies with a larger fleet size and those that have committed a larger percentage of their fleet to biodiesel have been more satisfied with the fuel. Findings provide useful information to transit operators considering adoption of alternative fuels and hybrids and to policy makers considering policies on alternative fuels and hybrids. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Ethanol KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Propane KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP250.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144218 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374588 AU - Vakili, Ahmad D AU - Yue, Zhongren AU - University of Tennessee, Tullahoma AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Low Cost Carbon Fiber Technology Development for Carbon Fiber Composite Applications PY - 2012/04 SP - 40p AB - The objective of this project was to further develop low cost carbon fiber for a variety of potential applications. Manufacturing feasibility of low cost carbon fibers/composites has been demonstrated. A number of technologies that are currently using other synthetic fibers may use high strength lightweight and low cost carbon fibers to reduce weight and improve performance. New applications that are in the nation’s interest may also be developed. Production of lightweight automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and ships, including lightweight select body panels, load bearing structures, and other transportation system components, could result in major weight savings and result in significant reduction in the energy used. KW - Carbon fibers KW - Costs KW - Fabrication KW - Fiber composites KW - High strength materials KW - Lightweight materials KW - Production KW - Properties of materials UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0011.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55497/FTA_Report_No._0011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142320 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371309 AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Refinements to DOT’s Management of the Highway Trust Fund’s Solvency Could Improve the Understanding and Accuracy of Shortfall Projections PY - 2012/03/06 SP - 43p AB - In recent years, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), comprised of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Highway Account (HA) and the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Mass Transit Account (MTA), has confronted solvency concerns as its outlays have significantly outpaced its excise tax receipts. An insolvency event in HTF could have severe consequences across the economy, possibly causing States to suspend billions of dollars in highway projects and transit agencies to suspend public transportation services. At the end of fiscal years 2008 and 2009, HA faced possible shortfalls, and Congress transferred $8 billion and $7 billion, respectively, from the General Fund. In fiscal year 2010, Congress made another General Fund transfer to HA of $14.7 billion and $4.8 billion to MTA. As a result of these infusions, HA and MTA avoided the shortfalls that both were projected to experience by early fiscal year 2011. While DOT is responsible for the management of HA and MTA’s balances, it does not control the amount and timing of revenues and outlays. The U. S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) was asked to identify and assess (1) the procedures that FHWA and FTA use to monitor HA and MTA’s balances and identify and manage possible shortfalls in those accounts, and (2) DOT’s methods of communicating with Congress and recipients regarding possible shortfalls in HA and MTA. The requester also asked OIG to review the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airways and Airport Trust Fund (AATF) because it is similar to HTF but has not experienced similar solvency problems. Accordingly, OIG reviewed the practices that FAA uses to manage AATF to assess whether they would be useful to FHWA and FTA. In summary, as a result of HA’s 2008 shortfall, both FHWA and FTA (the OAs) instituted cash tracking procedures to forecast shortfalls, and FHWA instituted additional procedures to adjust when necessary the amount and timing of HA’s outlays to States. While these forecasts are accurate over the long term, they do not account for revenue variances and short-term outlay deviations, which makes it difficult to predict the specific date on which a shortfall will occur. While DOT communicates regularly with Congress regarding HA and MTA’s balances and possible shortfalls, it does not inform recipients of its management procedures─information that would provide context for the accounts’ balances. FAA’s AATF has certain fail-safe funding mechanisms that are unavailable to HTF. However, FAA employs some practices for tracking of AATF’s outlays which, if adopted by HTF’s managers, could improve the accuracy of HTF’s short-term outlay estimates. KW - Accounting KW - Airport and Airways Trust Fund KW - Communication KW - Estimating KW - Financial analysis KW - Financial management KW - Financing KW - Highway Account KW - Highway Trust Fund KW - Mass Transit Account KW - Shortfall analysis KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/HTF%20Solvency%20Audit%20Report%5E3-6-12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139383 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580469 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Battelle AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Fuel Cell Electric Bus Program: Research Accomplishments through 2011 PY - 2012/03//Summary Report SP - 87p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation (TRI), this report summarizes the accomplishments of fuel-cell-transit-bus-related research and demonstrations projects supported by FTA through 2011. It catalogs fuel cell electric bus research projects in the United States and describes their impact on commercialization of fuel cell power systems and electric propulsion for transit buses. Few barriers remain to reaching full commercialization of fuel cell electric buses. This report documents progress toward overcoming these barriers. KW - Commercialization KW - Electric buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Research KW - Transit buses UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55500/FTA_Report_No._0014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373031 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01512528 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Westside Subway Extension : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/03//Volumes held: Draft(2v)(v.2 folio), F KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1296852 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01480473 AU - Shadan, Kam AU - Gannett Fleming, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Construction Project Management Handbook: March 2012 PY - 2012/03 SP - 155p AB - The purpose of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Construction Project Management Handbook is to provide guidelines for use by public transit agencies (Agencies) undertaking substantial construction projects, either for the first time or with little prior experience with construction project management. It provides a comprehensive introduction to construction project management, including the applicability of the principles of project management and of all phases of project development—from project initiation through planning, environmental clearance, real estate acquisition, design, construction, commissioning, and closeout. This Handbook provides guidance similar to that in earlier documents but tailored more to agencies that are constructing maintenance and operational facilities, intermodal terminals, park-and-ride stations, and other similar supporting transit facilities. Throughout the sections, project management concepts are illustrated with the use of a hypothetical example, a typical project to plan, design, and build a new bus maintenance facility. KW - Construction management KW - Construction of specific facilities KW - Construction projects KW - Design KW - Environmental impacts KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Intermodal facilities KW - Project management KW - Public transit KW - Real property KW - Transit authorities UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0015.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55501/FTA_Report_No._0015.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248975 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444526 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Fuel Cell Bus Program: Research Accomplishments through 2011 PY - 2012/03//Summary Report SP - 87p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation (TRI), this report summarizes the accomplishments of fuel-cell-transit-bus-related research and demonstrations projects supported by FTA through 2011. It catalogs fuel cell electric bus research projects in the United States and describes their impact on commercialization of fuel cell power systems and electric propulsion for transit buses. Few barriers remain to reaching full commercialization of fuel cell electric buses. This report documents progress toward overcoming these barriers. KW - Electric buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - National Fuel Cell Bus Program KW - Research KW - Transit buses KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212108 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383600 AU - Wheet, Alice AU - National Conference of State Legislatures AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Labor TI - Human Service Transportation Coordination State Profile: Texas PY - 2012/03 SP - 11p AB - Texas is one of a large group of states that have established proactive measures to coordinate transportation services among public agencies and other stakeholders. Coordination is intended to ensure transportation delivery programs will provide adequate transportation for transportation-disadvantaged populations while saving state money and resources. This brief explores the effort to coordinate transportation services in Texas, how the programs are funded and the results the state has seen since its coordination mandate was enacted in 2003. KW - Coordination KW - Financing KW - Human service transportation KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Texas KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/TX-HSTCprofile.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144222 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547222 TI - Improving the Safety and Sustainability of Stray Current Control of DC-Powered Rail Transit Systems AB - Direct current (DC)-powered transit systems have been faced with major repairs and modifications to signal and traction power systems because of ineffective negative return rail isolation. An indication of the magnitude of the financial costs is cited in a comprehensive research report published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in the 1990s, where it was estimated that a major portion of the estimated $500 million per year from stray current corrosion losses was borne by direct current (DC)-powered transit properties and the surrounding infrastructure assets. This figure does not take into account the costs associated with signal problems and repairs. The cost to DC-powered transit systems has been increasing steadily due to stray current issues. What is stray current? How do I know I have it? What do I do to mitigate it? What levels of stray current are acceptable? What levels of rail-to-earth potential are acceptable? How large is the transit corridor for protection? What levels of track-to-earth and rail-to-rail resistance are required? What maintenance testing is required? What costs and safety issues are related to signal system failure? How is maintenance testing conducted? The need for specific criteria for these areas is required for the transit community to make appropriate decisions concerning the costs and implementation of control measures. Research is needed to develop a Guidebook on design and sustainability of stray current control and control of railcar-to-earth and rail-to-earth voltages for DC-powered rail transit systems, including (a) a primer that explains all significant issues in readily understandable terms for non-technical people, (b) guidelines addressed to design and maintenance practitioners (e.g., recommended hazard analysis and safety certification checklist items), (c) case studies (third rail and overhead contact), and (d) recommendations for further research. Implementation of results from this research may significantly reduce start-up and ongoing problems in new and existing DC-powered rail transit systems, including signal failures; controlling railcar-to-earth and rail-to-earth voltages; and the loss of public metallic assets over time, owned by transit agencies, municipalities, public utilities, and others. System safety and stability may be significantly improved, while maintenance costs and train delays may be substantially reduced. This research could potentially influence new system construction, extensions, and maintenance and operation of existing systems. The objective of this research is to develop a Guidebook on design and sustainability of stray current control and control of railcar-to-earth and rail-to-earth voltages for DC-powered rail transit systems. The Guidebook shall include (a) a primer that explains all significant issues in readily understandable terms by non-technical people, (b) guidelines addressed to design and maintenance practitioners (e.g., recommended hazard analysis and safety certification checklist items), (c) case studies (third rail and overhead contact), and (d) recommendations for further research. Task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objective. Proposers are expected to describe research plans that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and contract time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective. Phase I: Task 1. Identify the domestic and international body of knowledge that pertains to principles, procedures, methods, and criteria for achieving and documenting acceptable levels of stray current and rail-to-earth potential. Include, at a minimum, existing and proposed standards (and the background used to develop those standards), methods of measurement, implementation, and compliance. Review the results of relevant research on stray current, including practices, performance data, research findings, lessons learned, emerging technologies, and other related information. Review relevant literature for rail-to-earth potential effects on people and animals, as well as stray current effects on tracks, signals and communications, utilities, structures, and equipment. Task 2. Survey DC-powered rail transit systems to collect pertinent information on design criteria; technical/performance specifications; hazard analysis; safety certification; constructability issues; monitoring and maintenance of stray current controls; and agency criteria for rail-to-earth potentials. Task 3. Identify a representative sample of at least 6 DC-powered rail transit systems for case studies that illustrate effective practices for stray current control and control of railcar-to-earth and rail-to-earth voltages for DC-powered rail transit systems. This sample should include a mix of old and new third rail and overhead contact systems. Explain why the chosen systems were selected. Explain what information is to be gathered in the case studies, such as decision trees and standard procedures. Task 4. Based on Tasks 1 through 3, identify the key decision metrics associated with implementing and maintaining stray current control and safety control of rail-to-earth potentials. For each of the case studies, identify how their stray current control systems were selected, their standards or regulatory frameworks, and any oversight agency involvement. Identify guidelines that are available in citable versions and those which will require further development. Prepare a detailed outline for the draft Guidebook and a prioritized list of identified guidelines recommended for further development. Prepare an updated Phase II work plan for developing guidelines. Task 5. Prepare an interim report documenting the results of Tasks 1 through 4. Phase II: Task 6. Develop guidelines per the approved Phase II work plan. Task 7. Prepare a Guidebook of recommended practices and design and maintenance criteria associated with stray current controls and prevention of excessive rail-to-earth potentials using both passive and active techniques. The Guidebook shall include (a) a primer, (b) guidelines, (c) case studies, and (d) additional research needs. The primer in the Guidebook should include topics such as earthing strategies and their cost-effectiveness; leakage prevention; electrical continuity of concrete reinforcement; stray current test stations; track-to-earth resistance; rail-to-rail resistance; impedance bonding; power system modeling; and galvanic and impressed current cathodic protection. Task 8. Submit a final report documenting the entire research effort. Include, as separate deliverables for use by transit agencies, an updated PowerPoint presentation, an executive summary of the project, and a Guidebook that provides a recommended decision-making process and guidelines for selecting appropriate stray current control design and maintenance practices. The guidelines on stray current control must be in a format suitable for use by practicing engineers for design and maintenance. KW - Case studies KW - Design KW - Direct current KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Hazards KW - Maintenance KW - Occupational safety KW - Rail transit KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Third rail KW - Transit safety KW - Voltage UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3087 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334203 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599296 AU - National Aging and Disability Transportation Center AU - Easter Seals Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Effective Transportation Advisory Committees: Creating a Group that Reflects all Community Voices PY - 2012/02 SP - 21p AB - Advisory committees present transit agencies with the opportunity to engage directly customers who use their services on a daily basis, citizen advocates and business owners. By involving the public and bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, advisory committees can help transit agencies develop successful initiatives, resolve problems and create an ongoing dialogue that serves everyone in the community. Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation in Our Nation) hopes that this guidebook will serve as a helpful resource to both transit agencies that are considering creating an advisory committee for the first time and agencies that are looking to help their current advisory committee increase its effectiveness. Although this guidebook may be useful to many types of advisory committees, it focuses on groups devoted to increasing accessible transportation. KW - Accessibility KW - Advisory groups KW - Handbooks KW - Public transit KW - Stakeholders UR - http://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/NADTC-Effective-Transportation-Advisory-Committees.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1407255 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374403 AU - Ice, Ronald C AU - Bauer, Jocelyn K AU - Loudon, William R AU - Fehon, Kevin AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - R.C. Ice and Associates AU - DKS Associates AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Applying a Regional ITS Architecture to Support Planning for Operations: A Primer PY - 2012/02 SP - 100p AB - This primer offers transportation planners and operations managers a menu of opportunities for applying the regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture to enhance planning for operations. It provides specific entry points for leveraging the regional ITS architecture in integrating operations into the planning process. This primer centers on the use of an objectives-driven, performance-based approach to planning for operations; an approach that can leverage regional ITS architectures given the approach’s emphasis on operational objectives and performance measures and the architecture’s use of data and services to address operational needs. Additionally, the primer leads planners and operators through techniques to make a regional ITS architecture relevant and more accessible to practitioner needs in planning for operations. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - ITS program applications KW - Regional ITS architecture KW - Technology UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12001/fhwahop12001.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141585 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545933 TI - Livable Transit Corridors: Methods, Metrics, and Strategies AB - Considerable attention has been given to the need for and benefits of livable communities and how transit investments and operations contribute to livability. For example, transit services promote livability by increasing access, improving mobility, supporting economic development, and facilitating a healthier environment. Previous research has explored the relationship between transit investment and economic development (one aspect of livability), in particular in and around transit station areas. Less research has addressed the broader relationships between transit and livability in transit corridors. In 2009, the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined together to champion policies and programs designed to stimulate sustainable and livable communities. The Partnership for Sustainable Communities established six livability principles and a partnership to act as a foundation for interagency coordination. The Partnership's six principles, which are built on the potential linkages among housing development, employment growth, and overall economic development that often accompany improvements to transportation as well as other infrastructure, will be addressed in this research project. The objective of this research is to develop a handbook that presents: (1) A framework for assessing the livability outcomes of transit corridor planning and decision making. The framework should include (a) methods for evaluating transit corridor-level livability outcomes and (b) metrics that relate transit corridor planning to livability. The framework should address the six livability principles developed by DOT, HUD, and EPA in their Partnership for Sustainable Communities. (2) Practical planning and implementation strategies to enhance livability in transit corridors. These methods, metrics, and strategies should support transit planning, development of livable communities, and investment in associated infrastructure. KW - Decision making KW - Economic development KW - Housing KW - Investments KW - Livable communities KW - Partnership for Sustainable Communities KW - Rail transit stations KW - Sustainable development UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3091 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332882 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01512514 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - AC Transit East Bay bus rapid transit project in Alameda County : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/01//Volumes held: Draft, F KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1296838 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507931 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Mukilteo multimodal project : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/01//Volumes held: Draft KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1292255 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507928 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project : environmental impact statement PY - 2012/01//Volumes held: Draft, Dapp, F KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1292252 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376081 AU - Rall, Jaime AU - Farber, Nicholas J AU - National Conference of State Legislatures AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Labor TI - Regional Human Service Transportation Coordinating Councils: Synthesis, Case Studies and Directory PY - 2012/01 SP - 21p AB - The current complex, fragmented and uncoordinated intergovernmental landscape of transportation can waste public resources and create barriers for people who need transportation assistance, particularly transportation disadvantaged individuals who because of age, disability or income cannot afford or safely operate a vehicle. By one estimate, approximately 44,000 levels of government—each with its own laws or regulations—and thousands of nonprofits, private companies and individuals are involved in transportation service provision in the United States. The large number, diversity and dispersion of transportation programs can create service duplications in some areas and gaps in others, under utilization of resources, inconsistent safety standards and customer inconvenience. Funding shortfalls, policy and implementation failures, and lack of coordination can leave many who need transportation with few or no options. To combat these problems, governmental bodies, human service organizations and transportation planners have advocated improved coordination among human service agencies, transportation providers, of both public transit and of services targeted to disadvantaged populations, and other stakeholders. When these entities work together to jointly accomplish their objectives, it can reduce or eliminate many problems caused by numerous specialized programs. This process is called “human service transportation coordination.” This report begins with an assessment of how coordinating councils work to improve transportation access, including working definitions and a 50-state snapshot of where both state and regional councils now exist. The next sections explain how regional coordinating councils are complementary to state efforts and provide case studies of regional councils in five states. A look ahead to the future of regional coordinating councils, with a list of factors that can help support their success, concludes the analysis. In addition, a comprehensive state-by-state directory of regional coordinating councils in the United States with contact information accompanies this report as a separate document. KW - Case studies KW - Coordination KW - Councils of government KW - Interagency relations KW - Regional government KW - Social service agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Transportation programs UR - http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/NCSL_Regional_HSTCC_synthesis_case_studies.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143119 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374583 AU - Miller, Michael AU - Sound Transit AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Pilot Program Report PY - 2012/01 SP - 52p AB - The Remote Infrared Audible Sign Model Accessibility Program (RIAS MAP) is a program funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to evaluate the effectiveness of remote infrared audible sign systems in enabling persons with visual and cognitive disabilities to travel independently. The subject for this report is the continuation of this evaluation through using a more comprehensive, multi-modal public transportation environment for measuring effectiveness. The wayfinding product evaluated is the RIAS technology with the registered trade name Talking Signs (Talking Signs, Inc.). There are two main goals for this project: 1) Measure the effectiveness of the Sound Transit RIAS system by using persons with visual or cognitive disabilities to test the installed system and provide feedback, as well as by observing the testers’ ability to use the system during structured testing, and 2) Measure cost implications for future expansion of the RIAS system for both Sound Transit and other regional public transit agencies. KW - Accessibility KW - Audible signage KW - Cognitive impairment KW - Costs KW - Public transit KW - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program KW - Remote infrared signage KW - Talking signs KW - Testing KW - Visually impaired persons KW - Wayfinding UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142318 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372634 AU - Couch, Pamela AU - Jaffe, Marcy AU - Modoc County Transportation Commission AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evolution of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Mobility Management and Coordination Serving California’s Rural Frontier PY - 2012/01//Final SP - 41p AB - This report documents the evolution, development, and lessons learned while attempting to identify, modify, and deploy Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and advanced technology tools to facilitate coordination of public transit and social (human) service transportation and mobility management in a “one stop shop” located in Modoc County (northeast), California. The report summarizes planning and coordination efforts; shares challenges, lessons learned, and outcomes; and concludes by identifying some issues and structural obstacles that diminish usability and impede transfer of functional ITS tools for purposes of data collection, management, and reporting. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Modoc County (California) KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Social service UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0006.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55492/FTA_Report_No._0006.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141130 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554358 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Small Urban and Rural Transit Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rural Transit Fact Book 2012 PY - 2012 SP - 36p AB - The intent of the Rural Transit Fact Book is to serve as a national resource for statistics and information on rural transit in America. This publication includes rural demographic and travel behavior data as well as financial and operating statistics for agencies receiving section 5311 funding. In addition to national level data, statistics are presented by state, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) region, tribe, and mode, as well as other agency characteristics. KW - Demographics KW - Financing KW - Operating costs KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Statistics KW - Travel behavior KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.surtc.org/transitfactbook/downloads/2012_rural_transit_fact_book.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341988 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01514233 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Red Line project, Baltimore County and City, Maryland : final environmental impact statement and draft section 4(f) evaluation PY - 2012///24 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1298558 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01510012 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project : supplemental draft environmental impact statement for construction-related potential impacts on business revenues PY - 2012///1 online resource. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294336 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507258 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Southwest Transitway : draft environmental impact statement PY - 2012///26 online resources. KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291582 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01479940 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings on the Web PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - Using Census Data for Transportation Applications: Summary of a Conference PY - 2012 IS - 10 SP - 130p AB - This conference, Using Census Data for Transportation, brought together approximately 115 individuals from across the transportation communities at the national, state, regional, and local levels, and from the public and private sectors and academia. The conference focused on the critical role of census data in a wide range of transportation planning applications. The conference provided a forum for participants to share experiences with the use of census data in transportation planning and decision making. Participants also learned about recent and forthcoming census products. The conference further provided the chance to discuss opportunities, limitations, and challenges involved in using census data, data available from the private sector, and data from global positioning systems and other technologies. Finally, participants were able to discuss research and training needs associated with applying census data and data from other sources to transportation planning and decision making. This conference summary report follows the conference agenda. The presentations made in each session are summarized. The conference began with general sessions highlighting activities at the Census Bureau; data at the federal, state, and local levels were used. Breakout sessions included presentations on the use of census data and data from other sources for a wide range of transportation applications. Two breakout discussion group sessions allowed participants to share their ideas and experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and identify research and training needs. In addition, there were five discussion groups focused on different topics. The five topics were content specification; integration with other sources and private-sector data; data dissemination and data access, tools, and models; funding and institutional arrangements relating to the census and alternative sources; and research and professional development. The final general sessions included an update on research activities and a data power user’s forum. The discussion group leaders highlighted key points and common themes in the closing session. U1 - Using Census Data for Transportation ApplicationsTransportation Research BoardAmerican Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)Federal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20111025 EndDate:20111027 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Census KW - Conferences KW - Data access KW - Data files KW - Data integration KW - Data sources KW - Decision making KW - Demographics KW - Financing KW - Research KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/168840.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248967 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463287 TI - Quick Response for Special Needs. Task 81. Impact of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation on Transit Agencies AB - This task will review non-emergency medical transportation and its impact on transit agencies. KW - Impact assessment KW - Non-emergency medical transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation KW - Transportation operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231513 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01506948 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Northern Branch Corridor : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/12//Volumes held: Draft, Dapp KW - Environmental impact statements KW - New Jersey UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291272 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01488311 AU - Sloane, Robert AU - Hass, Dorothea AU - Carson, Rosa AU - Cutrufo, Joseph AU - Zanetta, Kate AU - Lacombe, Phil AU - Landman, Wendy AU - WalkBoston AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Walking to Transit PY - 2011/12//2/2009-12/2011 SP - 67p AB - Using a real-life setting, WalkBoston’s project focused on developing and testing techniques to broaden the scope and range of public participation in transportation planning in a large neighborhood in Boston. The team explored methods of seeking out and talking with people who are seldom involved in the formal planning processes. The goal was to explore public participation techniques designed to elicit their opinions on the plans being developed by public agencies. KW - Boston (Massachusetts) KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Transportation planning KW - Walking UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No.0031.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257239 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456905 AU - Appiah, Justice AU - Rilett, Laurence R AU - Wu, Zifeng AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Evaluation of NDOR’s Actuated Advance Warning Systems PY - 2011/12//Final Report SP - 123p AB - Driver behavior within the dilemma zone can be a major safety concern at high-speed signalized intersections. The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) has developed and implemented an actuated advance warning (AAW) dilemma zone protection system. Although these systems have received positive reviews from the public, and commercial vehicle operators in particular, there has been no comprehensive analysis of their effects on safety and traffic operations. The focus of this research was to conduct a quantitative study to ascertain the efficacy of the NDOR advance warning system. First, crash records from before and after the implementation of the system at 26 intersections were compared. In addition, 29 control intersections were used to compare crash rates over time, and a fully Bayesian technique was employed to ensure that no exogenous variables affected the study. Results of the safety analysis were promising (a 43.6% reduction in right-angle crashes) and suggested that the use of the system should be encouraged as an effective safety treatment for the dilemma zone problem at high-speed signalized intersections. Second, a non-intrusive data collection system was used to monitor traffic and to collect a continuous stream of data up to 1,000 ft upstream of the stop line at two high-speed signalized intersections equipped with the system. The results suggested that the system was effective at alerting drivers to the impending end of the green signal; approximately 78% of drivers observed in this study either maintained their speeds or slowed down when the signs began to flash. It was also found that the number of vehicles in their dilemma zones when the signal indication changed from green to amber was 77.2% smaller than the number that would have been expected if the NDOR AAW system had not been installed. Finally, a modeling framework was developed that could be used to perform consistent, detailed analyses of these systems. Results from two demonstration studies indicated that the proposed procedure had potential for studying these systems in a microsimulation environment. KW - Before and after studies KW - Crash rates KW - Dilemma zone KW - Highway safety KW - Nebraska KW - Right angle crashes KW - Signalized intersections KW - Warning systems UR - http://drivingassessment.uiowa.edu/DA2005/PDF/49_TalleahAllenformat.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224018 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379126 AU - Olivares, Gerardo AU - Gomez, Luis AU - Wichita State University AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Crashworthiness Evaluation of Light Rail Vehicle Interiors PY - 2011/12 SP - 245p AB - Statistically, light rail transit (LRT) systems have higher injury rates on a per‐passenger‐mile basis than heavy rail and commuter rail systems, because in most cities, light rail vehicles (LRVs) operate on city streets. Passenger safety is dependent on the configuration and severity of the accident, as well as the degree of crashworthiness engineered in the overall vehicle design. Passengers can be injured or killed as the result of two main mechanisms that arise because of sudden acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle, or because of mechanical damage to the vehicle structure. These mechanisms are the following: (1) primary collision of the vehicle with another vehicle or obstacle, which results in two main outcomes: occupant‐compartment crush and consequent reduction of survival space, or penetration of the compartment by parts of the impacting vehicle; and (2) secondary impacts between the occupant and the interior of the vehicle (compartment interior surfaces, other occupants, or loose objects) that occur after initiation of the primary collision. The objective of this research is to identify the injury mechanisms to passengers in LRVs and to propose future areas of research that will lay the foundation necessary to generate transit rail vehicle interior design guidelines that enhance the safety of passengers during collisions. Results of this study show that the most common and severe injuries to LRV passengers involve the head, neck (neck extension, flexion, shear, and compression), and femur (compression) regions. These injuries are primarily the result of body‐to‐body contact between unrestrained passengers and/or body‐to‐seat structure contacts. KW - Crashes KW - Crashworthiness KW - Design KW - Guidelines KW - Injury mechanism KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Occupant protection KW - Passenger compartments KW - Secondary crashes KW - Transportation safety KW - Vehicle interiors UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA%20FINAL%20Report%20No%200005.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55490/FTA_FINAL_Report_No_0005.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146698 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376080 AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Nostrand, Caleb Van AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Cedar Avenue Driver Assist System Evaluation Report PY - 2011/12 SP - 42p AB - This paper summarizes an evaluation of the Driver Assist System (DAS) used by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MTVA) for bus shoulder operations. The DAS is a global positioning system-based technology suite that provides lane-position feedback to the driver via a head-up display, virtual mirror, vibrating seat, and actuated steering. MVTA’s primary goal was to enhance driver confidence, especially during adverse weather. Secondary goals included reduced travel times and increased reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. The evaluation used a “with and without” approach. Performance data were collected from the same drivers, with the DAS set to passive and then active mode. When the DAS was in active mode, the drivers stayed in the shoulders 10 percent longer and drove 3 miles per hour faster. Lateral (side-to-side) movement was reduced by 5.5 inches. These results should be considered preliminary, as only 6 of the 25 trained drivers used the shoulders during both test periods. When surveyed, 32 percent of the bus drivers said their level of confidence for driving in the shoulder was greater when using the DAS, while 60 percent said it was the same. A majority believed the DAS made driving in the shoulder safer and less stressful. Nevertheless, many drivers raised concerns about the head-up display being a distraction. By contrast, the vibrating seat was praised as the best feature of the entire system. For customer satisfaction, more than 80 percent of surveyed passengers rated the ride quality in the shoulder as very good or good. KW - Advanced vehicle control systems KW - Bus drivers KW - Bus driving KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Driver support systems KW - Global Positioning System KW - Head up displays KW - Minnesota KW - Performance tests KW - Road shoulders KW - Weather conditions UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/FTA_Report_No%20_0010_Cedar_Avenue_DAS_Evaluation_Report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55496/FTA_Report_No._0010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142394 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545938 TI - Developing an ITS Technology Web Portal for Transit System Leaders AB - In many transit agencies, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are procured and used in stand-alone modes by the individual business unit that sponsored the deployment. This practice limits the ability for a broad range of business areas to benefit from those systems. To begin to overcome this limitation, it is important to establish internal procedures to integrate available ITS technologies into legacy systems, open data sources, and transparent structures leading to ample opportunities for distributing information creatively, effectively, and efficiently. This approach can help streamline internal operations, inter-agency coordination, and the elimination of duplicating data collection efforts. On the external front, many transit agencies have been releasing raw routing and scheduling data to third-party developers leading to transformative applications. These applications emphasize social, mobile, app-centric, cloud-based data transformations that are now available. An array of transit applications can be tailored to improve customer service at little or no cost to the agencies. To assist transit leaders in understanding ITS technologies, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) would like to include as part of their website a "Tech Portal" that will be managed by its Research & Technology Committee. The purpose of the Tech Portal is to provide a resource for transit leaders to learn about technology that their agency can use, particularly newer technologies. Information placed on the portal will typically be short (5-minute average), graphic-based (video, flash, or PowerPoint) presentations on a macro level. Content will be non-vendor specific and broad based, and may cover all aspects of transit, including bus, rail, paratransit, planning, operations, engineering, maintenance, management, and other relevant areas. The objective of this research is to develop content and structure for a web-based knowledge portal for transit system leaders that will be hosted on the APTA website. The content of this web-based portal is intended to help transit system leaders understand and communicate how to deploy existing and emerging technology, incorporating the following products: (1) A Tech Portal site map and work flow for submission, approval, and presentation of content that will be hosted on APTA's content management system within the existing APTA website design; (Note: APTA currently uses a SharePoint™ platform for content management. Material created as part of this research should ultimately be compatible with that platform to facilitate implementation) (2) Formal standards, templates, and procedures for content submission as a function of the chosen media; (3) Effective guidelines for maintaining, updating, and removing Tech Portal contents; (4) Initial multi-media content for seeding the Tech Portal with current, relevant information using the templates; and (5) A preliminary implementation, marketing, and sustainability plan for the Tech Portal. The scope of work should include the following components, separated into two phases: Phase I of the research should include tasks leading to development of the first three products and should culminate in the preparation of an interim report. The interim report should also describe the steps necessary to develop the remaining two products defined in the objective. The interim report should be completed without expending more than one-half of the available project funds. A 1-month period will be provided for panel review of the interim report. At the end of this review period, a 1-day meeting with the panel will be held to discuss project status and remaining tasks. Work will not continue on subsequent tasks without prior Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) approval. To develop multi-media content for the Tech Portal, it is necessary and desirable to create a set of templates. As appropriate, the following should be considered when building these templates and structuring content: (1) What is the technology, how does it work, and what purpose does it serve? (2) How do you decide what technology improvements to make and in what priority or sequence? (3) How does a given technology integrate with and build on existing technologies within the transit system, and realize the logical synergies across ITS elements? (4) How have individual transit agencies used particular technologies and what were the benefits realized? (5) What is the potential impact on organizational structure? (6) How does it integrate with the mission and policies of the transit agency? (7) What are advantages and disadvantages of presenting data to software application developers? (8) What ITS training and staffing needs might be required? (9) How do you identify the need for and accommodate regional coordination? What website links for additional information might be included? (10) Within an agency and in a regional context where appropriate, who is responsible for implementation of particular technologies, and how are incurred costs shared? The interim report should address the first three products outlined in the objective. Phase II will include preparation of the final two products: (1) initial multi-media content, targeted at transit system leaders, for seeding the Tech Portal; and (2) a preliminary implementation, marketing, and sustainability plan. Phase II will also include preparation of the final research report which will incorporate all five products included in the objective. The schedule should include a 3-month period for panel review of the preliminary draft final deliverables and contractor preparation of the revised final deliverables. KW - Guidelines KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Marketing KW - Public transit KW - Web applications UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3090 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332912 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01546286 TI - Use of Mobility Devices on Paratransit Vehicles and Buses AB - For the purposes of this research, a mobility device (MD) is defined as mechanical equipment on which a person sits or lays prone or supine in order to move from one location to another. Such equipment is typically a wheeled device propelled manually or by electric motors. It is personal property that must remain with the person throughout the day. Mobility devices include wheelchairs, scooters, and Segways. Regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) implementing the transportation provisions of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) defines a "common wheelchair" as being no more than 30" wide and 48" long, measured from 2" above the ground. In addition to transporting persons using common wheelchairs, the ADA requires transit operators to provide lifts and ramps that are able to accommodate 600 pounds, although transit agencies can choose to provide service for larger wheelchairs with lifts and ramps that accommodate more than 600 pounds. However, some mobility devices may not fit into the layout constraints of paratransit vehicles and buses. Travelers using wheelchairs and scooters can face a serious problem when trying to board a transit vehicle if their mobility device does not fall into the common wheelchair envelope of 48" long, 30'' wide; a problem in both rural and urban areas. It appears that new mobility device models on the market increasingly exceed the dimensions of a common wheelchair. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggest that persons using a mobility device on transit systems may not be aware of the physical limitations of transit vehicles, especially those persons who are not frequent travelers or use a scooter only occasionally. Field reports indicate that the results can be unpleasant for both the passenger and transit operator. The dimension problem is compounded by the lack of designated, safe attachment points on mobility devices. This, combined with the increased weight beyond the design parameters of common securement systems, can lead to attaching securement devices at points which are not safe or structurally sound to protect the passenger, especially those on scooters. Research is needed to better understand the extent of the problem. This issue can affect all those using a mobility device not just those who are defined under ADA as disabled. This area of research involves a wide variety of stakeholders including, but not limited to, transit agencies, transit users, funding agencies, and manufacturers (of vehicle lifts/ramps, transit vehicles, securement systems, mobility devices, and fare collection systems). The objectives of this research were to (1) identify and assess the current and emerging issues which limit the use of mobility devices in paratransit vehicles and buses and (2) develop guidance and options to assist transit systems, manufacturers, and transit users in the implementation of accessible design and accommodation solutions for the short and long term. This research addressed potential safety improvements and the level of service of public transport for larger and heavier occupied mobility devices in paratransit vehicles and buses. KW - Accessibility KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Equipment KW - Guidelines KW - Level of service KW - Mobility KW - Paratransit vehicles KW - Personal mobility devices KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Scooters KW - Segway Human Transporter KW - Two wheeled vehicles KW - Vehicle design KW - Wheelchairs UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3085 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333168 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01545909 TI - Travel Training for Older Adults: A Handbook AB - As older adults continue to represent a growing segment of the traveling public, it is increasingly important to document existing, develop new, and expand availability of effective travel training programs for older adults. The purpose of this training is to help increase use of conventional public transit services by older adults as they transition from driving. Travel training programs should be provided without regard to physical disabilities or cognitive impairments. Programs geared toward older adults with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments are often more prevalent; however, travel training programs for others are becoming more important as costs for providing alternate travel services increase. To make the best use of travel training programs, transit operators and other human services providers need to understand which components of current programs work best in which situations, the most likely target groups for such programs, and the best way to conduct outreach to that target group. Travel training for older adults has become more common because it encourages greater ridership using conventional public transit services, and transferring ridership from paratransit to conventional public transit can potentially decrease overall transit system operating costs. At the same time, there is interest in improving the quality of life of older adults by expanding opportunities for increased mobility and continued independence for those not so constrained by physical or cognitive disabilities that use of conventional public transit remains feasible. Transit operators need better information to understand (1) how effective travel training can increase ridership, (2) which older adults are likely to benefit from travel training, (3) what barriers have to be overcome, and (4) what elements of travel training programs are linked to greater success among different groups of older adults. The objective of this research is to prepare a handbook for transit agencies and human services providers on how to create, implement, sustain, and evaluate travel training programs for older adults able to use conventional public transit. This handbook should address the primary components of an effective travel training program for older adults, including but not limited to the following: (1) defining the target market for travel training; (2) identifying incentives and barriers to participation in training programs and subsequent use of conventional public transit; (3) presenting effective marketing and outreach; (4) presenting opportunities and techniques for customized training; (5) identifying and describing methods to monitor outcomes, refine techniques, and sustain ridership; and (6) evaluating cost-effectiveness to the provider as well as the recipient of training. The evaluation process should also address the potential change in quality of life experienced by older adults who participate in and benefit from transit system travel training. KW - Aged KW - Cognitive impairment KW - Incentives KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Ridership KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3084 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332858 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01549560 TI - Using Pictograms to Make Transit Easier to Navigate for Customers with Communication Barriers AB - Navigating the public transit system appears simple for frequent riders during routine times, but in an emergency the transportation system can bewilder all riders. In emergencies -- no-notice or short-notice events -- every aspect of communication becomes more difficult, particularly for people who can't understand spoken or written English. Studies of human brain response show that no one in an emergency has full capacity to receive information, apply reasoning, and make and act on sound decisions. Critical information must be far more concise and compelling than in normal circumstances. For especially vulnerable audiences, information must conveyed so that it leaps communication barriers, including lack of language proficiency; physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities; age (very old or very young); and specific cultural orientations or other limiting factors. Research under way for Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project A-33, Communications with Vulnerable Populations: A Transportation and Emergency Management Toolkit, reveals that communicating with people who have functional communication needs is regarded increasingly in transportation as every agency's concern, but, as yet, no entity's responsibility. The work of TCRP A-33 suggests that a particular set of tools -- pictograms -- could make a substantial contribution to effective communication with all populations in emergencies, and especially with people who have functional communication needs. The proposed research would explore issues raised by the work in TCRP A-33 about providing direction to people who are unable to read or speak English, as well as to usually competent English-speakers whose emergency-related responses (e.g., fear, haste, distraction) are barriers to understanding and action. Pictograms are picture-based communication tools that use illustrations with few or no words to communication critical information. Pictograms can be advantageous when used because they are more noticeable than written communication; provide the public with concise, instantaneous information; improve comprehension of critical messages for people with functional needs; and reduce the need for message translation. The objectives of this research include: (1) Locate and review existing information and ongoing research on behavior modification and wayfinding, particularly in the transportation realm, and including best or promising practices. (2) Develop and test with diverse audiences a set of pictograms around pre-selected scenarios, such as a weather disaster or terrorist attack. (3) Apply findings by conducting a pilot program around pictograms in emergency situations. KW - Cognition KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency communication systems KW - Language KW - Pictograms KW - Risk assessment KW - Symbol signs KW - Transit riders UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3278 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1339714 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547691 TI - Building a Sustainable Workforce in the Public Transportation Industry--A Systems Approach AB - This final report provides the background information and methodology employed to complete Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project F-16a, Building a Sustainable Workforce in Public Transportation - A Systems Approach. The Guidebook provides practical recommendations to public transportation stakeholders that are geared to help transit organizations build a more sustainable workforce and better orient themselves as an "employer of choice" among the current labor market and non-traditional candidates. These recommendations are presented across a series of four modules which may be used independently by transit leaders or combined to form the fully integrated Guidebook. The modules address the following four areas: strategies for recruitment, retention, training and development, and professional capacity building (Module 1); metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of human resource practices adopted or contemplated (Module 2); reflections and strategies that pertain to image management (Module 3); and a framework for an ongoing benchmarking process (Module 4). Information across the modules is in the form of example successful programs, state-of-the-art initiatives, industry effective practices, and directions to implement and measure those practices. The Guidebook intends to serve all facets of the public transportation industry including large, medium, and small; urban and rural; rail and bus; public, private-for-profit, and private-nonprofit systems and vendors. KW - Continuing education KW - Human resources management KW - Labor force KW - Personnel retention KW - Public transit KW - Recruiting KW - Training UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3288 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335323 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01546019 TI - Policing and Security Practices for Small- and Medium-Sized Public Transit Systems AB - The focus of transit security since 2001 has been, to varying degrees, in an all hazards context, with terrorism a central area of concern. Methods have been devised, tested, and fielded to (a) identify and rank critical assets and (b) assess threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences. In addition, primers have been written focused on physical security and on prioritizing capital investments to reduce risk, and workshops have been delivered to bring security and emergency management professionals together with transit professionals in a community. Today, transit systems may be perceived as unsafe because news media and social media often amplify rare incidents. Individual perception of one's environment can also drive a conclusion that a transit system is not safe. Even the largest transit system cannot afford to provide police presence at all bus stops and on all vehicles. According to the Federal Register notice posted 2/17/2011, "the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) to evaluate the status of security and emergency response programs on transit systems throughout the nation. Reflecting its risk-based prioritization, TSA primarily conducts BASE reviews on the top 100 transit systems in the country, as identified by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). TSA's Surface Transportation Security Inspectors (STSIs) conduct BASE reviews during site visits with security and operating officials of transit systems. The STSIs capture and document relevant information using a standardized electronic checklist. Advance coordination and planning ensures the efficiency of the assessment process. As part of this, transit systems may also obtain a checklist in advance from TSA and conduct self-assessments of their security readiness. All BASE reviews are done on a voluntary basis. While TSA has not set a limit on the number of BASE reviews to conduct, TSA estimates it will conduct approximately 100 BASE reviews on an annual basis and does not intend to conduct more than one BASE review per transit system in a single year." Going forward, transit systems with average weekday ridership below 60,000 rides might not regularly receive security assessments by "outside" experts. These small- and medium-sized systems have a variety of resources available, such as (a) the 17 Security Action Items recommended by FTA and TSA (which are referenced in the triennial review for FTA grantees under the Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307)); (b) self-service Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) modules and workshops; (c) National Transit Institute (NTI) courses; (d) Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) courses; (e) American Public Transit Association (APTA) guidance; (f) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidance; and (g) research results (including products of the Cooperative Research Programs) that have focused on their issues. Some of these small- and medium-sized systems have developed formal security programs over the last decade. Managers of small- and medium-sized transit systems considering enhancements to or establishment of formal security programs want to know: (1) Are peers doing formal security needs assessments? (2) What practical security measures are in use? (3) What practical security measures are recommended? (4) How does one set a security budget? (5) How does one justify a security budget? Research is needed to (a) identify current policing and security practices (including the methods used to decide whether--and which--security measures to use), (b) develop baseline options for security measures and methods (including a menu of proven security measures), and (c) identify potential enhancements to existing methods appropriate for small- and medium-sized transit systems. The objectives of this research are to (1) identify current policing and security practices (including the methods used to decide whether--and which--security measures to use), (2) develop baseline options for security measures and methods (including a menu of proven security measures), and (3) identify potential enhancements to existing methods appropriate for small- and medium-sized transit systems. KW - American Public Transit Association KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency response time KW - Guidelines KW - Incident management KW - Risk assessment KW - Security KW - Threats KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3089 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332971 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01546287 TI - Improving Transit Bus Operator Health, Wellness, and Retention AB - Transit bus operators work in a challenging environment that can lead to negative health outcomes for transit operators and high costs for transit agencies due to health care costs, absenteeism, high levels of turnover, and workers' compensation payments. Organized labor leaders and transit managers agree that worker retention and career longevity are of paramount importance. In recent years, transit agencies and organized labor have created joint labor-management teams to identify and address operating issues related to operator health and stress in a number of locations. A number of transit agencies and organized labor have worked together in the United States and Canada to develop programs to reduce operator stress, improve operator health, and address agency health-related cost impacts. For example, one transit agency recently worked together with its bargaining unit to address the causes of very high turnover rate among newly hired operators. Their joint investigation determined that split shifts, being on-call for open-ended time periods, assignment to unfamiliar routes on each new shift, and time on the extra board all contributed to turnover. New scheduling was introduced, and this approach increased worker retention, morale, and productivity. Similarly, another transit agency and its union worked together to design a bus operator program that included upgraded operator training and work scheduling improvements. Its goal was to reduce stress; improve operators' health; improve customer service and community relations; and lower agency costs due to turnover, absenteeism, health care premiums, and workers' compensation. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 52: Transit Operator Health and Wellness Programs, identified many of the common health problems experienced by transit bus operators. The study outlined the causal effects of the work environment on the worker and suggested preventative measures for the individual operators. Beyond TCRP Synthesis 52, there is anecdotal evidence that these programs have been effective in reducing absenteeism, workers' compensation costs, and health care premiums. However, little attention has been given to substantive health and wellness program evaluation. Research is needed to: (1) assess the broad array of health and wellness programs throughout United States and Canada; (2) evaluate the degree of quantifiable success; (3) establish the return on investment when health and wellness programs have been implemented; (4) develop best practice guidelines; and (5) develop industry tools. The objective of this research was to develop best practice guidelines and industry tools (including a cost and benefit template) to address some of the health and safety issues common throughout the transit industry. The best practice guidelines and tools are expected to be used by senior managers, operations managers, organized labor, safety officials, medical personnel, risk managers, human resource personnel, policymakers, and legal advisors. KW - Best practices KW - Bus drivers KW - Bus transit KW - Guidelines KW - Health KW - Occupational safety KW - Training KW - Turnover UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3088 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333169 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01543206 TI - Quantifying Transit's Impact on GHG Emissions and Energy Use: The Land Use Component AB - Higher density, mixed-use development and greater transit use can potentially contribute to reduced transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use by facilitating shorter and fewer automobile trips and more non-motorized (i.e., walking and biking) trips. Transit may support compact land use by reducing the need for parking and roadway vehicle capacity, enabling clustered development, encouraging bicycle and pedestrian travel, facilitating trip chaining, and reducing household automobile ownership. The characteristics and magnitude of the interaction between transit and land use and the resulting changes in transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use may occur in different ways. For example, public transportation investments may precede land development and the resulting patterns of land use may have lower GHG emissions and energy use. This is the case with many rail expansions. Land use changes and public transportation investments may also occur interactively or synergistically and mutually reinforce each other. This research seeks to better understand both cases, and consequently has two objectives: first, to estimate the direct impact of transit on land use and the associated impacts on GHG emissions and energy use (such as the case of a project expansion); and second, to understand the interactive or synergistic impact of changes in transit and land use on GHG emissions and energy use. These are described in more detail in the Objectives section below. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has developed an approach for transit agencies to estimate the transportation-related GHG emissions displaced or avoided in a region (see Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transit, APTA Standards Development Program, approved August 2009). The APTA approach takes into account GHG emissions from transit and the GHG reductions from (1) mode shift to transit, (2) congestion relief, and (3) compact development patterns and reduced travel by automobile resulting from improved transit services. The most challenging component of the APTA methodology is this final component--estimating the land use-related impacts of transit and the associated potential decreases in automobile travel on transportation-related GHG emissions. A number of transit agencies have quantified the net impact of their services on transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use, including Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago RTA), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA), and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). While these transit agencies initiated their analysis subsequent to the APTA Standards Development referenced above, each adopted different approaches for measuring their transportation-related GHG emissions and energy impacts through land use. Although other transit agencies may seek this information, most lack sufficient resources to undertake similar analyses. Other significant research has been conducted on the linkage between transit, energy use, and GHG emissions. These studies have examined how the built environment affects vehicle miles traveled (VMT), GHG emissions, energy consumption, and other related topics. Examples of prior studies are included below in Special Note A. A gap in the research to date has been assessing the specific role of transit as a driver in reducing transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use through its effect on land use at the transit system, corridor, and project levels. Another gap exists regarding how changes in land use and transit systems occur interactively or synergistically and mutually reinforce each other to reduce GHG emissions and energy use. As such, there is a need to review current research, develop a methodology to quantify the transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use related to land use that can be attributed to transit, and evaluate the synergistic interaction between transit and land use and its effect on GHG emissions and energy use. This research is particularly important since the land use component may be a significant factor for transit's reduction of transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use. Transit agencies and other organizations are interested in measuring their net transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use for a variety of reasons. These include: (1) Understanding and measuring the full benefit transit provides to transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use through land use effects; (2)Measuring benefits of transit that historically have not been measured; (3) Compiling GHG inventories for climate registries; (4) Developing Climate Action Plans; (5) Complying with local legislation such as California's SB 375; (6) Communicating with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs); and (7) Improving MPO modeling and estimation of transit benefits. The results of this research are expected to assist transit agencies, state department of transportations (DOTs), MPOs, and others to better estimate the change in transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use related to altered land use patterns. The objectives of this research are to: (1) Develop a methodology to quantify the transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use related to land use changes that can be attributed to transit. The methodology developed shall quantify the impact of transit on land use and the resulting impact on transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use and shall determine what portion of land use related impacts, and thus changes in transportation-related GHG and energy use, are attributable to transit. (2) Identify, describe, and, to the extent possible, quantify the synergistic interaction between transit and land use and the effects on transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use. KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Land use KW - Land use planning KW - Mixed use development KW - Modal shift KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3092 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1330440 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01516525 AU - Rizek, Jodi M AU - Sutherland, Pamela J AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Immediate Actions for Transit Employees: Protecting Against Life-Threatening Emergencies. A Resource Document for Transit Agencies PY - 2011/10 SP - 34p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Office of Safety and Security, this document is part of FTA’s technical assistance to transit agencies. An immediate action is an action taken by a transit employee beginning immediately after he/she observes an actual or potential emergency and before he/she can report the emergency to the control center. Immediate actions are taken to protect life and property, including the lives of transit employees, patrons, and the public. This document addresses immediate actions in response to acute health events, safety accidents, criminal and terrorists threats and actions, natural disasters, and emergencies of unknown cause. It is written specifically for transit agencies and employees, whose safety and security responsibilities often extend beyond themselves, to include the safety and security of their patrons as well as transit property. It includes example immediate actions that transit agencies can adapt to conform and integrate into their own operating procedures. It applies to all modes of transit. It also applies to all transit employees except transit police, transit security personnel, and other emergency responders who have specific procedures and training for responding to emergencies. KW - Emergency management KW - Emergency training KW - Employees KW - Hazards and emergency operations KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit operators UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/IA_Update_Final(1).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1298646 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01511577 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Van Ness Avenue bus rapid transit project : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/10//Volumes held: Draft, Dapp KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1295901 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446497 AU - Mielke, Jon AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 5311(c) Tribal Transit Funding: Assessing Impacts and Determining Future Program Needs PY - 2011/10 SP - 33p AB - The federal government has invested a significant amount of money in tribal transit in recent years. Since the enactment of the current highway bill (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)) in 2005, the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5311(c) tribal transit program has distributed $60 million to federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native villages in rural areas. The money has been used to plan, start, and enhance local transit services. In 2009, an additional $17 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus money was granted to tribes and Alaska Native villages to finance transit-related capital improvement projects. This report draws on prior and ongoing research regarding the transportation needs of Native American and Alaska Native communities. It also presents information on existing tribal transit services, much of which was collected via a survey of the entities that have received 5311(c) tribal transit funding to either start or enhance transit services on reservations or in Alaska Native villages. KW - Alaska KW - Financing KW - Government funding KW - Indigenous peoples KW - Native Americans KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Surveys UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP243.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45900/45935/DP243.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1213985 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374272 AU - Flynn, Jennifer AU - Thole, Cheryl AU - Perk, Victoria AU - Samus, Joseph AU - Van Nostrand, Caleb AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Metro Orange Line BRT Project Evaluation PY - 2011/10 SP - 163p AB - In partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute (NBRTI) conducted an evaluation of the Metro Orange Line BRT service, which debuted in October 2005 as one of the first full-service BRT lines in the U.S. and the first exclusive busway in Los Angeles. The 14.5-mile Orange Line runs east-west through the San Fernando Valley, connecting the Warner Center mall and office complex in Woodland Hills to the Red Line subway in North Hollywood. The Orange Line runs almost entirely along an at-grade, dedicated busway within an abandoned rail right-of-way. The line’s 14 stations are similar in design to light rail stations, with canopied platforms, real-time information, covered seating, lighting, bicycle parking, automated fare collection machines, and public art. The project also includes extensive native landscaping along the corridor and a bicycle and pedestrian path parallel to the busway. The Orange Line operates on a headway-based schedule and uses a pre-paid, proof-of-payment fare system. The final evaluation report contains a comprehensive overview of the Orange Line, including a historical narrative; a profile of project elements, project costs, issues in planning, design, and implementation; technology applications; and a “lessons learned” summary. The report also provides an evaluation of project performance by analyzing data on capacity, travel time, reliability, and safety and security. For the examination of travel-time performance, run-time data were collected and analyzed, providing insight into the directional and temporal components of running time, and producing a useful “before” dataset for future study of the project. The performance evaluation also includes an analysis of data from NBRTI’s on-board survey of user perceptions and satisfaction and an assessment of the project’s image and brand identity. The report concludes with an overall appraisal of the Orange Line’s benefits, including assessments of ridership, financial feasibility, transit supportive land development, environmental quality, and overall performance of the Orange Line in meeting project goals. KW - Benefits KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Costs KW - Environmental quality KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - History KW - Lessons learned KW - Los Angeles County (California) KW - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - Planning and design KW - Ridership KW - Safety and security KW - Service reliability KW - Transit capacity KW - Travel time UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Research_Report_0004_FINAL_2.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55533/FTA_Research_Report_0004_FINAL_2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141802 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01366363 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Chandler, Kevin AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - National Fuel Cell Bus Program: Proterra Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus Report, Columbia Demonstration PY - 2011/10 SP - 36p AB - This report summarizes the experience and early results from a fuel cell bus demonstration funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. A team led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment and Proterra developed a new concept fuel cell hybrid bus for demonstration. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been tasked by FTA to evaluate the bus in service. This report documents the early development and implementation of the bus and includes a summary of the performance results at the first demonstration site—Columbia, South Carolina. KW - Demonstration projects KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No_0003_FINAL.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55532/FTA_Report_No_0003_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1134409 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376415 AU - Lyons, William AU - Morse, Lindsey AU - Rasmussen, Benjamin AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit at the Table III: A Guide to Effective Participation in Statewide Decision-making for Transit Agencies in Non-Urbanized Areas PY - 2011/09/63/Final Report SP - 56p AB - This report draws upon eight State case studies to identify processes, experiences, and results of transit participation in statewide planning with a focus on non-urbanized or rural areas. Transit at the Table III is intended as a resource for organizations directly or indirectly involved in providing rural transit–state departments of transportation (DOTs), regional planning organizations (RPOs), rural transit agencies, and their partners, including business, universities, Tribes, federal land management units,healthcare providers, and others. This study is the third in the “Transit at the Table” series on successful participation by transit agencies in federally-required metropolitan area and statewide transportation planning processes. This report consists of a synthesis of the case studies, a discussion of observations and challenges, a section on the role of transit in rural livability, a self-assessment checklist for transit operators, and a list of resources. This report is a product of the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program and can be found at www.planning.dot.gov along with case studies of each of the eight States. KW - Case studies KW - Regional planning KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44596/TAT_III_FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144182 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01547412 TI - Strategy Guide to Enable and Promote the Use of Fixed-Route Transit by People with Disabilities AB - It has been more than 20 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA was signed into law with the intent of making public transportation's fixed-route service accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. ADA complementary paratransit was created as a "safety net" for people whose disabilities prevented them from using fixed-route service. Over the past 20 years, public transit agencies have reported significant growth in ADA complementary paratransit ridership, resulting in dramatic increases in costs. Ridership has increased despite the introduction and deployment of accessible fixed-route buses and trains, modifications to stations and bus stops to provide accessibility, and ongoing improvements to public infrastructure (streets and sidewalks) to overcome barriers and provide universal access. ADA complementary paratransit ridership has increased despite the implementation by many transit agencies of conditional or trip-by-trip eligibility. Instead of being the safety net, ADA complementary paratransit has become the primary public transportation mode for many people with disabilities. Given the ongoing financial and economic climate and the growing challenges of providing public transportation to a larger population of people with disabilities, including older adults, it is critical for transit agencies to serve their customers more effectively and efficiently. Identifying and removing barriers to using fixed-route services will improve the public transportation travel experience for everyone and will enable some ADA paratransit eligible people to use fixed-route services for some or all of their public transportation trips. Transit systems, and hence the nation, will benefit by the cost shifting, and/or cost avoidance that will occur when people with disabilities use fixed-route services for some or all of their travel, relying on ADA complementary paratransit as a safety net, as envisioned. Most important, people with disabilities will experience greater mobility, independence, self-reliance, and inclusion in their communities when they can use fixed-route services. The objective of this research is to prepare a practitioners strategy guide to enable and promote the use of fixed-route services by people with disabilities. This research should build on and not repeat previous research pertaining to this subject, including Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 24: Guidebook for Attracting Paratransit Patrons to Fixed-Route Services and other documents by TCRP; Easter Seals Project Action (ESPA); American Public Transit Association (APTA); the National Transit Institute (NTI); the National Council on Disability (NCD); the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF); and other organizations that have examined public transportation options for people with disabilities, conditional eligibility, transit stop/station accessibility, travel training, training for transit personnel regarding the ADA, and other related matters addressed in this research. KW - Accessibility KW - American Public Transportation Association KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Bus terminals KW - Fixed route services KW - Guidelines KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3083 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334676 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372799 AU - Lyons, William AU - Morse, Lindsey AU - Rasmussen, Benjamin AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit at theTable III: A Guide to Effective Participation in Statewide Decisionmaking for Transit Agencies in Non-Urbanized Areas PY - 2011/09/30/Final Report SP - 56p AB - This report draws upon eight State case studies to identify processes ,experiences, and results of transit participation in statewide planning with a focus on non-urbanized or rural areas.Transit at the Table III is intended as a resource for organizations directly or indirectly involved in providing rural transit–state departments of transportation (DOTs), regional planning organizations (RPOs), rural transit agencies,and their partners, including business, universities, Tribes, federal land management units, health care providers, and others. This study is the third in the “Transit at the Table” series on successful participation by transit agencies in federally-required metropolitan area and statewide transportation planning processes. This report consists of a synthesis of the case studies, a discussion of observations and challenges, a section on the role of transit in rural livability, a self-assessment checklist for transit operators, and a list of resources. This report is a product of the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program and can be found at www.planning.dot.gov along with case studies of each of the eight States. KW - Case studies KW - Decision making KW - Regional planning KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44596/TAT_III_FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140789 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01445986 AU - Rasmussen, Ben AU - Linthicum, Alex AU - Burger, Charlotte AU - White Mountain National Forest AU - Appalachian Mountain Club AU - Plymouth State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - White Mountain National Forest Alternative Transportation Study PY - 2011/09/22 SP - 141p AB - The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is one of the most visited federal lands for recreation in the country, attracting 1.7 million visitors annually. But growth in visitation to the WMNF is increasingly affecting the visitor experience and the WMNF’s natural resources. This report documents a planning effort to improve car-free travel options in and around the forest. It documents visitor use trends and transportation issues, explores partnership opportunities for alternative transportation implementation; and identifies options for additional alternative transportation planning or implementation projects. It concludes with recommendations and possible future scenarios for alternative transportation systems. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Implementation KW - National parks KW - Passenger transportation KW - Recommendations KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning KW - White Mountain National Forest UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/43000/43100/43132/DOT-VNTSC-USDA-11-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212597 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01516327 AU - Morrison, John B AU - Boyle, Linda Ng AU - Deitz, Christopher AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - PATH - Post-Accident Testing Heuristics PY - 2011/09/11/Final Report SP - 217p AB - A key objective of this study was to develop and test procedures that can be used in a driving simulator and that could be used to evaluate the impact of several classes of prescription medications on the driving performance of commercial motor vehicle operators. The main point was to determine whether these procedures could be developed and whether they would demonstrate the issues that can arise under the influence of Triazolam and other prescription and over-the-counter medications. Chapter One is a review of the drugs and driving literature and a discussion of how and why Triazolam was chooses as the study drug. Chapter Two describes the experimental plan and its safeguards. Chapter Three discusses the paper-and-pencil surveys completed by the participants. Chapter Four presents the psychomotor tests and their methods. Chapter Five examines the impact of Triazolam on the driving performance of the participants in the bus driving simulator. Chapter Six reviewed the experimental data and was primarily concerned with the issue of individual differences. KW - Bus driving KW - Commercial vehicle operations KW - Driver performance KW - Driving simulators KW - Drugged drivers KW - Literature reviews KW - Medication KW - Psychomotor performance KW - Surveys KW - Test procedures UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/PATH_FINAL_REPORT.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1299717 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465736 TI - Independent Review of Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) AB - This independent technical review of the assumptions and application of the Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) should promote confidence in the reasonableness of its assumptions and the estimates it produces of backlog in the State of Good Repair of the nation's transit assets. This review is to consider if the TERM methodology is (1) the best approach to assessing future transit agency capital needs and (2) implemented with appropriate analytical methods and assumptions. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has used TERM as the basis for calculating the national State of Good Repair (SGR) backlog and normal replacement needs in the Rail Modernization Study and in the National State of Good Repair Assessment and for transit projections in the Conditions and Performance report to Congress. The results of TERM calculations are used in developing policies, budgets, and legislative proposals affecting federal financial assistance for purchasing and maintaining transit assets. The project will produce a letter report summarizing the independent assessment of the TERM model and how it is applied in characterizing the condition of transit assets. KW - Asset management KW - Budgeting KW - Capital KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Policy KW - State of good repair KW - Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233970 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465731 TI - Measuring Congestion Relief Benefits AB - This project seeks a nationally-consistent method for predicting congestion-relief benefits of proposed transit capacity expansion projects. The performance of best-practice forecasting procedures will be tested in selected case study areas to determine (a) the accuracy with which existing procedures predict current traffic volumes and (b) the reasonableness of forecasts of traffic volumes and highway speeds for a major transit alternative that reduces the number of vehicle trips assigned to the current highway network. In evaluating and rating proposed New Starts projects, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is required to consider mobility improvements, including reduction in highway travel times resulting from a transit improvement. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has not yet been able to develop methodologies capable of making reliable, nationally-consistent estimates of project-specific benefits related to congestion relief. This research will examine and test existing forecasting methods and identify those suitable for national application. It will identify a nationally-consistent approach to measure the highway travel time savings from transit improvements and produce a final report. KW - Best practices KW - Highways KW - Networks KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic volume KW - Transit capacity KW - Travel time KW - Vehicle trips UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233965 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465724 TI - Demand-Response vs. Modified Fixed-Route Service for Small Communities AB - This project will study the effectiveness of demand-response transportation versus fixed-route transportation in two rural communities that are similar in geographic area, size, and population. Both communities have a small, intact central business district surrounded by a less densely-populated rural area. This study will compare the return on investment for each mode of service in reference to cost per mile, cost per trip, and cost per hour. The results of these six-month demonstrations will enable decision makers in small communities faced with the need to provide greater public transit services to make more informed choices on how to provide those services. KW - Communities KW - Decision making KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Fixed route services KW - Public transit KW - Return on investment KW - Rural areas KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233958 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465723 TI - Greenhouse Gas Emission and Energy Reduction Measures AB - This project will develop a tool comparing incremental cost for incremental reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly for evaluating electric-propulsion vehicle systems. It will generate detailed inventories of GHG emissions for various vehicle types and catalog fuel-energy consumption reductions for various vehicle operational strategies (idling reduction, eco-driving, reduced deadheading, etc.), maintenance activities (tire inflation, rebuild schedules, etc.), and vehicle technologies (auxiliary power units, regenerative braking, gear-shifting algorithms, etc.). This project will propose a methodology for use by transit agencies in comparing GHG emission reductions from various propulsion system technologies available for bus fleet vehicle replacement purchases and rehabilitation, as well as from operational strategies and maintenance activities. Effective GHG-reduction measures can be expected to reduce energy costs. The primary research product will be a user-friendly tool for estimating comparative GHG reductions of various bus propulsion technologies. KW - Buses KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Propulsion KW - Technological innovations KW - Vehicle fleets UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233957 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367382 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2008 & 2009 Statistical Summaries: Federal Transit Administration Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2011/09 SP - 356p AB - This report provides information about the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and 2009. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, Alternative Analysis, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Financing KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1136126 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01366319 AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Van Nostrand, Caleb AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Miami Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) Pines Boulevard Transit Signal Priority Evaluation Report PY - 2011/09 SP - 52p AB - The Miami Urban Partnership Agreement included the conversion of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-95 to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and additional express bus service. It also included funding for the installation of transit signal prioritization (TSP) at 50 intersections on Pines/Hollywood and Broward Boulevards in Broward County. This report summarizes the findings of TSP data collection on Pines/Hollywood Blvd. from December 2010 to February 2011. The data showed an average time savings of 4 minutes in the AM peak period due to TSP, which amounted to a 12 percent reduction in travel times. On-time performance improved from 66.7 percent to 75 percent. In the PM peak period, the travel time and signal delay were similar with or without the TSP activated. This could be an indication that afternoon traffic volumes on westbound Pines/Hollywood Blvd. are so heavy that TSP is of only marginal benefit. KW - Bus priority KW - Bus transit KW - Evaluation KW - Miami Metropolitan Area KW - Traffic signal preemption KW - Urban areas KW - Urban Partnership Agreements UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Miami_UPA_FTA_Research_Report_No_0002.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55531/FTA_Research_Report_No_0002.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1134412 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489231 TI - Positive Train Control for Commuter Rail AB - Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) provides commuter rail service in the Los Angeles region. SCRRA is implementing an interoperable Positive Train Control (PTC) system on all of its line segments where passenger operations are conducted. The project will design, furnish and install, test and commission a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certified system at the same pace as the BNSF, UPRR and Amtrak Southern California PTC deployments targeted for December 31, 2012. The University of Southern California (USC), in partnership with Rail Safety Consulting LLC (RSC), and with the support of the SCRRA, will execute a research study of the implementation of this new PTC system. The goal of this research is to evaluate and promote the development of new technologies that will improve the safety and efficiency of rail transit system operation. The research project will focus on the safety and reliability of PTC technology in the commuter rail operating environment, and on developing recommendations concerning best practices in the implementation of PTC systems. The research will include the evaluation of current PTC technology; the SCRRA PTC system; the documentation of related implementation issues; and will identify the needs for further research in Rail Transit Signal and Control Systems (RTSCS) for commuter rail operations relating to PTC objectives. KW - Amtrak KW - Best practices KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Passenger transportation KW - Positive train control KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad transportation KW - Southern California Regional Rail Authority UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258250 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489204 TI - Evaluation of CBTC for Heavy/Light Rail AB - This Program is part of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) efforts to promote the research and development of new technologies that will improve the safety and efficiency of rail transit system operation in the United States (US). The primary objective of this research study is to assess the benefits of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, and determine the ability of CBTC to supplant the functionality (operational, safety, etc.) provided by track circuits in conventional rail signaling systems. This question is of fundamental importance when considering the intended use of CBTC technology and will be given significant attention both in the research and data analysis portions of the study's report. This primary objective will be accomplished during the process of documenting and evaluating the implementation of CBTC technologies for both a heavy and light rail US transit system. The research undertaken by this Program will include the evaluation of current CBTC technologies, documentation of implementation issues and lessons learned, a comparative evaluation of the specific CBTC functional, performance and safety requirements against industry standards, and the needs for further research in Rail Transit Signal and Train Control applications. This research will be conducted at two transit properties: New York City (NYC) Transit, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). In 2006, NYC Transit completed a pilot CBTC installation on its Canarsie Line and became the first transit property in the US to implement CBTC technology on a heavy rail environment. Further, in 2010, NYC Transit awarded its second CBTC project to Thales, to modernize the signal installation on the Flushing Line, one of the busiest lines in the NYC Transit network. NYC Transit is currently planning a CBTC installation for its new Second Avenue Line. In 2006 SEPTA successfully implemented a CBTC system on the tunnel portion of its Green Line becoming the first Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line in the US to employ moving block CBTC. Implementation details including safety certification will be documented and analyzed. Further, the actual CBTC benefits achieved or expected at the selected transit lines will be identified and quantified. The data generated from this research will provide transit operators and local officials with a better understanding of CBTC technology, as well as an awareness of the implementation challenges, and the project management issues associated with CBTC projects. KW - Automatic train control KW - Communications based train control – cbtc KW - Light rail transit KW - New York City Transit Authority KW - Public transit KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad signaling KW - Rapid transit KW - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority KW - Track circuits KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258223 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01510658 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Crenshaw Transit Corridor project : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/08//Volumes held: Draft(2v)(v.2 fol), Supplement to the draft, F KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294982 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01509743 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Lynx Blue Line Extension Northeast Corridor Light Rail Project, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/08//Volumes held: Draft, F, Fsum, Fapp, Technical report B1, Technical report B2 KW - Environmental impact statements KW - North Carolina UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294067 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465740 TI - Positive Train Control (PTC) for Commuter and Regional Rail Systems AB - This project will conduct a technical and safety evaluation of a new Positive Train Control (PTC) system to be deployed by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which provides commuter rail service in the Los Angeles region. It includes an evaluation of current PTC technology, documentation of implementation issues, and identification of needs for further research in Rail Transit Signal and Control Systems for commuter and regional rail operations. The final report will assess development and implementation of PTC at a regional commuter rail system, evaluate the safety and reliability of the PTC system, document lessons learned, and recommend best practices in implementation of PTC systems. KW - Best practices KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Positive train control KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad safety KW - Safety evaluation KW - Southern California Regional Rail Authority UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233974 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465739 TI - Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) for Heavy and Light Rail Transit Systems AB - This project will analyze the costs and benefits of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology and determine the ability of CBTC to supplant the functionality provided by track circuits in conventional rail signaling systems. The research will evaluate current CBTC technologies; document implementation issues and lessons learned; conduct a comparative analysis of specific CBTC functional, performance, and safety requirements against industry standards; and identify needs for further research in rail transit signal and train control applications. It will address key national concerns regarding rail transit safety and productivity by evaluating the safety and reliability of CBTC technologies for both heavy rail and light rail transit systems. The project will document and analyze implementation of CBTC technologies at MTA/New York City Transit and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. KW - Automatic train control KW - Communication systems KW - Light rail transit KW - New York City Transit Authority KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad signaling KW - Rapid transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Track circuits UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233973 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465737 TI - Asset Condition Assessment Methodologies AB - This project supports efforts to develop a framework for transit asset management. A variety of existing sources and stakeholders will be reviewed and adapted to the general institutional environment of U.S. transit agencies. The project will develop a guidance document describing essential elements of transit asset management and how they should be implemented, as well as training materials for a national-level course. The project supports development of standards for asset management planning by reviewing the state of practice of asset condition assessment methodologies and developing a framework for asset condition assessment and rating. It will provide information and guidance to transit agencies about best practice in methods for assessing the condition of transit assets to determine if they are in a State of Good Repair. It will provide an example of the contents of an acceptable transit asset management system and technical assistance tools to help transit agencies follow the model. KW - Asset management KW - Education and training KW - Maintenance KW - Planning KW - State of the practice KW - Technical assistance KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233971 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465729 TI - Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Demonstration for Transit: Utility of Real-Time Transit Vehicle Data AB - This project will explore and assess the utility of real-time transit vehicle data and will examine the issues, challenges, and feasibility of its use. It will support the ability of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to collect and transmit transit vehicle location and passenger loading data of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses (which will operate in the I-15 corridor) to a transit management center or integrated corridor management (ICM) system in real time to make informed ICM operational decisions. For example, the project will explore the scenarios for which MTS could increase capacity in real time to accommodate dynamic mode shift to transit during certain operational conditions in the I-15 corridor (e.g., incidents) or to use the data to select appropriate ICM strategies to implement. The project will also explore how real-time transit vehicle health data could improve responses to road calls or prevent bus breakdowns in the field. Finally, the project will explore the use of real-time on-board video footage for security purposes and real-time data to provide on-demand, in-vehicle traveler information to passengers. The results from the demonstration will be documented in a final project report and used in an independent evaluation conducted by the Volpe Center. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Passenger loading KW - Real time information KW - Transit vehicles KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233963 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01365463 AU - Hodges, Tina AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Flooded Bus Barns and Buckled Rails: Public Transportation and Climate Change Adaptation PY - 2011/08//Final Report SP - 128p AB - The objective of this project is to provide transit professionals with information and analysis relevant to adapting U.S. public transportation assets and services to climate change impacts. Climate impacts such as heat waves and flooding will hinder agencies’ ability to achieve goals such as attaining a state of good repair and providing reliability and safety. The report examines anticipated climate impacts on U.S. transit and current climate change adaptation efforts by domestic and foreign transit agencies. It further examines the availability of vulnerability assessment, risk management, and adaptation planning tools as well as their applicability to public transportation agencies. The report provides examples of adaptation strategies and discusses how transit agencies might incorporate climate change adaptation into their organizational structures and existing activities such as asset management systems, planning, and emergency response. By focusing specifically on public transportation, and the unique assets, circumstances, and operations of that mode, the report supplements transportation sector wide studies whose scopes did not allow for more in-depth treatment of transit. KW - Adaptation planning (Climate change) KW - Asset management KW - Climate change KW - Impacts KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Risk management UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_0001_-_Flooded_Bus_Barns_and_Buckled_Rails.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1133763 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489193 TI - Railcar Maintenance Practices AB - There is a large, diverse and aging railcar fleet used by transit agencies across North America. The fleet is aging, with a growing $50 to $80 billion in deferred maintenance and replacement needs. In the current fiscal and policy environment, the industry, with leadership from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is interested in improving maintenance practices and more generally asset management strategies to better address the State of Good Repair needs. In addition, out of necessity, agencies are increasing the in-service life of their fleets, which is resulting in larger maintenance needs. This research effort will provide data that contrasts different maintenance practices, especially the level of diagnostic effort compared with more planned remove and replace efforts. In addition, the extent of the utilization of work order based maintenance plans with preplanned work assignments, parts kits and diagnostic equipment should illustrate the relationship between planned and corrective maintenance philosophies. A further dimension of analysis is the levels of maintenance training and supporting supervision employed. The principal purpose of this Cooperative Agreement support the Recipient's (PB) public purpose of performing research and making it on Railcar Maintenance Practices. The results of this research will provide any agency that operates and maintains transit railcars with improvements to those practices. This research will then provide the quantitative analysis: measuring availability, duty cycle, maintenance operating and capital budget resources and costs, then comparing performance outcomes between different maintenance practices. The study will identify and then focus on those agencies that collect and can provide this information on an individual railcar to form the basis for the analysis process. It is in this context, that this research takes place, and offers the opportunity to identify practices that will have the potential for large business impacts and cost savings for the industry. The research can identify practices that help to extend the service life of equipment and that will enable transit agencies to better assess the work and the associated costs involved in ensuring railcar availability. KW - Asset management KW - Commuter cars KW - Deferred maintenance KW - Fleet management KW - Maintenance practices KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Railcar structural components KW - Railroad cars UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258204 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573265 TI - ICM Transit Vehicle Real-Time Data Demonstration - Light Rail Operations AB - This project will demonstrate the ability to collect and transmit light rail transit (LRT) vehicle passenger load data to a transit management center in real time to inform LRT operational decisions, particularly for Integrated Corridor Management (ICM). It will explore and assess the utility of real-time passenger load data, and examine the issues, challenges, and feasibility of its use. KW - Data collection KW - Data communications KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Light rail transit KW - Passengers KW - Real time information KW - Ridership UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366389 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489220 TI - ICM Transit Vehicle Real-Time Data AB - No summary provided. KW - Public transit KW - Real time control KW - Real time information KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258239 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580470 AU - Miller, Michael AU - Sound Transit AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program PY - 2011/07 SP - 52p AB - The Remote Infrared Audible Sign Model Accessibility Program (RIAS MAP) is a program funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to evaluate the effectiveness of remote infrared audible sign systems in enabling persons with visual and cognitive disabilities to travel independently. The subject for this report is the continuation of this evaluation through using a more comprehensive, multi-modal public transportation environment for measuring effectiveness. The wayfinding product evaluated is the RIAS technology with the registered trade name Talking Signs (Talking Signs, Inc.). There are two main goals for this project: 1) Measure the effectiveness of the Sound Transit RIAS system by using persons with visual or cognitive disabilities to test the installed system and provide feedback, as well as by observing the testers’ ability to use the system during structured testing, and 2) Measure cost implications for future expansion of the RIAS system for both Sound Transit and other regional public transit agencies. KW - Audible signs KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Cognitive impairment KW - Human factors KW - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program KW - Testing KW - Visually impaired persons KW - Wayfinding UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55498/FTA_Report_No._0012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373083 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01513367 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - East Link light rail transit project, Seattle : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/07//Volumes held: Draft,Dsum, Supplement to the draft, Supplement to the draftsum, Final(2v) KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1297691 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465734 TI - Successful Practices in Railcar Maintenance AB - This project will identify rail transit agencies with effective, best-practice railcar maintenance processes based on agency data regarding on-time performance, safety record, and mean-time-between-failures data. The project will evaluate railcar maintenance plans and processes and document the practices, methods and procedures that lead to highly-effective railcar maintenance. It will also develop statistical models and analysis approaches that transit agencies can use to transition to more performance-based management approaches. It will summarize performance metrics and methodologies used to evaluate operations and maintenance plan alternatives. The research products will provide guidance, examples of tools, case studies, and training materials that demonstrate best practices. A final report will identify methods to improve rail maintenance practices and offer guidance on how to make existing practices more effective. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Maintenance practices KW - On time performance KW - Railroad cars KW - Railroad safety KW - Training UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233968 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465730 TI - Transit: Utility of Real-Time Transit Vehicle Data AB - This project will explore and assess the utility of real-time transit vehicle data and will examine the issues, challenges, and feasibility of its use. Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) is the integrated, dynamic management of freeway, arterial, transit, and parking systems within a corridor using intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies and innovative practices or strategies. This cooperative agreement will support the ability of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to collect and transmit transit vehicle location and passenger loading data of its Red Line light rail transit trains (which operate in the US-75 corridor) to a transit management center and/or ICM system in real time. It will enable DART to monitor transit vehicle locations, speeds, and passenger loads in real time and make informed operational decisions regarding dynamic transit service adjustments in response to changing conditions in the US-75 corridor.The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is partnering with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and multimodal teams from Dallas and San Diego to implement, test, and evaluate ICM. The results will be nationally-applicable in many large urban areas. The results from the demonstration will be documented in a final project report and used in an independent evaluation conducted by the Volpe Center. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Dallas Area Rapid Transit KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Real time information KW - Transit management systems KW - Transit vehicles UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233964 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446056 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Transit Planning Study PY - 2011/07 SP - 99p AB - Approximately 250,000 visitors come to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) annually for a range of Refuge-based activities. The Refuge has a mission of protecting species and their habitat, and sensitive areas often dictate the type and location of visitor infrastructure. The Refuge experiences parking and road congestion, leading to Refuge closures, on a daily basis during peak visitation periods. Vehicles associated with refuge visitors negatively impact the Refuge’s natural resources, occupy the Refuge’s limited parking spaces, and may prevent other visitors from participating in wildlife observation and education activities during peak visitation periods. The Refuge is considering the acquisition of a transit vehicle that can address these challenges. The Refuge believes that a transit vehicle could significantly enhance its programmatic offerings and help its partners to decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) associated with their programs. Through connecting more visitors to interpretation and environmental education programs with the use of a transit vehicle, Refuge staff believes that they could better accommodate wildlife-oriented visitors during peak periods. A transit vehicle may also reduce congestion on refuge roads and parking lots. A key goal of this report is to explore whether a transit vehicle can address these challenges and meet the Refuge’s goals. KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Financial analysis KW - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge KW - Parking KW - Shuttle buses KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transit buses KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/41000/41800/41851/DOT-VNTSC-FWS-11-02.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212588 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446034 AU - Fazio, Alfred E AU - Troup, A R AU - Hodgeson, Bridget AU - Kanarek, Jack AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - SYSTRA Consulting, Incorporated TI - Safe Transit in Shared Use PY - 2011/07//Final Report SP - 140p AB - During the last 30 years, due to the flexibility of light rail transit (LRT), new systems have been implemented, some of which include line segments that share tracks with freight operations regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). To operate on the general railroad system, these LRT systems have obtained waivers from FRA safety regulations by operating with temporal separation. The aim of this research study was to further develop concepts for temporal separation to enable shared use operations in additional locations with more frequent and more flexible operations of FRA-compliant and non-compliant services. Based on the operating concepts and technology that facilitate temporal separation on the New Jersey TRANSIT River LINE, this project prepared a design for expanding freight and passenger operations while maintaining separation of modes in a configuration that is very similar to designs that have already been accepted by FRA. KW - Freight trains KW - Light rail transit KW - New Jersey Transit KW - Railroad tracks KW - Railroads KW - Shared tracks KW - Shared use KW - Train separation UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0008.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212641 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01355085 AU - Zimbabwe, Sam AU - Anderson, Alia AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Planning for TOD at the Regional Scale: The Big Picture PY - 2011/07 SP - 28p AB - This best practices guidebook is one in an ongoing series explaining the theory and best practices of transit-oriented development. Regional TOD planning can help identify common goals and facilitate coordination among regional agencies, transit agencies, cities, counties, towns, community residents and other TOD stakeholderss. Coordination and collaboration will enhance the likelihood of successful TOD by allowing stakeholders to achieve multiple goals, including high transit ridership, improved connections between people and jobs, and flourishing transit-oriented neighborhoods. This guidebook focuses on regional planning for TOD, including the general framework and theory, the benefits, and 8 strategies for regional planning for TOD. The guidebook includes many case studies from around the country. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - City planning KW - Handbooks KW - Land use planning KW - Regional planning KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning UR - http://reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/RA204REGIONS.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1118833 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489228 TI - Asset Management Methodology / Condition AB - The project objective is to explore development of asset inventories for asset management at a transit urban rail system. The product will specifically consider how urban rail transit agencies can leverage data in their maintenance management systems to build asset inventories for higher-level analysis to optimize investments in urban rail capital assets. Researchers will consider how hierarchical structures can be designed to aggregate detailed urban rail asset lists into whole-vehicle and system-level information and how maintenance data and life-cycle information can be used to infer the condition of these aggregated entities for purposes of informing reinvestment strategies. Recommended using SmartDraw to conduct a comprehensive inventory/photographs of transit assets as well as developing hierarchical relationships. SmartDraw lays out information in a diagram type easily understood by any level of employee. Customizing SmartDraw per the request of a department would be a simple task to initiate after receiving an outline list of requirements. Many transit agencies have their own set of procedures/processes for utilizing their data that may not involve entry into a software tool KW - Asset management KW - Condition surveys KW - Methodology KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258247 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488605 TI - Vanpool Incentive Feasibility Study AB - No summary provided. KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Incentives KW - Ridesharing KW - Vanpools UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257582 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488623 TI - AMPO/APTA Project on Sustainability AB - No summary provided. KW - Environmental protection KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Project management KW - Sustainable development UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257600 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489188 TI - Transit Connected Vehicle Support AB - No summary provided. KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258199 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01509718 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Woodward Avenue light rail transit project, City of Detroit, Wayne County : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/06//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix, Final KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Michigan UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1294042 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465733 TI - Transit Asset Inventory Vertical Integration Research AB - This research considers how urban rail transit agencies can leverage data in their maintenance management systems to build asset inventories for higher-level analysis to optimize investments in capital assets. This project will define what data are needed for an asset inventory (e.g., asset type and quantity, age, remaining useful life, and replacement or renewal costs) and recommend standardized common language and definition for describing transit assets. It will explore how data in maintenance management systems can be used to build asset inventories for higher-level analysis, such as capital asset management, and how maintenance and life-cycle data can be used to infer condition of assets for purposes of informing reinvestment strategies. This project will investigate the potential to integrate existing maintenance management systems with higher-level asset management inventories in conjunction with an urban transit rail system. The project team will work closely with St. Louis Metro's management and personnel to gain a more informed perspective on how data are used in the maintenance activity of the agency's assets. Products will include a data flow chart, requirements for tools to support the capital budgeting and asset replacement process, and a final report. KW - Asset management KW - Budgeting KW - Capital KW - Life cycle analysis KW - Maintenance management KW - Remaining useful life UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233967 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465732 TI - Best Practices in Managing Annuity and Health Insurance Obligations to Retired Transit Employees AB - This project will review the transit industry's best practices and policies for managing and financing post-retirement obligations to employees and develop a Best Principles Guidebook that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will disseminate to transit agency managers and policy makers to help improve their retirement program management and financing capacity. FTA's primary concern in this research is to help transit agencies take stock of and manage post-employment programs that have generated legacy costs. As in other sectors of the economy, legacy costs threaten to reduce transit agencies' ability to finance current services. This research will develop inherently hard-to-implement, but realistic and necessary, best principles by which to change transit industry norms in post-retirement programs. The contractor will produce white papers for discussion and a final report in the form of a Best Principles Guidebook. KW - Best practices KW - Employee benefits KW - Financing KW - Health insurance KW - Policy KW - Retirement UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233966 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01366347 AU - Burger, Charlotte AU - Clark, Michael AU - Cotton, Benjamin AU - Filosa, Gina AU - Jackson, David W AU - Linthicum, Alex AU - Machek, Elizabeth AU - Mejias, Luis AU - Regan, Terrance AU - Sloan, Suzanne M AU - Sylvester, Kathleen AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Transit Intelligent Transportation System Architecture Consistency Review – 2010 Update PY - 2011/06//Draft Final Report SP - 503p AB - This report provides an assessment on the level of compliance among the FTA grantees with the National ITS Architecture Policy, specifically examining three items: 1. The use and maintenance of Regional ITS Architectures by transit agencies to plan, predict, and guide their ITS deployments within their regions; 2. The use of the systems engineering process; and 3. The use and implementation of USDOT-supported ITS Standards. Review of the ITS Architecture covers what transit technologies have been deployed; a history of regional or statewide ITS architectures; application of ITS standards; systems engineering processes; obstacles, challenges, and benefits to regional transit ITS involvement and ITS architecture. Recommendations are presented to expand the inclusion of transit agencies in regional ITS architecture development and application, ITS deployments, and the overall regional planning process, including the appropriate FTA role and education and training needs of the transit community. KW - Compliance KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Policy KW - Standards KW - System architecture UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/2010TransitITSArchRvw_-_08.29.2011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1134413 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01354136 AU - Ahmed, Samir A AU - Oklahoma State University, Stillwater AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Safety Management and Performance Measurement, Volume 1: Guidebook PY - 2011/05/30 SP - 143p AB - This guidebook was prepared with the objective of providing resource information for transit agencies and the FTA regarding the development and implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Performance Measurement Systems (SPMS). SMS offer the most promising means of preventing public transportation accidents by integrating safety into all aspects of a transit system's activities, from planning to design to construction to operations to maintenance. Safety management is based on the fact that there will always be hazards and risks in public transportation. Therefore, systematic and proactive management is needed to identify and control these risks before they lead to mishaps. Transitioning to safety management will require a cultural transformation on the part of both the transit industry and FTA. Performance measurement is a key component of safety management. Measurement brings clarity to vague concepts, helps transit agencies identify gaps in safety performance, and forces management and governing boards to take action to improve performance. KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Risk management KW - Safety management KW - Transit safety UR - http://transit-safety.fta.dot.gov/publications/safety/Transit_SMPM_Guidebook/PDF/Transit_SMPM_Guidebook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1114712 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573262 TI - ICM Transit Vehicle Real-Time Data Demonstration - Evaluation AB - As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) purchased new automatic passenger counter (APC) technology for their Red and Orange line light rail vehicles to provide real-time passenger counts to their train control center and to provide data to the ICM decision support system. By gaining access to real-time passenger counts, DART hopes to respond more effectively to unplanned incidents on the rail network by enabling more responsive service adjustments. This project will assess how DART responds to incidents before ICM, address what has changed after ICM deployment, and identify constraints to optimum responses. KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Dallas Area Rapid Transit KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Passenger counting KW - Real time information UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366347 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489223 TI - Rail Safety Initiative AB - No summary provided. KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad traffic control KW - Railroad transportation KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258242 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489145 TI - Evaluation of ICM Transit Vehicle Design AB - No summary provided. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Transit vehicle operations KW - Vehicle design KW - Vehicle safety UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258139 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367499 AU - Jackson, David W AU - Burger, Charlotte AU - Cotton, Benjamin AU - Linthicum, Alex AU - Mejias, Luis AU - Regan, Terrance AU - Filosa, Gina AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Traveler Information Systems and Wayfinding Technologies in Transit Systems: Summary of State-of-the-Practice and State-of-the-Art PY - 2011/05 SP - 152p AB - The purpose of the study is to provide federal guidance to transit agencies on current and future trends in the application of traveler information technologies as a means to expand transit agencies deployments of these tools, which may result in an increase in transit ridership. The study provides a technology evaluation that: (1) Offers an understanding of wayfinding technologies and describes products and services. (2) Provides an overview of the benefits of these technologies and services for transit agencies and users. (3) Identifies challenges experienced by transit agencies regarding the use and implementation of wayfinding technologies, and gaps that exist in current technologies. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Ridership KW - State of the art KW - Technological innovations KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Wayfinding UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/MMTPS_Final_Evaluation_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135953 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01366315 AU - Biernbaum, Lee AU - Rainville, Lydia AU - Spiro, Arlen AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Multimodal Trip Planner System Final Evaluation Report PY - 2011/05//Final Evaluation Report SP - 85p AB - This evaluation of the Multimodal Trip Planning System (MMTPS) is the culmination of a multi-year project evaluating the development and deployment of a multimodal trip planner in the Chicagoland area between 2004 and 2010. The report includes an overview of this project, the state of the current trip planning environment, and a discussion of technical and institutional issues. The primary purpose of this evaluation was gathering information to share with the transit community and other stakeholders on these technical and institutional issues including Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) standards, communication, marketing, and the technical feasibility of integrating single-mode trip planning. The report concludes with lessons learned and recommendations related to the development of a door-to-door, multimodal trip planner system. KW - Advanced traveler information systems KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Travel behavior KW - Trip planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/MMTPS_Final_Evaluation_05-24-2011%281%29.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/38000/38600/38630/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-11-02.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1134414 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01349608 AU - Belzer, Dena AU - Srivastava, Sujata AU - Austin, Mason AU - Bump, Tyler AU - Wood, Jeff AU - Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit and Regional Economic Development PY - 2011/05 SP - 41p AB - This paper examines the composition of existing employment in areas served by fixed-guideway rail transit, and explores how industries vary in their proclivity to locate in higher density, transit-served locations. It also assesses which industries have experienced recent growth near transit in absolute numbers, even though they may have a declining share of total employment in transit areas. The outcome of this analysis is a better understanding of the types of industries that may have a greater propensity to be transit-oriented. Findings from this paper will be of interest to regional economic development planners working to build long-term structural capacity for economic growth. It will also be of interest to transit planners that seek to maximize regional employment access and achieve high levels of ridership. Policymakers and planners will be able to use this paper to identify which industries currently express the greatest affinity toward transit and, thus, may be most appropriate to target for recruitment or retention in transit-oriented locations. The findings of this paper may also be help to make more cost-effective transit investments to better serve transit-oriented businesses and their employees. KW - Businesses KW - Economic development KW - Employment KW - Industrial location KW - Industries KW - Rail transit stations KW - Regional development KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/TransitandRegionalED2011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1111815 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489270 TI - Alternative Analysis Planning Study AB - No summary provided. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258287 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488624 TI - ITS Open Data Issues AB - No summary provided. KW - Data collection KW - Data quality KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Open data KW - Open systems architecture UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257601 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01359664 AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Goodin, Ginger AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Atlanta Congestion Reduction Demonstration: National Evaluation Plan PY - 2011/04/06 SP - 100p AB - This report provides an analytic framework for evaluating the Atlanta Congestion Reduction Demonstration (CRD) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) and CRD Programs. The Atlanta CRD projects include the conversion of lanes for high occupancy vehicle with a minimum of two occupants (HOV2+) on approximately 16-miles of I-85 to high occupancy toll (HOT)/HOV3+ lanes along with expansion and enhancement of transit service in that corridor, including new and expanded park-and-ride lots. The Atlanta CRD national evaluation plan identifies major questions to be answered through the evaluation, the evaluation analyses to be used to address those questions, and the data needed for the analyses. It also outlines the test plans that will be used to collect and analyze the required data. The evaluation plan is based on the National Evaluation Framework (NEF) prepared for the U.S. DOT. Four objective questions that were posed by U.S. DOT serve as a starting point for the NEF and Atlanta Evaluation Plan. These questions are how much congestion was reduced; what contributed to the reduction and what were the associated impacts; what lessons were learned about non-technical factors for success; and what were the overall cost and benefit of the congestion reduction strategies. The four objective questions were translated into twelve evaluation analyses, which in turn consist of hypotheses and questions, measures of effectiveness (MOEs), and data required for the MOEs. This document presents the plan for evaluating the Atlanta CRD projects KW - Atlanta (Georgia) KW - Congestion pricing KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Park and ride KW - Traffic congestion KW - Urban Partnership Agreements UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/42000/42800/42820/atlantaupa_R3_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1125674 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463270 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-38. Use of Electronic On-Street Signage in Transit AB - Providing accurate, useful, and timely information to transit customers has always been a challenging task. Transit information is complex and vast. Often just a small fraction of transit information is relevant to any one rider. Transit information is also dynamic, changing in real time due to a number of different variables. Now with advances in technology, there are new opportunities to provide this information to transit riders to improve their experiences. Many transit providers are currently using electronic signage to convey service information. Others are considering doing the same. A synthesis is needed to document the state of the practice on the use of electronic passenger information signage by selected transit providers. It will focus on their experiences to provide both real-time and other information.  KW - Information dissemination KW - Passenger information systems KW - Real time information KW - Signs KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit riders UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3204 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231496 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463269 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-29. Energy Savings Strategies for Transit Agencies AB - Transit systems are implementing various designs, technologies, operating practices, and other strategies in order to maximize energy efficiencies and control costs. This synthesis will identify and document energy savings strategies at transit agencies of all sizes across a range of geographic locations and types of service and operating modes that reduce use or generate power. KW - Electric power generation KW - Energy conversion KW - Energy efficiency KW - Operating costs KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3205 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231495 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463268 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-21. Transit Station and Stop Adoption Programs AB - A number of transit agencies have programs in which local organizations, individuals, or other partners can "adopt" a transit station or stop. In some adoption programs, the adopting organization may receive recognition or incentives in exchange for periodically removing litter from a station or stop. In other programs, adopting organizations may maintain vegetation, report suspicious activity to the transit agency or install public amenities. A state of the practice synthesis will include but not be limited to the following: (1) Cost/benefits; (2) Level of community participation; (3) Safety and security; (4) Publicity/marketing for transit agency and adopters; (5) Development/recruitment/retention of partnerships; (6) Liability; (7) Long term considerations/effects on transit planning/operations; and (8) Roles/responsibilities /limitations of adopters/agencies/jurisdictions. This synthesis will include a literature review, survey of selected transit agencies and/or other stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished to report on their experiences, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Community action programs KW - Litter KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3206 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231494 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463267 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-22. Use of Customer Market Research Panels in Transit AB - As transit agencies face increasingly constrained research budgets and shortened timelines, alternative approaches are being explored and developed in order to provide market research information for management decision-making. Market research panels are one alternative to explore further.  A question arises as to when and where this approach is appropriate and actionable in the context of the full spectrum of market research methods. This synthesis will help transit agencies of all sizes better understand under what circumstances to make use of this market research tool. This synthesis will conduct a literature review of the science and standards of market research panels, a survey of transit agencies, and case studies of selected transit agencies currently using market research panels. Non-transit industry sources will also be explored for information. KW - Case studies KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Decision making KW - Market research KW - Public transit KW - Surveys KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3207 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231493 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463266 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-23. Integrating Passenger Ferry Service with Mass Transit AB - Passenger ferry services are operated by public agencies, private operators, and public- private partnerships throughout the country. However, ferry services seem to be nearly invisible in the transportation industry. The question is asked whether ferries could be integrated better in the public transit matrix to improve mass transit service options and ridership. A synthesis is needed to look at various transit agencies and modes that interface with ferry services and report how well integration has been accomplished.  The objective of this study is to document the practice of developing, improving, or operating passenger ferry services so that they are seamlessly integrated into public transit systems.  KW - Ferry service KW - Integrated mass transit systems KW - Passenger transportation KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning KW - Water transportation UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3208 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231492 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463265 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SD-04. Rail Transit Track Inspection Practices AB - Rail transit agencies spend a significant portion of their operating and capital budgets on track and track structure, tunnels, aerial structures, and other associated infrastructure.  The inspection of this infrastructure requires unique job skills, staffing, know-how, training, qualifications, as well as specialized equipment and inspection criteria.  Transit agencies have varying degrees of experience dealing with these issues. A synthesis is needed to provide transit executives and transit industry staff with a knowledge base of the information on track inspection practices and policies across the industry.  The synthesis will look at a range of older and newer North American rail transit agencies to obtain a representative mix of track inspection practices in order to document the state of the practice. A literature review and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished. The final product will include lessons learned, successes, challenges, and gaps in information. KW - Infrastructure KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance of way KW - Railroad tracks KW - Railroad transportation KW - Training KW - Tunnels UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3209 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231491 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463264 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-17. Transit Driver/Operator Distraction Policies AB - A number of transit agencies have enacted policies designed to address distracted driving, such as the use of electronic devices, eating , drinking talking, reading, and grooming, etc., as well as occupational distractions. Currently, a Commercial Truck and Bus Synthesis Safety Program effort is underway to study industry practice for large and small, truck and over the road coach operations and such items as internal and external sources of distraction, driver tasks, emerging counter-distracted driver technologies and better training for drivers. This synthesis is intended to provide public transit agencies with information about bus transit operator distraction policies and outcomes in order to assist them in evaluating and developing their own policies and programs.  KW - Bus drivers KW - Bus transit KW - Commercial vehicle operations KW - Distracted drivers KW - Distraction KW - Driver training KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3210 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231490 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01598881 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Tool Kit PY - 2011/04 SP - 369p AB - This Toolkit is a compilation of policies, procedures, forms, and training resources that represent the best practices being used throughout the U.S. by a variety of transit systems. It does not represent all of the effective means that transit systems are using to address and monitor Prescription (Rx) and Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication use, but is the result of an extensive effort by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to compile a broad range of materials as examples and models. Any recipient of FTA funding should use this Toolkit to either develop new, or revise existing, Rx/OTC medication policies, procedures, and training programs. The Toolkit is divided into six main sections: I. Rx/OTC Medication Overview; II. Rx/OTC Medication Policies and Procedures; III. Accident Investigation Procedures; IV. Forms; V. Training; and VI. Resources. Appendices include a summary table of best practices, frequently asked questions, and OTC medications with alcohol. KW - Best practices KW - Crash investigation KW - Forms (Documents) KW - Medication KW - Over the counter medications KW - Policy KW - Toolkits KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/RxOTC_April2011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1405294 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465738 TI - Fixed Asset Reporting for the National Transit Database AB - This project will develop a tool for collecting a more complete set of asset inventory data from transit providers as part of the annual National Transit Database (NTD) reporting process. This new reporting tool will improve the organization of vehicle and guideway data already being collected and will add new data on system assets that have a significant impact on long-term reinvestment needs. The project will develop a spreadsheet-based data collection tool with built-in validation checks that can be used by transit systems to report data to the NTD, along with training materials and definitions of data elements. It includes managing the first-year (pilot) data collection for rail transit systems, providing technical assistance, summarizing results, and making recommendations for final implementation. Transit operators will also be able to use the spreadsheet as a standard template for creating an asset inventory that can be used by asset management analysis tools such as the "Lite" version of the Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM), which FTA makes available as a free download that agencies can use for long-term capital investment planning. The contractor will deliver recommended data elements, a spreadsheet-based reporting tool, a reporting manual and training materials, and a report on pilot implementation of new reporting procedures for rail transit asset reporting. The tool will gather new data on transit facilities, guideways, and subsystems (such as train control, telecommunications, and power) while minimizing the reporting burden on the transit industry. The additional data will allow FTA to track the impact of current capital investments and to better evaluate and forecast required levels of capital investment needed to bring transit operators to a State of Good Repair. KW - Assets KW - Capital investments KW - Data collection KW - National Transit Database KW - Rail transit KW - Reporting (Disclosure) KW - Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233972 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465728 TI - Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Open Data Issues AB - This project seeks to identify characteristics of an open data policy for transit service information related to schedule, facility, real time arrival, and situational status (such as detours, event information, and passenger load) that are practical and suitable for transit agencies to implement. Transit agencies generate and collect a wide variety of data in order to manage rolling stock, facilities, and equipment. Technology plays a critical role in facilitating performance efficiencies and optimizing service, and it provides unprecedented visibility into daily transit operations for higher levels of decision support. There is increased interest from other entities in using transit schedule and operational data to provide real-time trip-planning applications. Open data standards offer many potential benefits, such as providing access to transit service and performance information, reducing barriers to collecting and distributing service information, leveraging the costs of developing data exchange methods to support applications, and reducing the effort to collect and process actionable information for policy and decision makers. New sources of high-quality data could create commercial opportunities for new products and markets; in the past, open data has spawned multimillion dollar industries (such as Tiger files and the geospatial industry). This research will address technical requirements (standards, data systems, data feed, security, etc.) as well as institutional requirements, effectiveness, privacy, accessibility, relation to operational practices, costs to migrate, and more. The final product will serve as a guide for successful implementation of an open data policy for transit service data for both the public- and private-sector elements within the industry. KW - Data collection KW - Decision making KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Real time information KW - Rolling stock KW - Transit service KW - Transit trip planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233962 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01349601 AU - Belzer, Dena AU - Srivastava, Sujata AU - Wood, Jeff AU - Greenberg, Ellen AU - Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Employment PY - 2011/04 SP - 28p AB - This report explores the need to consider regional employment centers in planning transit systems and services, and expands the discussion about how employment concentrations should be incorporated into the discussion of transit-oriented development (TOD). The ongoing trend of employment decentralization outside of central business districts (CBDs) demands a new approach to transit planning outside the traditional suburban-urban/CBD commute model. This report includes a literature review and case studies of regional employment patterns and transit networks in the Atlanta, Phoenix-Mesa, and Minneapolis-St. Paul regions. Literature review finds that extreme employment dispersal has occurred in the last half-century, large and high-density employment centers are likely to result in higher transit mode share, and walkable destinations feature fewer automobile trips. Transit performance can be maximized by focusing on dense regional employment clusters with high potential for internal pedestrian circulation. The report recommends that TOD and regional transit planning focus on employment patterns, clusters outside of CBDs incorporate transit, and new fixed-guideway investments give strong consideration to connecting existing employment concentrations. KW - Atlanta Metropolitan Area KW - Decentralization KW - Employment KW - Modal split KW - Pedestrians KW - Phoenix Metropolitan Area KW - Public transit KW - Regional development KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) UR - http://reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/TODandEmploymentFINALMay2011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1111817 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01342973 AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Peterson, Del AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Travel Behavior of the Lone Rangers: An Application of Attitudinal Structural Equation Modeling to Intercity Transportation Market Segmentation PY - 2011/04 SP - 29p AB - Travel behavior information is valuable to transportation policymakers, planners, and service providers. While aggregate data are helpful, segmenting a market into smaller groups allows for more targeted planning, promotion, operation, and evaluation. In this study, intercity market segments based on traveler attitudes are identified using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study focuses on rural and small urban areas, using survey data for residents of North Dakota and west central and northwest Minnesota. Attitudes toward travel time, flexibility, and privacy are found to have the strongest explanatory power. The socioeconomic profile of each market segment is identified. Individuals living in the study’s upper Midwest market area are assigned to market segments based on their socioeconomic characteristics to determine market segment size. Mode shares for automobile, air, intercity bus, intercity rail, and van service are estimated for each market segment. Intercity bus and train mode shares are predicted to double in each market segment when travel speeds are increased to those experienced by automobile travelers. KW - Air travel KW - Attitudes KW - Automobile travel KW - Bus transportation KW - Intercity passenger rail KW - Intercity transportation KW - Intercity travel KW - Market segmented groups KW - Minnesota KW - Modal split KW - North Dakota KW - Rural areas KW - Small towns KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Structural equation modeling KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel time KW - Vans UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP239.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1104768 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580468 AU - Knight, Robert AU - Brookman, Michael J AU - Bevilacqua-Knight, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Air-Steam Hybrid Engine: An Alternative to Internal Combustion. Cleaner, More Efficient, Multi-Fuel Compatible, Retrofitable PY - 2011/03//Final Report SP - 49p AB - In this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project, an energy-efficient air-steam propulsion system has been developed and patented, and key performance attributes have been demonstrated to be superior to those of internal combustion engines. A mixed air-steam propellant system can provide immediate power without a boiler, and that power can be varied simply by modifying the ratio of water and air in the propellant mix. Next steps for this innovation include more detailed performance verification and an analysis of scaling this promising technology to propel buses and trains for mass transit use. Successful validation would lead to a vehicle retrofit of a smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient engine in a standard mid-size or full-size vehicle. That engine could operate on a variety of fuels other than refined petroleum. These goals are consistent with the DOT SBIR subtopic narrative, “Economical and durable technologies and devices for improving safety for riders and transit agency employees, reducing noise and energy consumption, or improving the rider experience. The innovations must be adaptable to existing bus and rail transit vehicles and systems. KW - Air-steam hybrid engines KW - Biomass fuels KW - Energy efficiency KW - External combustion engines KW - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55499/FTA_Report_No._0013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373030 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465735 TI - TERM Lite: Asset Assessment Tool for Transit Agencies AB - These projects support the efforts of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA), in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), for the purpose of modifying FTA's Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) to be a user-friendly and useful tool for transit agencies in understanding the future condition of their assets under different investment scenarios (TERM-Lite). FTA will use TERM to evaluate the impact of various national-level investment scenarios on the conditions and performance of the nation's transit systems over the next 20 years. TERM can calculate the State of Good Repair backlog, normal replacement needs, and average conditions that result from various constrained funding scenarios for the transit industry as a whole. To promote better local asset management, FTA is adapting TERM to provide these capabilities for individual transit agencies so they can make similar calculations based on their own assets. LA MTA and Chicago's RTA are beta-testing TERM-Lite by using it to make projections and calculate backlog in the same way FTA does and by running different funding scenarios to explore their long-term capital investment needs, also as FTA does. FTA contractors are working with them to make TERM-Lite as user-friendly as possible. KW - Asset management KW - Investments KW - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois) KW - State of good repair KW - Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233969 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465727 TI - Development of Transit Livability Assessment Data AB - This project works with urban and rural livability measures recommended by other University Transportation Center (UTC) studies. It develops data resources and display tools as a test of recommended metrics and to understand issues involved in collecting and maintaining the geo-coded data needed for this kind of place-based analysis. The overall goal is to be able to define quantifiable aspects of livability that can be used as performance measures to evaluate outcomes of transportation and land-use planning policies and programs. Transit livability metrics will be demonstrated in a geographic region or regions selected for data availability and for the applicability to a variety of communities. A final report with recommendations for structuring data collection and maintenance to support annual reporting for tracking progress will be delivered. KW - Assessments KW - Data collection KW - Land use planning KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233961 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465726 TI - Urban Transit Livability Performance Measures Study AB - This project will define national urban transit livability performance measures that could be calculated on an annual basis to track trends and progress. The study will identify and evaluate performance measures for how well transit contributes to the livability of urban communities. The measures must be designed to allow the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to gauge the effectiveness of federal livability efforts. Additionally, they must be applicable and measurable from a national perspective and compatible with regional and local planning efforts. The metrics must not require a large, ongoing funding commitment for collecting data. Measures of how well transit systems meet the needs of people in the communities they serve are required for evaluating the success of livability enhancement programs and for identifying where these programs are needed. Beyond this, the process of defining quantitative measures of abstract concepts like livability contributes to better understanding of policy objectives and builds a common vocabulary by which they can be discussed. Communities will benefit from applying performance measures of livability to their transportation and land-use planning, and transit agencies will benefit from explication of how they contribute to enhanced livability. Measures will be evaluated across a geographic region or regions selected for data availability and variety of urban environments (e.g., from low-density, low transit use to residential downtown areas with high ridership, including small, medium, and large cities). KW - Communities KW - Data collection KW - Policy analysis KW - Quality of life KW - Regional planning KW - Ridership UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233960 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465725 TI - Rural Transit Livability Performance Measures Study AB - This project will define national rural transit livability performance measures that could be calculated on an annual basis to track trends and progress. The study will identify and evaluate performance measures for how well transit contributes to the livability of rural communities. The measures must be designed to allow the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to gauge the effectiveness of federal transit livability efforts. Additionally, they must be applicable and measurable from a national perspective and compatible with regional and local planning efforts. The metrics must not require a large, ongoing funding commitment for collecting data. Measures of how well transit systems meet the needs of people in the communities they serve are required for evaluating the success of livability enhancement programs and for identifying where these programs are needed. Beyond this, the process of defining quantitative measures of abstract concepts like livability contributes to better understanding of policy objectives and builds a common vocabulary by which they can be discussed. Communities will benefit from applying performance measures of livability to their transportation and land-use planning, and transit agencies will benefit from explication of how they contribute to enhanced livability. KW - Data collection KW - Land use planning KW - Performance measurement KW - Policy KW - Quality of life KW - Regional planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233959 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446037 AU - Knight, Robert AU - Brookman, Michael J AU - Bevilacqua-Knight, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Air-Steam Hybrid Engine: An Alternative to Internal Combustion PY - 2011/03//Final Report SP - 49p AB - In this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project, an energy-efficient air-steam propulsion system has been developed and patented, and key performance attributes have been demonstrated to be superior to those of internal combustion engines. A mixed air-steam propellant system can provide immediate power without a boiler, and that power can be varied simply by modifying the ratio of water and air in the propellant mix. Next steps for this innovation include more detailed performance verification and an analysis of scaling this promising technology to propel buses and trains for mass transit use. Successful validation would lead to a vehicle retrofit of a smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient engine in a standard mid-size or full-size vehicle. That engine could operate on a variety of fuels other than refined petroleum. This report includes a test of the Binary Recovery, Air-Steam Hybrid (BRASH) engine. After making necessary mechanical and electronic modifications to a Smart™ sized test vehicle, two experiments were performed to validate the air-steam propulsion system operation and determine key baseline performance parameters. The first test run was to establish minimum fuel and propellant flow rates for sustained operation at low speed (air-rich mode), and the second to establish reasonable upper limits of fuel and propellant flow at higher engine speeds (steam-rich mode). KW - Air engines KW - Air-steam hybrid engines KW - External combustion engines KW - Fuel efficiency KW - Performance tests KW - Pollutants KW - Retrofitting KW - Steam engines KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212640 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367502 AU - Rojas, David AU - Phillips, Eric AU - Lea+Elliott, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Before/After Cost Effectiveness Study PY - 2011/03//Final Draft Report SP - 84p AB - San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) undertook a retrofit of a fixed-block signaling system with a communications-based train control (CBTC) system in the subway portion of their light rail system (Muni Metro subway) in 1998. This report presents the findings of an in-depth study of the effectiveness of implementing the project. Along with a project narrative, two forms of analysis are provided: a quantitative cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and a qualitative analysis. The CBA considers factors such as passenger wait and trip times, capital costs, and operations and maintenance (O&M) costs which can be monetized without overly onerous assumptions. The CBA is presented in 2010 dollars and is useful as a reference to evaluate potential investments in a similar CBTC application. The qualitative analysis considers additional factors which are not easily monetized. KW - Automatic train control KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Capital costs KW - Communications based train control – cbtc KW - Operating costs KW - Signaling KW - Travel time UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/CBTC_before-after_cost_effectiveness_study_-_Report_FTA-TX-26-7005_2010_01_-_101025_final_draft1_%283%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135976 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01366344 AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Van Nostrand, Caleb AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - An Evaluation of the Cleveland HealthLine Mechanical Guide Wheel PY - 2011/03 SP - 22p AB - Vehicles on the Cleveland HealthLine Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system are equipped with a mechanical docking arm and guide wheel to assist with precision docking at the stations. This report documents the evaluation of the guide wheel in 4 areas: how close to the platform the vehicles were able to dock; how fast the vehicles were able to dock; how much money was spent on damages related to docking; and how well the guide wheels are regarded by the HealthLine drivers. The evaluation compared the performance of the HealthLine to the EmX BRT in Eugene, Oregon. The EmX uses the same model vehicle as the HealthLine but does not come equipped with a docking arm and guide wheel. KW - Advanced vehicle control systems KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Guided buses KW - Wheels UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Cleveland_Mechanical_Guide_Wheel_Evaluation_508%20Format.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1134415 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01345016 AU - Fogarty, Nadine AU - Austin, Mason AU - Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rails to Real Estate: Development Patterns along Three New Transit Lines PY - 2011/03 SP - 80p AB - This report evaluates real estate development patterns along three recently built light rail transit lines in the United States, in an effort to provide insights and guidance for local planning practitioners and others interested in fostering transit-oriented development (TOD). The three transit lines are the Hiawatha Line in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region in Minnesota, the Southeast Corridor in the Denver region in Colorado, and the Blue Line in the Charlotte region in North Carolina. Recent development is evaluated in the context of land use and demographic characteristics of the corridors at the beginning of the period studied, and in light of interviews with local planning and transit practitioners. The report finds that all three transit lines experienced a considerable amount of development, and that proximity to existing employment centers and downtowns appear to be important factors influencing the location of development. Nevertheless, all three corridors offer significant remaining areas of development opportunity. Investments in neighborhood infrastructure and amenities will be important for unlocking the potential for development, especially in areas where land use patterns were previously automobile dependent. Public sector “value capture” strategies should acknowledge the uneven nature of development patterns near transit and the need for strategic investments. KW - Blue Line (Charlotte, North Carolina) KW - Charlotte (North Carolina) KW - Denver Metropolitan Area KW - Hiawatha Line KW - Land use KW - Light rail transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Real estate development KW - Southeast Corridor Project KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) KW - Value capture UR - http://reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/CTODR2RFinal20110321.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1105468 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479821 AU - Sherry, Patrick AU - National Center for Intermodal Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Health and Productivity of Commuter Railroad Employees Involved in Critical Incidents PY - 2011/02/15 SP - 69p AB - The effects of accidents—termed Critical Incidents—on the health and productivity of rail transit workers have not been fully investigated. Anecdotal evidence suggests lasting effects of these incidents. Surveys were obtained from 363 commuter railroad operating employees from 3 different U.S. locations regarding their involvement in Critical Incidents (CIs) such as grade crossing accidents, striking trespassers, and others, achieving a 78.6% response rate among urban workers. The survey assessed general psychological state, health, and perceived work productivity. Nearly half of all rail transit operators (43.6%) reported involvement in a CI during their careers and, of those, nearly half (48%) reported involvement in more than one incident. A total of 12.1% of those in CIs scored in the clinical range on a standard measure of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The odds of scoring in the clinical range on the PTSD measures were approximately 6 to 1 for those involved in a CI. Persons involved in CIs reported significantly higher levels of intrusive thoughts, heightened emotional arousal, and sleep disturbances. Persons involved in CIs subsequently reported more physical health difficulties and were twice as likely to report depression and miss significantly more work days (2.96) than those not involved in CIs (1.5). KW - Absenteeism KW - Critical incidents KW - Depression (Mental condition) KW - Employees KW - Posttraumatic stress disorder KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad crashes KW - Sleep disorders UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0019.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55505/FTA_Report_No._0019.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248177 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489213 TI - NREL Support for TIGGER Eval Program AB - This project provides support for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to perform research to reduce energy consumption and reduce transit environmental impacts (e.g. emissions, waste streams). KW - Energy consumption KW - Environmental impacts KW - Exhaust gases KW - Pollutants KW - Renewable energy sources KW - Runoff KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258232 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489221 TI - Mansfield Intermodal Transportation AB - No summary provided. KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258240 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335377 AU - Southworth, Frank AU - Meyer, Michael D AU - Weigel, Brent A AU - Coan, Seth AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management Compendium PY - 2011/01/12/Final Report SP - 128p AB - This Compendium provides a framework for identifying greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities while highlighting specific examples of effective GHG reduction practices. The GHG savings benefits of public transit are first described. GHG saving opportunities are then organized under four activity areas: Agency Planning for System Expansions and Major Construction Projects; Agency Fleet Procurement Practices; Agency Fleet Operation and Maintenance Practices; and Agency Support for Green Buildings and Green Workforce Practices. The Compendium includes a detailed GHG footprint for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in Atlanta GA, demonstrating how agencies can use the data they collect to develop an annual GHG footprint. This footprint is based on reporting recommendations made by the American Public Transportation Association, using a three-scope emissions accounting system similar to the protocols developed by The Climate Registry and World Resources Institute. KW - Air quality management KW - Carbon footprint KW - Construction projects KW - Emissions reduction KW - Expansion projects KW - Fleet management KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Maintenance practices KW - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority KW - Procurement KW - Public transit KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/GHGCompendGTv2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098698 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01451376 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - North Metro corridor project : environmental impact statement PY - 2011/01//Volumes held: Draft(2v), Final(2v) KW - Colorado KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1219920 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367484 AU - Pessaro, Brian AU - Van Nostrand, Caleb AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Miami Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) Project Phase 1 Transit Evaluation Report PY - 2011/01//Final SP - 70p AB - The 95 Express Lanes in Miami-Dade County have been in operation since December 2008. This project involved the conversion of a single high occupancy vehicle lane in both directions to two high occupancy tolls lanes in both directions. These lanes rely on dynamic pricing to keep the lanes free flowing. A portion of the toll revenues is used to fund operations of the 95 Express Bus Service, which is composed of four routes that provide service between Broward County, northern Miami-Dade County, and downtown Miami. The Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida evaluated the impacts of the express lanes on the 95 Express Bus. There were several positive findings. The 95 Express Bus Service has benefited from the HOV to HOT conversion in improved travel times and on-time performance. The service has attracted a large percentage of choice riders, and ridership has grown despite rising unemployment in Miami-Dade County. On-board transit surveys reveal that the HOT lanes did influence riders‟ decisions to use the bus. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Express buses KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Miami-Dade County (Florida) KW - On time performance KW - Travel time KW - Urban Partnership Agreements UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Miami_UPA_FTA_Research_Report_No_0002.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135979 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554322 AU - Small Urban and Rural Transit Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rural Transit Fact Book 2011 PY - 2011 SP - 28p AB - The intent of the Rural Transit Fact Book is to serve as a national resource for statistics and information on rural transit in America. This publication includes rural demographic and travel behavior data as well as financial and operating statistics for agencies receiving section 5311 funding. In addition to national level data, statistics are presented by state, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) region, tribe, and mode, as well as other agency characteristics. The rural transit data presented in this report were obtained from the Rural National Transit Database (NTD) for 2007-2009. The 2009 data were released early this year and were the most recent data available at the time of publication, and 2007 is the first year in which data for the Rural NTD were collected. KW - Demographics KW - Financing KW - Operating costs KW - Public transit KW - Rural National Transit Database KW - Rural transit KW - Statistics KW - Travel behavior KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.surtc.org/transitfactbook/downloads/2011_RuralTransitFactBook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341989 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380404 AU - Chicago Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - CWC Transit Group TI - Red Line Extension Project Scoping Report PY - 2011 SP - 32p AB - The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proposing to make transportation improvements by extending the Red Line from the 95th Street station to 130th Street. CTA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will evaluate the environmental effects of constructing and operating the proposed extension. FTA is the federal lead agency and CTA is the local lead agency. The Red Line was put into operation in 1969. Plans to extend the Red Line to the southern city limits were made shortly thereafter but have not yet been implemented. Starting in 2002, community activists began an awareness campaign and a community petition drive which resulted in an advisory referendum being placed on the November 2004 ballot. The referendum was supported by 38,000 voters in the 9th and 34th wards. In 2006, the Chicago Transit Board initiated an alternatives analysis study for the proposed extension. The study area is situated 11 miles south of the Chicago Central Area (commonly referred to as the Loop) and encompasses approximately 20 square miles. This report summarizes the public participation process for, and the public comments resulting from, the Red Line extension public scoping meetings and comment period. The process of determining the scope, focus, and content of an EIS is known as “scoping.” Scoping meetings are a useful opportunity to obtain information from the public and governmental agencies. In particular, the scoping process asks agencies and interested parties to provide input on the proposed alternatives, the purpose and need for the project, the proposed topics of evaluation, and potential impacts and mitigation measures to be considered. KW - Chicago (Illinois) KW - Chicago Transit Authority KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Environmental impacts KW - Line extensions (Rail transit) KW - Project scoping KW - Public participation KW - Rapid transit KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/planning/Final_Red_Scoping_Report_062510.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147543 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380367 AU - Chicago Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - CWC Transit Group TI - Orange Line Extension Project Scoping Report PY - 2011 SP - 29p AB - The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proposing to make transportation improvements by extending the Orange Line, a heavy rail transit line, to connect Midway Station at the Midway International Airport to Ford City. CTA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will evaluate the environmental effects of constructing and operating the proposed extension. FTA is the federal lead agency and CTA is the local lead agency. The Orange Line opened in 1993, providing service to the southwest side of Chicago and Midway International Airport. The original project proposal was for the southern terminal of the Orange Line to be located in the vicinity of the Ford City Mall. Due to funding limitations, the terminus was shortened to Midway Airport. The regional long range transportation plan developed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, has included an extension of the Orange Line since the early 1990s. The following report summarizes the public participation process for, and the public comments resulting from, the Orange Line Extension public scoping meetings and comment period. The process of determining the scope, focus, and content of an EIS is known as “scoping.” Scoping meetings are a useful opportunity to obtain information from the public and governmental agencies. In particular, the scoping process asks agencies and interested parties to provide input on the proposed alternatives, the purpose and need for the project, the proposed topics of evaluation, and potential impacts and mitigation measures to be considered. KW - Chicago Transit Authority KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Environmental impacts KW - Line extensions (Rail transit) KW - Public participation KW - Rapid transit KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/planning/Final_Orange_Scoping_Report_051310.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147527 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01351892 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Customer Driven Service: Learner's Guide - Your Keys to Providing Exceptional Customer Experiences in Transit PY - 2011 SP - 32p AB - Customer Driven Service focuses on teaching transit staff that interact with customers the importance of customer service, as well as providing them with the tools and training they need to provide excellent customer service regardless of the situation or who the customer may be. This learner’s guide offers fast facts, best practices, exercises, quizzes and other guidelines to help drivers, dispatchers and other transit staff cultivate the best attitude for truly excellent customer service. KW - Best practices KW - Customer service KW - Guidelines KW - Public transit KW - Training UR - http://portal.nationalrtap.org/iframe/getfile.aspx?id=438 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1114393 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339655 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Levin, Lena AU - Faith-Ell, Charlotta TI - Women and Men in Public Consultations of Road-Building Projects SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 236-245 AB - This paper discusses results of a research project designed to increase knowledge about women’s and men’s participation and their opportunities to take part in and influence the road planning process. The project was accomplished in an explorative case study, an advertisement study, and an implementation study that used questionnaires, observations, quantitative and qualitative analyses of conversations, content analysis of minutes, and advertisements. A basic principle of public participation argues that it should be inclusive and equitable to ensure that all interests and groups are respected. A literature study found that the subject of gender equality is basically nonexistent in the literature on environmental impact assessment. This project shows that about a quarter of participants at consultation meetings are women, but men talk longer and ask more questions. Those who attend meetings are generally older and have more education than the average person. Men and women bring up environmental and road safety issues during meetings, but men more often discuss economy, technical facts, alternative routings, and land ownership. Some participants had more experience taking part in public meetings and talking in front of other people. Participants with less experience seem to need more guidance and take a more active part in the meeting when a moderator leads the discussion. It is tempting to say that men are more experienced and women are less experienced, but that would be an oversimplification. The aim of increasing gender equality through an intervention study did not completely succeed. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Females KW - Gender equality KW - Highway planning KW - Males KW - Public participation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101887 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339654 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Mitchell, Christopher G B TI - Older Women’s Travel Patterns and Road Accident Involvement in Britain SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 44-54 AB - This paper uses British data as its primary source, supplemented with data from Sweden and the United States, to analyze the mobility and safety of female and male car drivers and pedestrians. In European countries and in North America, fewer women than men are killed or injured in traffic accidents as pedestrians or car drivers. In terms of casualty rates per population, where appropriate per driving license, per distance driven, and per journey, women younger than 60 have a lower risk than men of both injuring themselves and of injuring other road users. At all adult ages, women travel more than men as car passengers, less as car drivers, and make more journeys by local public transport. Women make more journeys as pedestrians than men below the age of 65, but men make more journeys than women in older age. Younger women are significantly safer drivers than men, but women cease to be safer drivers over the age of 60 or 70. The same applies to the risk they pose to other road users, as measured by their risk of killing a pedestrian. There is some evidence that older women voluntarily restrict the amount of driving they do at younger ages than men, but there is no evidence that in Britain they surrender driving licenses at a younger age than male drivers. The fatality rate per journey as a pedestrian is higher than that as a car driver. Any policy that caused trips by those age 70 and over to transfer from being made by car to being made on foot would increase the total fatalities and serious injuries in traffic accidents. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged KW - Aged drivers KW - Crashes KW - Fatalities KW - Females KW - Pedestrian-vehicle crashes KW - Pedestrians KW - Travel patterns KW - United Kingdom UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101768 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339653 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Thakuriah, Piyushimita (Vonu) AU - Tang, Lei AU - Menchu, Shashi TI - Young Women’s Transportation and Labor Market Experiences SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 276-287 AB - This paper examines the transportation and labor market experiences of women at a stage of life that has been called “emerging adulthood,” “young adulthood,” and even “older youth.” Although young children and older individuals have been the focus of transportation policy research, research on mobility and transportation issues facing young adults is much more limited. The main research questions addressed by this paper are (a) how do the transportation and labor market experiences of young women compare with those of young men and (b) what factors are likely to contribute to the transportation experiences of young women? The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, which is a panel data set of a large sample of respondents since 1979 and continuing until the present, was used. Gender differences were examined in several labor market indicators, including the age at entry into the labor force, the number of jobs, the number of weeks worked per year, and average earnings. The transportation indicators analyzed are perceptions of young women with regard to difficulties associated with transportation, job search distance, and the duration of time they remain carless after entering the labor force. Compared with men, a higher proportion of young women perceived difficulties with their travel and transportation conditions, were likely to restrict their job search geographically to a smaller area, and acquired a vehicle earlier through their husbands or later if single. More research is needed to better understand gender-based mobility policies that apply to a large cross section of young women. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Access KW - Automobile ownership KW - Females KW - Jobs KW - Labor market KW - Males KW - Mobility KW - National Longitudinal Survey of Youth KW - Transportation policy KW - Travel KW - Young adults UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101900 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339652 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Armstrong, Kerry AU - Obst, Patricia AU - Livingstone, Kerrie AU - Haworth, Narelle TI - Investigation of Differences in Crash Characteristics Between Males and Females Involved in Fatigue-Related Crashes or Close-Call Events SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 26-33 AB - There is consensus among community and road safety agencies that driver fatigue is a major road safety issue, and it is well known that excessive fatigue is linked with an increased risk of a motor vehicle crash. Previous research has implicated a wide variety of factors involved in fatigue-related crashes, and the effects of these various factors in regard to crash risk can be interpreted as causal (e.g., alcohol or drugs may induce fatigue states) or additive (e.g., where a lack of sleep is combined with alcohol). This investigation examined self-report data to determine whether there are any differences in the prevalence, crash characteristics, and travel patterns of males and females involved in fatigue-related crashes or close-call events. A representative sample of residents (N = 1,600) living in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, Australia, were surveyed regarding their experience of fatigue and their involvement in fatigue-related crashes and close-call incidents. Results revealed that more than 35% of the participants reported having had a close call or crash caused by driving when tired in the 5 years prior to the study. In addition, the results obtained revealed a number of interesting characteristics that provide preliminary evidence that gender differences do exist in the prevalence, crash characteristics, and travel patterns of males and females involved in fatigue-related crashes or close-call events. It is argued that the results obtained can provide particularly useful information for the refinement and further development of appropriate countermeasures that better target this complex issue. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Australian Capital Territory KW - Crash characteristics KW - Drivers KW - Fatigue (Physiological condition) KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Males KW - Near accidents KW - New South Wales KW - Self describing data KW - Travel patterns UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101765 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339651 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Livingstone, Kerrie AU - Armstrong, Kerry AU - Obst, Patricia AU - Smith, Simon TI - Postpartum Fatigue and Driving: Relating Experiences, Thoughts, and Opinions 12 Weeks After Birth SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 34-43 AB - Fatigue in the postnatal period is such a common experience for most mothers that the term “postpartum fatigue” (PPF) has been coined to describe it. When new mothers experience extreme fatigue, it follows that their physical health, mental health, and social wellbeing are negatively affected. It is interesting to note that there is a distinct lack of empirical investigations focusing on the link between PPF and increased risk of injury, particularly when the links between fatigue and increased risk of road crashes are well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to undertake pilot research to develop an understanding of the duration of PPF and the performance impairments experienced by new mothers when involved in safety-sensitive activities such as driving a motor vehicle. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with women (N = 24) living in Southeast Queensland, Australia, at 12 weeks after they had given birth. Key themes were identified, with a particular emphasis on understanding the link between the participants’ experience of PPF and the impact this had on their overall cognitive and physiological functioning as well as their experience of the driving task. Sleep–wake data were also collected, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale was used to evaluate the potential crash risk for this group of mothers. It is proposed that the findings of this investigation could be used to improve current knowledge among new mothers and practitioners regarding the mechanisms and consequences of fatigue and to inform interventions that lead to a decreased risk of injury associated with PPF. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Crash risk KW - Drivers KW - Fatigue (Physiological condition) KW - Females KW - Interviewing KW - Postpartum fatigue KW - Queensland KW - Time duration UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101767 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339650 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Emond, Catherine R TI - Gender Considerations in Performance Measures for Bicycle Infrastructure SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 254-263 AB - In the United States, men’s total bicycle trips surpass women’s by a ratio of at least 2:1. Gender differences in perceptions of bicycling safety, combined with the effect of bicycle facility type, could help explain the different cycling rates for men and women. The United Nations and the European Union (EU) have recognized that women and men have different transportation needs, and the EU requires explicit recognition of these differences in national transport policies and implementation. Currently, the indices or measures commonly used to evaluate American bicycle infrastructure do not account for gender differences. Bicycle facility design is often guided by design cyclist categories that define bicyclists by how well they ride in vehicular traffic. Female cyclists have been shown to prefer more separation from vehicular traffic than male cyclists, which can lead to women having to choose to travel on bicycle facilities that have been designed for safety rather than to provide a convenient route to community services. The imbalance of U.S. bicycle trip rates by gender is an indicator that American bicycle infrastructure does not serve the needs of all bicyclists. Two gender-neutral indices, the bicycle compatibility index and the bicycle level-of-service index, which are commonly used to assess U.S. bicycle infrastructure, are compared with the Netherlands’ bicycle infrastructure survey in an effort to understand the association of gender-neutral versus gender-sensitive policies on bicycle infrastructure design and assessment. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bicycle facilities KW - Bicycle lanes KW - Bicycle safety KW - Bikeways KW - Design KW - Gender KW - Netherlands KW - United States UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101891 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339649 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Oxley, Jennifer AU - Charlton, Judith TI - Gender Differences in Attitudes to and Mobility Impacts of Driving Cessation SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 64-73 AB - Safe travel is essential; however, recognition of the benefits of continued mobility and, conversely, the consequences of loss of mobility must also be considered. Driving affords the greatest mobility for many older adults. Unfortunately, at some point, most individuals need to consider retiring from driving. Although there are reported gender differences in the timing of and reasons for driving reduction and cessation, with potential impacts on mobility, health, and quality of life for some, much remains unknown about how older drivers perceive the difficulties in transitioning to being a nondriver and whether there are any gender differences in this process. Even less is known about how people decide to stop driving and the strategies that may improve the outcomes of this transition. This study examined gender differences in the mobility impacts of driving cessation and in life satisfaction. A total of 1,718 drivers (40% female) and 108 former drivers (58% female) completed a self-administered survey designed to examine issues surrounding the adoption of self-regulatory driving practices and the mobility impacts of driving reduction and cessation. The study highlights gender differences in the processes of driving reduction and cessation, particularly driving frequency and experiences and plans for driving cessation. While few gender differences were noted among former drivers, particularly in the number of trips and satisfaction with current mobility, older females were more likely than males to have planned ahead, made the decision themselves, and stopped at appropriate times, and to use alternative transport options, suggesting a good adjustment to nondriving with a more favorable mobility outcome. These findings have implications for the development of education and training programs to assist male and female drivers to achieve a smooth transition from driving to nondriving. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged drivers KW - Attitudes KW - Driving cessation KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Males KW - Mobility KW - Surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101827 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339648 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Cottrill, Caitlin D AU - Thakuriah, Piyushimita (Vonu) TI - Privacy and Gender: Reviewing Women’s Attitudes Toward Privacy in the Context of Intelligent Transportation Systems and Location-Based Services SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 117-126 AB - Limited previous research has shown that women value online privacy more than men, potentially influencing their online behavior or willingness to reveal personal data online. New generations of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and location-based services (LBS) technologies depend on the input of personalized and localized information to give, potentially, information that may uniquely address women’s complex travel patterns, but which may raise locational privacy concerns for women and cause them to hesitate to share the needed information. This paper examines gender differences in the propensity to reveal the potentially sensitive information necessary to make ITS and LBS highly personalized to individual travelers. The authors develop privacy indicators based on refusals to answer sociodemographic and location questions in a household travel survey to evaluate whether women have a significantly different attitude toward willingness to share data related to position and personal identifiers compared with men. The results show that gender differences regarding privacy preferences are not statistically significant. However, this result is inconclusive because the survey overall achieved low response rates and participating households may already be self-selected into being open about divulging sensitive travel and locational information. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Attitudes KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Location based services KW - Privacy KW - Travel patterns KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101843 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339647 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Classen, Sherrilene AU - Shechtman, Orit AU - Joo, Yongsung AU - Awadzi, Kezia D AU - Lanford, Desiree TI - Traffic Violations Versus Driving Errors: Implications for Older Female Drivers SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 55-63 AB - Research has shown that rates for motor vehicle–related crashes are twice as high for older men as for older women, but the proportion of fatalities is higher for older women. To better understand driving errors made in crashes and to suggest prevention strategies, this study (a) classified violations underlying crashes into errors made during on-road assessments; (b) quantified age, gender, and types of driving errors as predictors of postcrash injury; and (c) examined whether different violations and driving errors occur in different age cohorts (≤75 and >75 years). The 2005 Florida Traffic Crash Records Database (N = 5,345 older drivers) was used to select violations underlying crashes. The mean age was 76.08 (standard deviation = 7.10), with 2,445 (45.7%) female drivers. Female drivers had statistically significantly more failure to yield (intersection or alley– driveway), failure to obey required traffic controls, and speed-related violations predictive of crash-related injuries. A greater percentage of injured female drivers made statistically significantly more yielding errors (p < .001) and more speed regulation and gap acceptance (p < .05) errors. These findings generally held true when younger (≤75 years) and older (>75 years) women were compared with their age cohorts. The findings show that compared with older male drivers, older female drivers are at a greater risk for injuries from crash-related violations and driving errors. This finding holds true when younger and older female drivers are compared with their age cohorts. Injury prevention strategies on the person, vehicle, and environmental levels must receive serious consideration and be tested empirically for effectiveness. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged drivers KW - Crash injury research KW - Crash records KW - Driver errors KW - Failure to yield right-of-way KW - Females KW - Florida KW - Gap acceptance KW - Speeding KW - Traffic violations UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101769 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339646 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Parida, Purnima AU - Parida, M TI - Appreciation of Gender Differences in Development of Qualitative Level of Service for Sidewalks SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 246-253 AB - Pedestrian level of service indicates the environmental qualities of a pedestrian space and serves as a guide in developing standards for pedestrian facilities. Pedestrian space needs to be designed in consideration of human convenience and must be qualitatively suitable to the needs of users. Additional environmental factors that contribute to the walking experience and consequently to the perceived level of service—such as comfort, security, and attractiveness—should also be considered. The central hypothesis in this paper is that gender difference plays an important role in the importance attached to different parameters of the walkability index. With this hypothesis, the difference in perception of male and female pedestrians for different parameters of pedestrian facilities has been analyzed. Five parameters were identified: sidewalk width, sidewalk surface, obstruction, security, and comfort. Equal numbers of male and female pedestrians in different land uses in Delhi, India, were interviewed with a view to understanding the variation in perception. They were asked to rate the importance of the five parameters according to their needs and requirements on a 5-point scale ranging from most important to immaterial and their response on a satisfaction rating regarding the sidewalk facility they were using on a 5-point scale ranging from excellent to poor. The importance ratings were called weights attached to the parameter. This study found that the responses of male and female pedestrians in terms of mean relative weights for all five parameters differed from one another. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Comfort KW - Delhi (India) KW - Design KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Level of service KW - Males KW - Obstructions (Navigation) KW - Pedestrian areas KW - Pedestrians KW - Safety and security KW - Sidewalk surfaces KW - Sidewalks KW - Width UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101890 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339645 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Clifton, Kelly J AU - Akar, Gulsah AU - Smith, Andrea Livi AU - Voorhees, Carolyn C TI - Gender Differences in Adolescent Travel to School: Exploring the Links with Physical Activity and Health SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 203-212 AB - This paper investigates gender differences in the associations between adolescent mode choices and travel patterns for the trip to school and levels of physical activity. Analysis relies on cross-sectional data collected from adolescents (N = 269) in Baltimore City for a school-based recruitment study of physical activity and the built environment. Participants were recruited from two magnet high schools, comprising a predominantly African-American sample (67%) with geographically disperse home locations. Data analyzed here for each individual include (a) a web-based survey that collects background information, attitudes, perceptions, and recall behavior, (b) week-long physical activity data collected by accelerometers, (c) a week-long travel diary, (d) archived spatial data about the built environment around each student’s primary home address, and (e) height and weight measurements, used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Multinomial logit models of the primary mode to school were estimated separately for males and females. Results show key differences in the factors associated with their travel choices. Aggregate levels of physical activity during the weekday for transit commuters and auto commuters were compared for males and females. Results show significantly higher levels of physical activity for both male and female students who commute by transit, although male physical activity levels were higher on average. There were no significant differences in BMI between transit and auto commuters by gender, however. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Adolescents KW - African Americans KW - Automobile travel KW - Baltimore (Maryland) KW - Body mass index KW - Built environment KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Health KW - High school students KW - Males KW - Mode choice KW - Multinomial logits KW - Physical activity KW - Public transit KW - School trips KW - Surveys KW - Travel diaries KW - Travel patterns UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101880 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339644 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Vagland, Asa TI - Gender Equality as a Subsidiary Objective of Swedish Transport Policy: What Has Happened Since 2004? SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 225-235 AB - At the 3rd International Conference on Women’s Issues in Transportation in Chicago 2004, the author presented a paper on the background and reasons why Sweden has a gender-equality objective in the transport sector. This paper describes what has happened since then in the political arena and in the implementation process in government agencies and other stakeholders and on the effect in planning and building new infrastructure and maintaining the existing infrastructure. The author analyzed government bills on transport policy, how proposals in the bills were formulated in the annual government guidelines for transport agencies, and how the transport agencies—especially the National Rail Administration (Banverket) and the Swedish Road Administration (Vägverket)—responded to the proposals and reported to the government in the annual sectoral report. There has been progress in the National Rail Administration and the Swedish Road Administration throughout the period from 2004 to 2009. Awareness has increased, and the discussion about gender equality in planning infrastructure is more mature, even if the results in the transport system are not evident. On the other hand, there is concern about how the decision on new transport policy objectives in spring 2009 will influence progress toward a gender-equal transport system. Also important is the change in how annual government guidelines are formulated and how it will affect transport agencies’ work toward gender equality. Another issue is the ongoing reorganization in Sweden, where transport agencies are divided and reassembled. How this change will influence gender equality in the transport system is not clear. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Gender KW - Gender equality KW - Infrastructure KW - Planning KW - Reorganization KW - Sweden KW - Transportation departments KW - Transportation policy UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101886 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339643 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Vaughn, Stephen T TI - Women’s Safety and Security Issues with Bicycling and Walking: Examination of Potential Planning, Design, and Technology Solutions SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 95-104 AB - In the nonmotorized transportation field, gender differences in bicycling and walking are well documented, and personal safety has been identified as a deterrent to their increased usage. This concern for safety is not limited to the physical environment of the roadways, but includes the individual’s perception of safety in the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the environment of multiuse paths and lanes. This paper uses data from the National Crime Victimization Survey and the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System to examine gender issues and to identify major safety and security concerns for users. The study incorporates focus group recommendations to offer planning and policy recommendations to increase the number of women who choose nonmotorized transportation. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bicycling KW - Females KW - Recommendations KW - Safety and security KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation policy KW - Walking UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101833 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339642 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Wittbom, Eva TI - Gender Mainstreaming in Transportation: Impact of Management Control SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 264-275 AB - In international surveys, Sweden is considered to be the locus classicus for gender mainstreaming. At a macro level, the picture is clear, as government directives include specific goals for gender equality and the expectation that public agencies will mainstream gender into their core business. At a micro level, the situation is more complex. Formal governance meets with gendered norms and cultures that are equally strong, but informal, driving forces among civil servants. The question raised here is how the management control system functions under the pressure of mainstreaming gender. With an interpretive approach, research has been conducted to disclose constructions that tend to enable or to hamper gender equality in the practice of management control at a micro level. The evidence stems from a case study of the Swedish Road Administration and the Swedish National Rail Administration. Interviews, observations of meetings, and close reading of documents furnish this paper with data covering the years 2002–2007 with regard to a policy goal of a gender-equal transport system. Applying a gender perspective together with a sociological institutional perspective makes gendered rules, norms, and culture visible. The results show how management control is involved in integration of gender by assimilation and by decoupling, obstructing transformative gender mainstreaming. The administration is busy keeping up the appearance of fulfilling the goal, legitimizing its activities by reporting relative fulfillment in accordance with the rules of the control system, regardless of the relevance connected to the norms of gender equality. The management control system perpetuates a culture in which reliability lies in measurability; therefore, the goal of gender equality results in a quantitative perspective on women and men instead of a qualitative gender perspective on the transport system. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Cultural influences KW - Gender KW - Gender equality KW - Management KW - Social factors KW - Sweden KW - Transportation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101895 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339641 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Waygood, E Owen D TI - What Is the Role of Mothers in Transit-Oriented Development? The Case of Osaka–Kyoto–Kobe, Japan SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 163-178 AB - The majority of mothers in Japan are not employed outside the home, but their role in chauffeuring and accompanying children on their trips is much less than in Western societies. Cultural expectations and the built environment in the Osaka region of Japan contribute to children as young as 10 and 11 traveling without adult accompaniment for the majority of trips. This independent travel in turn reduces the chauffeuring burden on parents. The chauffeuring of children in the United States and other Western countries is conducted mostly by mothers, but the role of mothers in the travel context of their children’s travel has not been investigated for Japan. Children ages 10 and 11, from nine different schools in varying neighborhoods, were surveyed about their travel by using a child-friendly diary. The survey results show that parents accompanied children for less than 15% of their trips on weekdays, whereas data from the United States indicate that children are accompanied by a parent on more than 65% of weekday trips they make. The average daily travel time was 40 min for children in Japan versus 72 min for their American counterparts, despite a similar number of trips per day. The paper further examines children’s trips with the accompaniment of parents, by sex of parent, by time of day and mode, and by destination. The influence of various built environment measurements and car ownership on accompaniment and the accumulated time burden on parents is also examined. This research contributes to land use planning through examining the built environment and mobility management through discussion on cultural values. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Automobile ownership KW - Built environment KW - Children KW - Cultural influences KW - Females KW - Kobe (Japan) KW - Kyoto (Japan) KW - Land use planning KW - Mobility KW - Osaka (Japan) KW - Parents KW - Surveys KW - Transit oriented development KW - Travel KW - Travel diaries KW - Travel time UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101877 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339640 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Hsu, Hsin-Ping TI - How Does Fear of Sexual Harassment on Transit Affect Women’s Use of Transit? SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 85-94 AB - The purpose of this study is to understand how women’s fear of sexual harassment on transit changes their transit use and travel behavior. The study, which employed a qualitative research approach, found that cultural differences are important to women’s perceptions of sexual harassment and women’s attitudes about adequate policy responses. Yet cultural differences are not as important as the availability of a car in influencing how women modify their use of transit in response to sexual harassment. Thus, a feasible and effective policy addressing this issue should take the cultural context into consideration. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Cultural influences KW - Fear KW - Females KW - Public transit KW - Sexual harassment KW - Travel behavior UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101830 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339639 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kalter, Marie-Jose Olde AU - Harms, Lucas AU - Jorritsma, Peter TI - Changing Travel Patterns of Women in the Netherlands SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 179-190 AB - The Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis conducted a study to improve its understanding of the relationship between social developments, household composition, and women’s travel behavior, with special focus on the travel patterns and daily activities of women. Information was obtained by quantitative data analyses of existing data sources and in-depth interviews with experts. Multilevel analyses were conducted to identify the most important explanatory factors of travel behavior on the household level. This study analyzed not only women’s individual travel behavior, but also the travel behavior of women in different household types. Definitive results from this study will be available in May 2011. The study’s initial results reveal that the travel patterns of men and women are increasingly similar. Women are increasingly more mobile, they travel for longer periods, and they travel greater distances. Women have contributed substantially to the rise in mobility in recent years. Their increasing labor force market participation is a driving force behind the fact that women must now travel more often, and travel great distances, to their workplaces. Because of the increasing number of two-income households, various activities must more often be coordinated with another member of the household. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Females KW - Households KW - Labor force KW - Mobility KW - Netherlands KW - Social factors KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel patterns KW - Travel time KW - Trip length UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101878 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339638 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Jenkins, Pamela AU - Renne, John L AU - Kiefer, John TI - Gender Differences in Self-Reported Evacuation Experiences: Analysis of the City Assisted Evacuation Program During Hurricane Gustav SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 127-133 AB - The landfall of Hurricane Gustav in 2008 set in motion the New Orleans, Louisiana, City Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP), one of the largest publicly assisted evacuations in American history. The gendered response to the Hurricane Gustav evacuation is placed in the aftermath of the evacuations of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Findings from two sets of data, including interviews with Katrina evacuees, suggest that significant gender-based differences exist in evacuation experiences. Women have significantly less access to a reliable vehicle for self-evacuation, making them more dependent on a viable CAEP. Women are also significantly more likely to depend on nonfamily entities such as social service agencies for enrollment in CAEP. Overrepresentation of female heads of households in vulnerable communities makes lack of adequate finances a significant barrier to evacuation. While almost three-quarters of the CAEP participants for Gustav were satisfied with CAEP, women were significantly more likely to report dissatisfaction. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Assistance KW - Evacuation KW - Females KW - Financing KW - Gender KW - Hurricane Gustav, 2008 KW - New Orleans (Louisiana) KW - Self reported data KW - Social service agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101844 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339637 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Mokhtarian, Patricia L AU - Ye, Liang AU - Yun, Meiping TI - Effects of Gender on Commuter Behavior Changes in the Context of a Major Freeway Reconstruction SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 143-153 AB - To study the commuter travel behavior impacts of a 9-week reconstruction of Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento, California, a series of three Internet-based surveys was conducted. This paper offers a preliminary analysis of the first two of those surveys, focusing on the role of gender in commuters’ responses. Avoiding peak hour and changing route were the most common responses, and women were more likely than men to employ them. Among the changes that reduce vehicle miles traveled, increasing transit use and increasing telecommuting were the most common. Overall, women were 21% more likely to make at least one change than men were. A binary logit model of the choice to increase transit use suggests that persuading current transit users to increase their transit use was easier than convincing nonusers to switch. Respondents who heard about the increased level of transit service were more likely to increase transit use. Employer transit subsidies supported increases in transit use (but only for women), whereas variable work hours (for women) discouraged them. Men in managerial–administrative occupations and women in larger households were also more likely to increase their transit use. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Automobile travel KW - Behavior modification KW - Central business districts KW - Commuters KW - Employer sponsored transportation KW - Females KW - Flexible hours KW - Freeways KW - Gender KW - Interstate 5 KW - Level of service KW - Logits KW - Public transit KW - Reconstruction KW - Route choice KW - Sacramento (California) KW - Surveys KW - Telecommuting KW - Travel behavior UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101875 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339636 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Romano, Eduardo AU - Kelley-Baker, Tara AU - Torres, Pedro TI - Female Involvement in U.S. Fatal Crashes Under a Three-Level Hierarchical Crash Model: Mediating and Moderating Factors SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 1-11 AB - Men have long held the lead in motor-vehicle crashes; however, research indicates that women are closing the gap. The reasons for this relative increase are unclear. To further investigate this problem, the authors applied a simplified version of the hierarchical levels of driving behavior (HLDB) model to investigate female involvement in fatal crashes in the United States. The HLDB model recognizes that decisions at higher levels affect decisions at lower levels. At the top level, the model assumes that the driver’s condition (e.g., inattention, fatigue, impairment) has an effect on the next level (e.g., speeding or other failures to obey traffic laws), which subsequently affects the basic maneuvering skills (i.e., the lowest level). Data for this study were drawn from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for the years 1982 to 2007. Single-vehicle crashes were used to indicate crash responsibility. Basic descriptive and multilevel analyses were applied to investigate female involvement at each level of the HLDB model. Compared with males, female drivers were less likely to be involved in crashes associated with the highest HLDB level, but more likely to be involved in the lowest level. The relative high prevalence of females in skill-related crashes, however, occurred only when associated with speeding. Variations in this finding due to age and gender were also found. Findings from this study should help to develop more efficient (better targeted) traffic safety prevention policies. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Crashes KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Females KW - Hierarchical models KW - Single vehicle crashes KW - Speeding KW - United States UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101763 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339635 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Gould, Jane AU - Zhou, Jiangping TI - A Commitment to Continue? Comparing Women and Men Commuters Who Choose Transit over Driving Alone SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 154-162 AB - This study tracks results from an employer-sponsored travel reduction program to explore whether there are gender-related differences in how men and women select and use public transit. Although women ride public transit more than men, it is not clear that this effect would be found in a study of middle-income women with full-time jobs. Their responsibilities and roles might lead these women to favor the flexibility and convenience of an automobile. The study follows 381 commuters, 144 men and 237 women, who chose to give up their drive-alone commuting for a 3-month period in Southern California. More than two-thirds of both the men and the women remained as transit riders when the time came to make a commitment to continue with transit. The analysis found few differences between men and women. However, the women who chose to participate in the transit experiment in the first place had distinct characteristics: they had fewer children at home, were from select age groups, and had smaller households. The study provides insight for future social marketing experiments in transportation and provides results for public transit providers who wish to attract busy commuters who have family and household responsibilities. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Age groups KW - Automobile travel KW - Commuters KW - Employer sponsored transportation KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Household size KW - Middle income groups KW - Public transit KW - Single occupant vehicles KW - Southern California UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101876 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339634 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Dupont, Ariane AU - Krakutovski, Zoran TI - Travel Time and Distance Regarding Gender Patterns in the Paris Region: Past Trends and Forecasts to 2030 SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 191-202 AB - This paper investigates the specificities and the evolution of mobility patterns of women and aging people in the most densely populated region including Paris and the departments, which has the highest gross domestic product per capita in France. Four household travel surveys available from 1976 to 2001 allow a comparison to be made of travel time during those years and also a forecast of mobility up to 2030. The chosen focus is on the distinction between constrained trips and nonconstrained trips, constrained trips being defined as trips whose destination is work, university, or school. It is observed that the constrained trips have not increased recently in regard to time and distance, after a surge in the 1980s, except for women, whose travel time and distance budgets strikingly increased. In the same period, overall mobility increased dramatically, especially as a result of nonconstrained trips for both men and women. It appears, however, that nonconstrained and constrained trips for women increased more significantly. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Mobility KW - Nonwork trips KW - Paris Metropolitan Area KW - School trips KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Travel surveys KW - Travel time KW - Trip length KW - Work trips UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101879 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339633 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Levine, Ned TI - Spatial Variation in Motor Vehicle Crashes by Gender in the Houston, Texas, Metropolitan Area SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 12-25 AB - This study examines spatial variation in motor vehicle crashes by gender within the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area. Examination of data on 252,240 crashes that occurred in the Houston metropolitan area between 1999 and 2001 showed that substantial behavioral differences between male and female drivers contributed to the crashes. Males had more severe crashes than females and showed riskier driving behavior for every crash type. Crash risk varied throughout the metropolitan area, however, being much higher in the central city than in the suburbs. Because male drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes in the central city than female drivers, part of the gender differential in crashes appears to be the result of men driving in riskier locations. A negative binomial regression model, estimated with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, was tested on road segments and showed gender differentials controlling for the volume-to-capacity ratio, the distance from downtown, and functional road classification. The general pattern of women making more frequent but shorter trips was associated with driving to less risky destinations. It is argued that lack of information on driver residences prevents a more detailed analysis of crash risk and that exposure to crashes needs to be understood in terms of behavior and not just relative to travel distance. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Behavior KW - Crash exposure KW - Crashes KW - Drivers KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Houston Metropolitan Area KW - Males KW - Negative binomial regression KW - Spatial variation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101764 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339632 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Babinard, Julie AU - Scott, Kinnon TI - What Do Existing Household Surveys Tell Us About Gender and Transportation in Developing Countries? SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 213-224 AB - Access to affordable, reliable, and safe transportation is critical in improving the welfare of individuals in developing countries. Yet, transport data are limited overall, and data that address the different patterns of use by women and men are even scarcer. A few studies have shown, however, that women and men have different transport needs and constraints. Typically, analysis of these topics has been hampered largely by the costs involved in carrying out the large-scale transportation surveys needed to provide such data. There are household surveys, however, that can provide further insights into how women and men use transportation in the developing world. Four common household surveys—income and expenditure surveys, living standards measurement study surveys, demographic and health surveys, and multiple indicator cluster surveys—are reviewed to identify the extent to which they can provide transportation planners and researchers with relevant data. The results are mixed. Substantial data on one or two aspects of transportation, such as cost and mode used to visit education and health facilities, are available across countries; however, the surveys contain little information on other important factors, such as mode choice, security, and travel patterns. A marginal influence on surveys to expand the data collected on gender and transportation may be possible. Stand-alone transport surveys, however, will continue to be needed to foster the production of gender statistics in transportation in developing countries and the incorporation of gender differences into transport decisions. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Constraints KW - Data needs KW - Developing countries KW - Females KW - Gender KW - Households KW - Males KW - Mode choice KW - Safety and security KW - Transportation access KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel needs KW - Travel patterns KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101881 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339631 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Mitra-Sarkar, Sheila AU - Partheeban, P TI - Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here: Understanding the Problem of “Eve Teasing” in Chennai, India SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 74-84 AB - Fear of victimization and crime are important concerns for women in cities around the world, and this fear is provoked through encounters with men in public space because they are “unpredictable, potentially uncontrollable and hence threatening.” The South Asian literature has focused more on the subordinate role of women in Indian society and the workplace than on gender-based crime (referred to as “Eve teasing”) in the public spaces and transportation systems in South Asia. The objective of this paper is to elicit information on sexual harassment faced by women commuters in Chennai, India. The study found 66% of the surveyed respondents had been sexually harassed while commuting. Many of the respondents first encountered sexual harassment during their adolescent years. Very few (5% or less) found any of the modal choices to be best. The largest number of women (more than 40%) rated their worst harassment experiences to be in buses and trains with no separate sections for women. The paper offers other findings on the nature and frequency of sexual harassment and suggestions to address these incidents. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bus transit KW - Chennai (India) KW - Commuting KW - Females KW - Public transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Sexual harassment UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101828 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339630 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Porter, Gina AU - Hampshire, Kate AU - Abane, Albert AU - Munthali, Alister AU - Robson, Elsbeth AU - Mashiri, Mac AU - Tanle, Augustine TI - Youth Transport, Mobility, and Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Gendered Journey to School SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 105-116 AB - This paper draws on empirical data from a three-country (Ghana, Malawi, and South Africa) study of young people’s mobility to explore the gendered nature of children’s journeys to school in sub-Saharan Africa. Gender differences in school enrollment and attendance in Africa are well established: education statistics in many countries indicate that girls’ participation in formal education is often substantially lower than boys’, especially at the secondary school level. Transport and mobility issues commonly form an important component of this story, though the precise patterning of the transportation and mobility constraints experienced by girls and the ways in which transport factors interact with other constraints vary from region to region. In some contexts, the journey to school represents a particularly hazardous enterprise for girls because they face a serious threat of rape. In other cases, girls’ journeys to school and school attendance are hampered by Africa’s transport gap and by cultural conventions that require females to be responsible for pedestrian head loading (transporting loads such as food crops or fuel on the head) and other work before leaving for, or instead of attending, school. Evidence comes from a diverse range of sources, but the data used here are principally drawn from a survey questionnaire conducted with approximately 1,000 children ages 7 to 18 years across eight sites in each country. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the diversity of gendered travel experiences across geographical locations (paying attention to associated patterns of transport provision); to explore the implications of these findings for access to education; and to suggest areas in which policy intervention could be beneficial. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Children KW - Cultural influences KW - Females KW - Ghana KW - High school students KW - Malawi KW - Mobility KW - Safety and security KW - School trips KW - South Africa KW - Surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101842 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339629 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - McGuckin, Nancy AU - Contrino, Heather AU - Nakamoto, Hikari (Yuki) AU - Santos, Adella TI - Driving Miss Daisy: Older Women as Passengers SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - pp 134-142 AB - Nondrivers are a growing segment of the older population, creating a fundamental mobility challenge for larger and larger numbers of older Americans in the United States and a looming policy and planning challenge. Women are twice as likely to be nondrivers as are men of the same age. Although women are 60% of the population 65 years of age and older, they are 75% of the nondrivers. This study focuses on older nondriving women and examines their living arrangements and their travel as passengers in vehicles. The study found that although older women drive about 60% of men’s miles, they travel 85% as many miles in vehicles as do men—more often as passengers. Because of longevity, driving confidence, and medical problems, the number of women who cease driving is far larger than the number of men. Many households with nondriving women are located in suburban and rural areas, far from transit and other options. Finally, the study found that nondriving women are heavily dependent on family and friends for rides, especially women who live alone or with another nondriver. This research shows that when an older woman nondriver is a passenger on a vehicle trip, three out of 10 times she is traveling with nonhousehold members. A combination of factors, including suburbanization, extended longevity, and the increase in older women who live alone, will challenge communities to provide safe mobility for people who can no longer drive. Policy and planning suggestions are discussed. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged KW - Automobile travel KW - Females KW - Mobility KW - Passenger transportation KW - Passengers KW - Public transit KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation policy UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101852 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01339628 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board TI - Women's Issues in Transportation: Summary of the 4th International Conference. Volume 2: Technical Papers SN - 9780309160834 PY - 2011 VL - 2 IS - 46 SP - 298p AB - This volume includes 27 full peer-reviewed papers that were presented at the October 2009 conference. The conference highlighted the latest research on changing demographics that affect transportation planning, programming, and policy making as well as the latest research on crash and injury prevention for different segments of the female population. Special attention was given to pregnant and elderly transportation users, efforts to better address and increase women’s personal security when using various modes of transportation, and the impacts of extreme events such as hurricanes and earthquakes on women’s mobility and that of those for whom they are responsible. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged KW - Crash injury research KW - Demographics KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Females KW - Gender inequality KW - Mobility KW - Policy making KW - Pregnant women KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Safety and security KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165294.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1101762 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335372 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Accessing the Global Marketplace: A Resource Guide for the Transit Industry PY - 2011 SP - 80p AB - In order to stay competitive domestically, U.S. firms of all sizes will need to become competitive internationally. While the U.S. market is enormous, it represents only one-third of world purchasing power. This percentage is likely to diminish in the future since 95 percent of the world’s population resides outside of the United States. To increase profits and remain competitive, firms will need to expand their market base, increase their production, reduce per-unit production costs, and extend product life. Competing in the global marketplace will help them accomplish this. Fortunately, there is enormous demand for transportation infrastructure development worldwide. It is the intent of this guide to assist medium and small firms identify opportunities that exist in the international marketplace for them. While the process of doing business in other countries can seem daunting to these companies, there are numerous sources of assistance. Chapter 2 of this guide introduces both the International Public Transportation Program (IPTP) of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Chapters 3–5 discuss whom to contact first, how to conduct general market research, and then how to focus that research. Chapters 6 and 7 provide information on how to promote and sell products and the type of project financing available. Chapter 8 identifies sources of help to ensure firms are treated fairly. Chapter 9 provides tips on conducting business abroad in such areas as travel and language usage. The remaining chapters list other organizations and contacts that may be useful. Exporting goods and services, especially for small and medium sized businesses, is no longer the complicated undertaking it once was. The information in this guide should help identify opportunities globally and assist in taking advantage of them. KW - American Public Transportation Association KW - Businesses KW - Competition KW - Contacts (Organizations) KW - Exports KW - Financing KW - Global markets KW - Guidelines KW - International Public Transportation Program (Federal Transit Administration) KW - International trade KW - Market research KW - Products KW - Promotion KW - Public transit KW - Resource guides (Guides to information) KW - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) KW - Transit services KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/AccessingTheGlobalMarketplace.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098701 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335395 AU - T3 Design AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Automated Parking Information System Operational Test Evaluation: WMATA Glenmont Parking Facility PY - 2010/12/15 SP - 29p AB - This report presents the evaluation of commuter responses to the Automated Parking Information System (APIS) at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA's) Glenmont parking facility and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) Park-and-Ride Lot on Norbeck Road, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The report also describes the results of the “before-and-after” parking utilization study at both of the parking locations. KW - Acceptance KW - Automated Parking Information System KW - Before and after studies KW - Commuters KW - Demonstration projects KW - Glenmont (Maryland) KW - Metrorail (Washington Metropolitan Area) KW - Montgomery County (Maryland) KW - Park and ride KW - Parking facilities KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/AUTOMATED_PARKING_INFORMATION_SYSTEM_OPERATIONAL_TEST_EVALUATION.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098666 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01451198 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Lake Oswego to Portland Transit Project, Clackamas and Multnomah counties : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/12//Volumes held: Draft KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Oregon UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1219742 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373099 AU - Kaisar, Evangelos I AU - Scarlatos, P D AU - Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Management for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area PY - 2010/12 SP - 109p AB - The devastating effects of terrorism are distinctly clear and realistic to our generation with the haunting September 11 attacks, the 2005 subway bombings in London, the 2009 attempted Christmas attack, and constant turmoil overseas. Therefore, it is important to examine and assess the outcome of potential terrorist attacks in preparation for an emergency evacuation by minimizing damages and enhancing solutions for the safety of the public. Most specifically, there is a need to investigate the ways in which a terrorist attack could affect a transportation network in densely populated areas and develop efficient emergency evacuation plans. Since 2007, Florida Atlantic University’s Transportation Research Group has developed several emergency management scenarios involving immediate aftermaths of terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C. This project is an accumulation of three separate case studies that were conducted in the Washington, D.C. downtown area with various degrees of specification. The purpose of this research is to examine and assess the existing infrastructure’s ability to handle specified disasters and to make recommendations based upon the findings of this research. KW - Case studies KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Evacuation KW - Planning KW - Terrorism KW - Washington (District of Columbia) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0007.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55493/FTA_Report_No._0007.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141254 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367531 AU - Schueger, Joe AU - Hearndon, Bill AU - Gregg, Rob AU - Smith, Darrell AU - Faulkner, Emily AU - Simmons, Paul AU - Maldonado, Ivan AU - Duodem, Sunit AU - Faquir, Tahira AU - Barnett, LaChant AU - Whitton, Patricia AU - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - LYNX/PCTS Rural ITS Implementation and Evaluation Study PY - 2010/12//Final Report SP - 213p AB - This report documents the results of the implementation and evaluation of an intelligent transportation system, specifically mobile data terminals (MDTs) in a coordinated service approach between two neighboring transit systems, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) and Polk County Transit Services (PCTS). This project focused on a rural area where the two transit systems provide overlapping service, centered on the community of Poinciana. This area stretches between Osceola and Polk counties in central Florida. The project was evaluated based on its success in achieving four goals: (1) Increase efficiency of paratransit operation with regard to paratransit services; (2) Coordinate billing processes and funding sources to maximize the availability of transportation services in rural areas; (3) Demonstrate and evaluate how innovative intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies could be utilized to enhance options in rural communities; and (4) Reduce overall costs of providing paratransit service in rural areas while increasing service opportunities KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Central Florida KW - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobile data terminals KW - Paratransit services KW - Rural transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/LYNX-PCTS_RuralITS_Demonstration_Report_508%281%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135955 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367528 AU - Cherry, Christopher R AU - Langford, Brian Casey AU - University of Tennessee, Knoxville AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative: Task II - Transition of Bus Transit to Hydrogen - A Case Study of a Medium Sized Transit Agency PY - 2010/12//Final Report SP - 51p AB - The current climate crisis and recent world events, including a global economic crisis and growing concerns over the availability and cost of petroleum fuels, has sparked a global interest in developing alternative, sustainable, clean fuel technologies for the transportation sector. While a multitude of alternative fuel and vehicle technologies have been presented, hydrogen is considered by many as the option of choice. However, the introduction of hydrogen as a new fuel option presents many challenges, including the issue of how to supply an appropriate refueling infrastructure to support the new fuel. This report addresses infrastructure needs to support the transition of a medium sized transit agency to operation using hydrogen fuel, using the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) as a case study. Specifically, requirements for hydrogen bus fleets, production, storage, refueling and maintenance facilities, and facility personnel are addressed as well as the transition strategy for implementing the technology and associated costs are addressed. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Bus transit KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Infrastructure KW - Knoxville Area Transit (Tennessee) KW - Refueling UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ETHITask2FinalReportDecember2010_v6%282%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135978 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01342974 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transportation, Distance, and Health Care Utilization for Older Adults in Rural and Small Urban Areas PY - 2010/12 SP - 62p AB - Transportation is a vital issue for access to health care, especially in rural areas where travel distances are great and access to alternative modes such as transit is less prevalent. This study estimates the impacts of transportation and geography on utilization of health care services for older adults in rural and small urban areas. Using data collected from a survey, a model was developed based on the Health Behavior Model that considered transportation and distance as factors that could enable or impede health care utilization. A random sample of individuals aged 60 or older living in the rural Upper Great Plains states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming was surveyed by mail. With a response rate of 20%, responses were received from 543 individuals. An ordered probit model was used to estimate trip frequency, and a binary probit model was used to estimate the likelihood that an individual would miss or delay a health care trip. Distance and transportation variables were not found to significantly influence the total number of routine or chronic care trips made overall, while emergency care visits were impacted by transportation options. However, additional results showed that those who cannot drive make more trips if someone else in the household can drive; distance and access to transportation impact the likelihood that someone will miss or delay a trip; and difficulty reported in making trips is significantly affected by distance and transportation options. The greatest problems for people using public transportation for health care trips is inconvenient schedules, the need to match transit and medical schedules, and infrequent service. KW - Access KW - Aged KW - Health care KW - Montana KW - North Dakota KW - Probits KW - Public inconvenience KW - Public transit KW - Rural areas KW - Service frequency KW - Small towns KW - South Dakota KW - Surveys KW - Transportation modes KW - Trip length KW - Wyoming UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP236.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1104772 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01333260 AU - Brecher, Aviva AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Assessment of Needs and Research Roadmaps for Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) Onboard Electric Drive Buses PY - 2010/12 SP - 128p AB - In support of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Electric Drive Strategic Plan (EDSP), this report assesses state-of-art advances in lithium-ion batteries, ultracapacitors, and related power management and control technologies for the rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) on-board existing and emerging electric drive buses. RD&T roadmaps for near-, mid-, and long-term are developed for FTA and potential partners developing next generation electric drive buses, based on a review of technical literature, and inputs from experts and transit stakeholders regarding lessons learned, knowledge gaps, and priority RD&T needs. Illustrative projects up to 2020 are proposed based on the identified priority needs in these roadmaps. They promise to advance RESS technologies from research, development, demonstration, test and evaluation to full integration in more fuel efficient, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective commercial electric drive transit buses. KW - Bus transportation KW - Electric vehicles KW - Energy storage systems KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Lithium batteries KW - Nickel iron batteries KW - Plug-in hybrid vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Renewable energy sources UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/35000/35700/35796/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-11-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094914 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01451287 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Hatcher Pass Recreational Area access, trails, and transit facilities : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/11//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix(2v), Final, Final Appendix(2v) KW - Alaska KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1219831 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01448715 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Hough, Jill AU - Abeson, Alan AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Assessing Existing and Needed Community Transportation for People with Disabilities in North Dakota PY - 2010/11 SP - 85p AB - Mobility is fundamental for people to live full and satisfying lives in their communities. For adults with disabilities, access to community transportation is often limited. The objectives for this study are to obtain a current and accurate description of existing and needed community transportation for adults with disabilities in North Dakota, establish a methodology for obtaining this information that can be used over time to assess progress in providing transportation for adults with disabilities in the state, and create a data collection instrument that can be used by communities and states beyond North Dakota for collecting similar information. A survey was developed to collect information from individuals regarding their travel behavior, ability to make needed or desired trips, use of community transportation options (public transit, human service agencies, other), unmet needs, and difficulties encountered. A large percentage of the respondents were transit-dependent or dependent on others for rides. The survey results indicated that a significant percentage of respondents desire more trips than they are currently taking, and lack of transportation appears to be the main limiting factor. The survey also revealed significant dissatisfaction with available transportation options, both in the community and for long-distance trips. The most significant concerns with public transportation regarded service availability. KW - Captive riders KW - Data collection KW - Mobility KW - Needs assessment KW - North Dakota KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Social service agencies KW - Surveys KW - Transit availability KW - Travel behavior UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP231.pdf UR - http://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=671 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1216290 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488604 TI - DOT Center for Climate Change AB - No summary provided. KW - Climate change KW - Department of Transportation KW - Environmental impacts UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257581 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461678 TI - Improving Safety Culture in Public Transportation AB - The news of transit accidents in the last 2 years has been significant and made national headlines, in part because of the human errors that resulted in the accidents and in some cases, fatalities. In at least two of these major accidents, transit operators/transit workers and passengers were either seriously injured or killed. One of the questions to be answered is what is the culture of the working environment where serious accidents occur? Another question is what truly constitutes a culture of safety in a transit agency? "Safety Culture" belies the concept that a culture of safety exists in the transit community. There is some evidence to suggest that safety culture that is ingrained from the boardroom to the rail platform may not exist. There are many different safety programs, some of which are mandated by government organizations and/or groups outside of the immediate transit community. Even where there are collective representative worker organizations, safety programs exist, but not a culture of safety since accidents occur in these situations as well. Is it a legitimate statement to say that a safety culture is defined by top management in the organization, or is it equally legitimate to say the front-line worker defines the safety culture?   Although there has been serious discussion about safety, there has not emerged a concept of how transit organizations design, develop, and implement a "safety culture" resulting in no or few accidents. To define the "ingredients" of an effective transit safety culture, the objective of this research would be to establish the necessary protocols, communication requirements, and best practices for how transit organizations would go about implementing a true safety culture and committing to the willingness of establishing metrics as part of a program. The research may include a review of relevant literature, on a global scale, to identify key elements of what a transit safety culture could "look like"; a survey of selected American transit organizations to aid in identifying key elements of information about transit culture as well as transit safety issues; identification of a policy on safety culture; and a means to track aspects of the safety issues involved with the program to see if the metrics will aid in building the culture, thus reducing the accidents. The research will also identify and evaluate different safety culture and leadership styles. This project is a necessary step in the development of an overall review of what a transit safety culture is and what it means to agencies. The research results would provide guidance for transit agencies in order to build an effective safety culture with metrics to measure its performance and thus minimize accidents. The objective of this research is to develop resources for assessing, improving, and monitoring organization-wide safety culture that promote safety as a core value and top priority throughout public transportation systems. The resources should (1) explain the imperative of an effective safety culture; (2) identify and assess safety culture concepts from within and outside the public transportation sector; and (3) present organizational models, processes, and pragmatic strategies for assessing, improving, and monitoring the safety performance and safety culture of public transportation systems. KW - Communication systems KW - Crashes KW - Fatalities KW - Public transit KW - Transit crashes KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2895 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229897 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489279 TI - Transit Conditions and Performance AB - No summary provided. KW - Condition surveys KW - Performance KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258296 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461677 TI - Building a Sustainable Workforce in the Public Transportation Industry---A Systems Approach AB - There is consensus on significant workforce challenges facing transit leaders across North America--retirement of baby-boom era employees, a generally tight labor market, increasing technological requirements across job functions, and growing diversity of the workforce. The transit industry faces a critical shortage of skilled and seasoned employment as thousands of workers from the baby-boom generation near retirement over the next 5 to 10 years. There have been recent studies conducted by the industry, including Leadership APTA program participants, on strategies for attracting Generation X, Y, and Millennium to jobs and careers in public transportation, particularly "green collar" jobs. The research has shown that having proactive and systematic approaches to address future workforce development needs is critical as the industry is faced with a competitive job seekers' market. Building on the success of implementing recommendations outlined in APTA's 2001 report, "Workforce Development: Public Transportation's Blue Print for the 21st Century," a 1-year blue ribbon panel was established on workforce development representing the public and private sectors of the transit industry, key stakeholders, and partners, including labor, academia and the next generation of leaders in the industry. The panel was charged with (1) reviewing the research and recommendations of the earlier workforce development initiative; (2) identifying gaps, new opportunities, programs, and services geared to helping to create and sustain a vibrant, efficient, and effective workforce; and (3) defining APTA's role in providing ongoing support to members and the industry on these issues. In 2008, APTA created a long-term vision of public transportation's role in the fabric of the nation's surface transportation system over the next several decades: "In 2050, America's energy efficient, multimodal, environmentally sustainable transportation system powers the greatest nation on earth." Across the North American continent, trends in population, urban growth, energy, environment, and economics all point favorably to a ripe, robust future for public transportation. As part of this vision, the public transportation industry has career appeal to a new, diverse population of the best and brightest. Growth challenges since 2009 have required an intense effort to attract, train, and develop a new workforce on the scale of the U.S. space program of the 1960s. The many individuals who want to work in "green collar" jobs will recognize public transportation as an "employer of choice." A unified work plan for the next 5 years was presented at APTA's October 2009 annual meeting, and development of the association's 2010-2014 Strategic Plan is underway. Recommendations of the blue ribbon panel will require implementation of activities emerging from the panel's strategic vision and plan. These projects may include new programs, projects, and services to address the following: image and branding; higher education issues, including the role of colleges, universities, community colleges and technical/vocational schools; youth outreach and awareness programs;   partnerships and collaborations, including labor-management partnerships; development of performance metrics to determine the return on investment (ROI); and the impact of authorization of the federal public transportation law and other legislative proposals on workforce development. Moving forward toward implementation of these recommendations, there will be a need to conduct a comprehensive workforce development assessment for the public transportation industry. This assessment will provide a thorough overview of the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by the transit industry and the related implications for its workforce. The objectives of this research would be to (1) assess the current and future business environment of the public transportation industry as it relates to workforce development and human capital issues and resources; (2) develop industry models that could measure the ROI for training strategies and other human capital resources, and establish a framework for regular benchmarking; (3) identify "best practices" and new business models with respect to key issues recognized by the industry, including the impact of labor-management partnerships; and (4) assess the current perception of the public transportation industry as an "employer of choice," and identify how these perceptions might be addressed through image and branding strategies, including an emphasis on "green collar" jobs. The research would identify the complex influences that continue to present challenges that require the industry to adapt, innovate, and invest, particularly in relation to its human capital. The findings will assist in the development of a forward-thinking and sustainable human capital and resources strategy applicable to the next decade. One of the key deliverables would be a guide outlining a framework for workforce development planning for the decades ahead.  KW - Labor force KW - Personnel retention KW - Public transit KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation careers UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2896 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229896 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01470700 AU - Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson, S.A AU - Delaware Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Moving the First State Forward: Delaware's Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan PY - 2010/10 SP - 47p AB - The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, building and managing Delaware’s statewide transportation system. Moving the First State Forward is Delaware’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) that establishes a vision and policy structure, analyzes trends and sets forth innovative strategies to address transportation needs, provides a framework for directing investments and identifies financial resources to sustain the plan’s vision to achieving the Department’s mission. Statewide Long-Range Transportation plan provides a 20-year view of the principles, policies, actions and performance measures that will shape future transportation investments in the state. This plan envisions a statewide transportation network that reflects the ideas and strategies of the state government’s Statewide Strategies for Policies and Spending report (referred to as the Better Delaware Initiative) and new policies and initiatives of the current administration. This plan: (1) Serves as a strategic planning tool for the state to chart the course of transportation for the next 20 years. (2) Builds upon the 2002 update and provides a fresh look at statistics, programs and policies. (3) Establishes a framework to implement strategies that continue to move toward the goals of the Better Delaware Initiative. (4) Provides the basis for guiding long term capital investment for transportation planning and decision-making. (5) Fulfills Federal reporting and planning requirements. (6) Reaffirms the Department’s commitment to provide for the transportation needs by implementing policies, programs and strategies that fulfill our mission. The plan provides methods for improving services to travelers as well as means of measuring the quality of the service DelDOT provides. The plan outlines priorities matched with planned resources for particular project opportunities. This plan also addresses Federal requirements considering SAFETEA-LU elements and performance measures. KW - Capital investments KW - Decision making KW - Delaware KW - Long range planning KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Quality of service KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation system management UR - http://deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/delrtp/delrtp_102510.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1238083 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01329721 AU - Thorne-Lyman, Abigail AU - Wampler, Elizabeth AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Corridors and TOD: Connecting the Dots PY - 2010/10 SP - 28p AB - This transit corridor and TOD planning manual is intended to illustrate how and why the corridor scale provides an important perspective for planning transit that supports successful TOD because it integrates knowledge about both the local and regional contexts. The manual begins with a discussion about transit corridors, identifying three main types and how each has a different impact on the TOD potential. This is followed by a "making the case" discussion outlining the reasons planning at the corridor scale will create more successful outcomes. The second half of the manual focuses on the six major objectives of transit and TOD planning at the corridor scale. Each objective is linked to a strategy, and case studies illustrate successful corridor planning in real places. KW - Case studies KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit corridors KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning UR - http://reconnectingamerica.org/public/download/tod203corridors UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1090853 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461683 TI - Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, 3rd Edition AB - The Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual (TCQSM) was initially published in 1999. The TCQSM serves as a comprehensive resource document presenting information on principles and practices of transit capacity for all transit modes, and of transit quality of service from the passenger's point-of-view. The TCQSM supplements the Highway Capacity Manual, which focuses on presentation of highway capacity and quality of service principles and practices. A subset of the material in the TCQSM 1st Edition serves as the basis for the transit chapters in the Highway Capacity Manual 2000 (HCM2000). Subsequent to the publishing of the HCM2000, a 2nd Edition of the TCQSM was published in 2003. Whereas the 1st Edition was primarily a synthesis effort of previous transit capacity research, with the quality-of-service section being its primary new contribution, the 2nd Edition focused on filling gaps in previous research, updating capacity and quality-of-service procedures, and incorporating feedback from users of the 1st Edition. The 2nd Edition, published as TCRP Report 100, has subsequently become one of TCRP's best-selling documents. A 2010 edition of the Highway Capacity Manual is currently under development. The 2010 HCM will have a more multimodal focus than before, but given the existence of the TCQSM, the increasing page count of the HCM as a result of new research, and the difficulty of keeping the two manuals' content in sync with each other, the 2010 HCM will present a more streamlined presentation of transit. The HCM project's intent is to have a strong TCQSM continue to be the primary source for basic information on transit capacity and quality of service. Given a new HCM 2010, there is strong feeling that an update of the TCQSM, a 3rd Edition, is required to reflect refined highway and multimodal analysis procedures, and to incorporate the substantial research related to transit capacity and quality of service that has occurred since 2003. The TCQSM is a cornerstone of the TCRP report series. It is used by numerous universities as a basic transit education tool, was previously the subject of a National Transit Institute course, and was used by one large transit agency as an educational tool for their transit board in a series of workshops on transit quality of service, performance measurement, and service standards. An Internet search found numerous examples of usage of the TCQSM by transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and state DOTs. The manual's transit level-of-service (LOS) measures are the most commonly applied portion of the document, particularly in long-range transit plans and transit development plans, although they have also been applied to corridor studies, alternatives analyses, and environmental impact statements. The state of Florida developed a guidebook for transit agencies and MPOs on ways to apply the TCQSM's transit LOS measures. The manual's documented capacity applications have particularly focused on bus rapid transit (BRT) operations, although one example of a light rail application was also found, along with examples of the manual being used as a source of comparative modal capacities. In addition, the manual is often used as a source of transit definitions and transit capacity and quality of service concepts, even when the manual's specific procedures are not required or used for a particular application. The objective of this research is to develop a 3rd Edition of the TCQSM, to reflect the latest transit capacity and quality of service applications and research, the new multimodal focus and procedures in the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual, and interest in the international community to expand the manual to reflect transit conditions outside North America. KW - Highway capacity KW - Highway Capacity Manual KW - Level of service KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Quality of service KW - Transit capacity KW - Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2890 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229903 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489189 TI - Environmental Justice in Transportation AB - No summary provided. KW - Environmental justice KW - Public transit KW - Social factors KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258200 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489229 TI - Security Standards (IAA with TSA) AB - No summary provided. KW - Public transit KW - Safety and security KW - Security KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258248 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01549556 TI - Developing Partnerships Between Transportation Agencies and the Disability and Underrepresented Communities AB - This report includes best practices that may lead to productive partnerships and collaborations between transit agencies and underrepresented minority and disability communities they serve. The report also includes a resource guide that contains suggestions and checklists that may be used by transit managers to develop and maintain these partnerships and/or collaborations. KW - Communities KW - Cooperation KW - Minorities KW - Partnerships KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2932 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1339710 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489268 TI - TELUS for Transit AB - No summary provided. KW - Communication systems KW - Public transit KW - TELUS (Computer program) KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258285 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461680 TI - State of Good Repair: Prioritizing the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Existing Capital Assets and Evaluating the Implications for Transit AB - Keeping public transportation systems in a state of good repair is essential to sustaining existing transportation services, providing mobility, and supporting livable communities. Transit agencies find that service reliability, on-time performance, and safety are strongly influenced by the condition of capital assets. Insuring that transit infrastructure is in a state of good repair is essential for sustaining and increasing transit ridership. As public transportation system assets progressively age and deteriorate, the capital funds required to maintain these assets in a state of good repair are typically much greater than the funds available. Assets such as vehicles, stations, fixed-guideway systems, maintenance facilities, and fire/life/safety systems must be maintained and replaced. The Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Rail Modernization Study Report to Congress (April 2009) evaluated the nation's seven largest rail operators and found a backlog of over $50 billion. Public transportation systems of all sizes and all modes face significant annual backlogs. Considering constrained budgets, how should public transportation systems prioritize their investments? How can these needs be communicated to decisionmakers and the public? Public transportation systems of different sizes and modal composition need a framework for prioritizing the rehabilitation and replacement of existing capital assets and methods to assess the consequences (positive and negative) of various investment levels on key indicators of transit service and performance. Investment decisions should reflect a concern for transit operations and system performance as well as other factors such as legal mandates, environmental sustainability, social justice, and technological advances that affect the prioritization process. The objectives of this research are to (1) develop a framework for public transportation systems to prioritize the rehabilitation and replacement of existing capital assets and (2) identify methods for assessing the consequences (positive and negative) of various investment levels on key indicators of public transportation service and performance. KW - Accessibility KW - Asset management KW - Capital investments KW - Light rail transit KW - On time performance KW - Public transit KW - Regional development KW - Ridership KW - Sustainable development KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2893 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229899 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461676 TI - Transforming Public Transportation Institutional and Business Models AB - Transit systems of all sizes throughout the United States and North America are being fundamentally challenged to strategically think, plan, operate (alternative business and financial models), and manage in different ways, including expectations for greater efficiency/effectiveness, increased transparency and public accountability. Today, many transit systems are embarking on this "transformation" process with very few concrete guideposts. While not necessarily to a level of "best practice", there are very useful industry examples and case studies that should be thoughtfully documented and potentially replicable initiatives identified and made readily available to the industry. This information would be immensely useful to transit managers and policymakers in transit systems of all sizes and complexity. The forces of change were well documented in the New Paradigms work completed for the transit industry in the late 1990s. At that time, the study team recognized a bigger mobility management role; profound demographic shifts and consumer expectations; the riveting impact of new technology; and the multi-jurisdictional/regional context of the challenges facing communities--well beyond the traditional silos and institutional structures of existing transit agencies and their partners/key stakeholders. The objective of this research would be to compile information with a focus on documenting concrete examples of new or changed institutional structures/arrangements and business models implemented at public transit systems particularly in response to regional and multi-jurisdictional challenges/opportunities. KW - Best practices KW - Business models KW - Guideposts KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2897 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229895 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01516441 AU - Redington, Mike AU - Rutyna, Eve AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Shanahan, Felicity AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - MacroSys Research and Technology AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Drug and Alcohol Testing Results 2008 Annual Report PY - 2010/09//Final Report SP - 76p AB - This is the 14th annual report of the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. This report summarizes the reporting requirements for calendar year 2008, the requirements of the overall drug and alcohol testing program (49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655), the results from the data reported for 2008, and the random drug and alcohol violation rates (the percentage of persons selected for a random test who produced a positive specimen or refused to take the test) for calendar years 1995 through 2008. This report provides a brief overview of the drug and alcohol testing requirements for both safety-sensitive employers and employees. The official random rates for 2008 are provided, as well as the official random rate trends over the last 14 years. The results of alcohol and drug tests are provided by test type, employee category, and region. The positive testing rates for drugs and alcohol are also provided for each test type, employee category, and region. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Drug tests KW - Employees KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/50000/50100/50133/damis08.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1290276 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01369889 AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - South Western Regional Planning Agency AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Danbury Branch Improvement Program: Transit Oriented Development PY - 2010/09//Final Report SP - 97p AB - This report presents an evaluation of transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunities within the Danbury Branch study corridor as a component of the Federal Transit Administration Alternatives Analysis/ Draft Environmental Impact Statement (FTA) prepared for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This report is intended as a tool for municipalities to use as they move forward with their TOD efforts. The report identifies the range of TOD opportunities at station areas within the corridor that could result from improvements to the Danbury Branch. By also providing information regarding FTA guidelines and TOD best practices, this report serves as a reference and a guide for future TOD efforts in the Danbury Branch study corridor. Specifically, this report presents a definition of TOD and the elements of TOD that are relevant to the Danbury Branch. It also presents a summary of FTA Guidance regarding TOD and includes case studies of FTA-funded projects that have been rated with respect to their livability, land use, and economic development components. Additionally, the report examines commuter rail projects both in and out of Connecticut that are considered to have applications that may be relevant to the Danbury Branch. Within this framework, the report provides details and data related to the eight communities within the Danbury Branch study corridor. Demographics, market potential, existing land use, and zoning are among the topics discussed. Additionally, a matrix outlining the potential opportunities and constraints related to TOD at each station site is presented. GIS maps show the areas around each station with ongoing TOD efforts as well as those areas that have the potential for TOD. Detailed information on each community's zoning regulations is included in an appendix to this document. Data on wetlands and hazardous materials within each TOD site are presented in appendices as well. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Connecticut KW - Economic development KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Improvements KW - Land use KW - Quality of life KW - Rail transit stations KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://www.danburybranchstudy.com/documents/TOD%20Report/00_Danbury%20Branch%20TOD%20Report_compressed.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138954 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01226648 AU - Eschbach, Karl AU - Cline, Michael AU - Cherrington, Linda AU - Edrington, Suzie AU - Ellis, Patricia AU - Kraus, Edgar AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - University of Texas, San Antonio AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Estimated Impacts of the 2010 Census on the Texas Transit Funding Formula PY - 2010/09//Technical Report SP - 322p AB - Changes in the population and land area of urbanized areas in Texas will play a significant role in determining the allocation of public transportation funds to service providers in Texas after Census 2010. The purpose of this research report is to review the impacts of the changes in urbanized area population and non-urbanized (rural) population and land area for 2010 on the current Texas Transit Funding Formula for allocation of Federal Section 5311 and state rural and urban funds. This collaborative effort between the Texas Transportation Institute and the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio draws upon the complementary expertise of public transportation planners, demographers, and geographic information systems professionals of the two research organizations. The research project identifies areas with the potential to exceed 200,000 in population and those non-urbanized areas that have potential to become urbanized (over 50,000 people) in 2010. The implications of these changes will be examined relative to the current public transportation funding allocations. The research staff provides a comprehensive assessment of these changes for the state as a whole and for individual transit service providers. KW - 2010 Census KW - Financing KW - Impacts KW - Population KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Texas KW - Urban transit UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6199-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/987401 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335379 AU - Cevallos, Fabian AU - Wang, Xiaobo AU - Skinner, Jon AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Using Data from an Electronic Fare Collection System to Identify the Travel Behavior of Seniors and the Disabled Community PY - 2010/08/20/Final Report SP - 72p AB - The elderly and people with disabilities have particular characteristics that need to be understood to be able to provide transit service that is sensitive to their needs. Most transit agencies in the U.S. collect data from electronic farebox systems that usually contain critical information about seniors and the disabled population. This research was designed to help transit agencies efficiently use data collected at the farebox and generate information that can be used to improve services for seniors and people with disabilities. It uses computerized mechanisms to take full advantage of the data to determine the travel characteristics and behavior of this very important segment of the population. Knowing the travel patterns and preferences of the elderly and disabled community can provide transit planners with the information needed to plan ahead. Expected use of this information may include prioritizing transit amenities, assessing existing and needed infrastructure, providing services at particular time of day and at particular locations using the type of vehicles needed to provide transit services, explaining compliance with the federal regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and helping improve the overall mobility of seniors and people with disabilities. KW - Aged KW - Amenities KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Automatic fare collection KW - Compliance KW - Data collection KW - Infrastructure KW - Mobility KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Planning KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit services KW - Travel behavior UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/TRANSPO_EFC_System_Special_Population.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098702 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461681 TI - Paratransit Emergency Preparedness and Operations Handbook AB - Paratransit operators face special challenges in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. Not only do these systems transport a particularly vulnerable population, most systems are operated by contract providers so that drivers are not employees of the transit agency and are not under direct control of the transit agency. Response issues to emergencies can be divided according to whether the emergency is one that can be predicted (such as hurricanes) and ones that occur suddenly with no warning (earthquakes, major electrical blackouts, terrorism). In the case of emergencies that can be predicted, paratransit systems may be called upon to assist in evacuation or to bring people with disabilities to shelters. TRB Special Report 294: The Role of Transit in Emergency Evacuation, released in July 2008, generally found that transit (defined to include bus, rail, and paratransit) is not sufficiently integrated into emergency response planning. KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Earthquakes KW - Emergency response time KW - Natural disasters KW - Paratransit services KW - Power outages KW - Terrorism UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2892 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229901 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492357 TI - Integrated Corridor Management AB - This project shall undertake the development, installation, testing, and demonstration of on-board transit vehicle data collection and communications equipment to transmit transit vehicle data (e.g., passenger loads) in real time to a central facility(ies) (e.g., transit management center) in order to support integraded corridor management (ICM) operations at the Dallas and San Diego Pioneer Demonstration Sites. The ICM Initiative is a major initiative currently sponsored by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The primary objective of the ICM Initiative is to demonstrate how innovative transportation strategies and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies can efficiently and proactively facilitate the movement of people and goods through major metropolitan transportation corridors. Specifically, ICM is the integrated, dynamic management of freeway, arterial, transit, and parking systems within a corridor using ITS technologies and innovative practices or strategies. It includes technical, operational, and institutional integration. In simple terms, ICM is the management of the corridor as a system, rather than the traditional approach of managing the individual transportation networks within the corridor. ICM operations occur for all operational conditions, including recurring congestion, incidents, planned events (e.g., construction), special events (e.g., concert, sporting events), and adverse weather KW - Incident management KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Onboard computing KW - Real time information KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261490 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492349 TI - Study Positive Train Control AB - This funding is provided in support of a study of the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) on commuter railroads, rail transit systems, and shared-use rail operations. This project is to undertake a study of the implementation of PTC on commuter railroads, rail transit systems, and shared-use rail operations. The use of PTC to improve commuter and regional rail transit safety has been mandated by the Rail Safety Act of 2008, with implementation for commuter rail operations by 2015. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a recommendation (R-09-08) for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to facilitate implementation of Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) on rail transit systems (heavy and light rail, metro and subway). FTA needs support to coordinate these efforts, inform the industry, and carry out the research. There are several specific issues to address. First, the rail transit industry needs to understand the requirements of the RSIA and develop standards for positive train control systems that meet those requirements and are interoperable with freight railroad PTC systems. There is a need for Best Practices guidance to commuter rail and rail transit operators in developing and implementing these systems. Finally, there are rail transit operations on the general system of railroads using non-FRA-compliant vehicles. These operations generally require temporal separation of operations by these passenger carrying vehicles and freight trains. Use of PTC to ensure positive train separation may obviate the need for temporal separation. KW - Best practices KW - Communications based train control – cbtc KW - Positive train control KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad safety KW - Shared tracks KW - Train separation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261482 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461682 TI - Command-Level Decision Making for Transit Emergency Managers AB - Command-level decision making is a critical factor in successfully managing and mitigating critical incidents. Incident training for transit emergency response personnel is currently conducted manually. A significant number of individuals (including command-level senior staff) and commitment of time are needed to exercise and train for specific scenarios. At many transit agencies, emergency response and recovery training is conducted one time each year, with varying quality, thereby limiting the opportunities that command-level senior staff have to improve their incident management skills. Simulation provides a safe and realistic environment in which responders can hone their decision-making skills. Research has shown that responders (including command-level staff) who have more experience with critical incidents are more likely to make more "workable," "timely," and "cost-effective" decisions. By increasing the effectiveness of training, transit agencies will be better prepared to manage critical incidents. The National Guard Bureau and the TRB Cooperative Research Programs have sponsored development of training simulation scenarios and no-license-fee systems on which to deploy them (see Special Note A). Research is needed to develop additional scenarios specifically for the transit industry, which would supplement discussion and operations-based exercises as a means to simulate, train, and assess critical incident decision making reflecting real-world constraints. To do so, the scenarios and the system they are deployed on must be affordable, cost-effective, easy to setup and use, have readily available support, provide a measured assessment, and allow participants to exercise the resources and policies they use currently in response to emergencies. The objective of the research is to develop a scenario-based training system compliant with federal standards (e.g., the National Incident Management System and the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program) and relevant transit industry standards and regulations. It is anticipated that the training system will be delivered through an automated, functional exercise simulation system capable of providing on-demand emergency response training and exercises. It is anticipated that the training system will operate either on an existing platform (e.g., NGB EMST, ACRP AEROS/TUFD) or an alternate system with substantially similar key functions and attributes (see Special Note A). The system should accommodate individual training, team training, and multi-agency training within one framework. It should also address novice, intermediate, and expert levels of learning and provide foundational concepts in a knowledge-level system for prerequisite study prior to team exercises, thus moving the learner from novice to expert. The system must be cost free to the end-user, scalable, easy to setup and use, have readily available support, provide a measured assessment, and allow participants to exercise the resources and policies they use currently in response to emergencies. The system should also allow a transit agency/property to customize training and exercises reflecting particular staffing and geographic characteristics. The system must be configured to protect security sensitive information; it should present training and exercise options; and it should be able to track the progress of individual employees and teams in meeting training requirements. KW - Awareness KW - Decision making KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Emergency response time KW - Incident Command System KW - Incident management KW - Public transit KW - Security KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2891 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229902 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01172537 AU - Cherrington, Linda AU - Edrington, Suzie AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Estimated Impacts of the 2010 Census on the Texas Transit Funding Formula: Summary Report on Findings PY - 2010/08 SP - 118p AB - The purpose of this report is to document the impact of the projections for the 2010 Census on federal and state funding for rural transit districts and the impact on state funding for eligible urban transit districts for the state of Texas. This report consists of four chapters. The first chapter is an introduction to the report. Chapter 2 documents the change in population and land area by transit district for existing rural and urban transit districts; identifies how new urbanized areas will affect current rural transit districts; and identifies the development of three population scenarios to reflect the possible impacts of new urbanized areas. Chapter 3 applies each of the population scenarios to the current Texas transit funding formula to identify the impacts on funding by transit provider. Chapter 4 provides discussion of the findings and key policy implications based on the information provided in the previous chapters. The Appendices to this report include information to support the research methodology. KW - 2010 Census KW - Financing KW - Impacts KW - Population KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Texas KW - Urban transit UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6199-P1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/34000/34600/34600/0-6199-P1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/34000/34600/34617/0-6199-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/933407 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488621 TI - PTP3-2008 Utah Crowdsourcing AB - No summary provided. KW - Crowd sourcing KW - Crowds KW - Utah UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257598 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463895 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-20. Proactive Use of Social Media in Public Transportation AB - Many transit agencies have begun to incorporate social media platforms into their marketing and communications strategies. The specifics vary, but platforms typically include blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. Goals for using these communication channels may include: (1)Reaching customers who do not use traditional sources to access government information, (2) Providing a higher level of customer service, (3) Obtaining feedback from customers on service and programs, (4) Strengthening, the agency's branding and messaging, and (5) Developing stronger community connections. However, social networking applications may pose specific challenges for transit agencies. These may include: (1) Resource requirements - Although the applications themselves are usually free, agencies need to decide how to dedicate staff resources to developing content and managing online communications, (2) Cyber-security - Many information technology professionals have expressed concerns about vulnerability to cyber-attacks, including viruses and hacking, (3) Legal concerns - The legal system has not yet caught up with the widespread use of social networking applications by public agencies, (4) Accessibility for people with disabilities - Does Section 508 accessibility requirements apply to applications like Flickr? Can readers using keyboard navigation or screen readers access Facebook or does YouTube videos have to be captioned?  A synthesis will explore these issues and document successful practice about how to get the greatest value from social networking applications for staffers who want to develop or enhance social media applications at their own agencies. A literature review, survey of appropriate stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished to document the state of practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information.
KW - Customer service KW - Facebook KW - Information dissemination KW - Information technology KW - Public transit KW - Social media KW - Social networking KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Twitter UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2992 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232123 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461366 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-26. Implementation and Outcomes of Fare-Free Transit Systems AB - It is said that fare-free transit systems enjoy a number of advantages, including simplicity for riders, reduced dwell times, and substantially lower costs related to currency handling, auditing, and related functions. Presently, there are a small number of examples of fare-free zones in the US and much of the existing literature is dated. Successful fare-free systems in the US are located in Chapel Hill, NC; Clemson, SC; and Amherst, MA. There are others in Western Europe. A number of US cities, such as Seattle, WA; Long Beach, CA; Denver, CO; Orlando and Miami in FL; and Portland, ME have more limited fare-free zones or services; Houston, TX and Dayton, OH are considering implementing them. A synthesis is needed to report how fare-free implementation and operation works for transit agencies. A synthesis could select from these cities and others to report on the state of the practice. It might be used to aid public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed when fare-free transit is being considered. KW - Dwell time KW - Free fares KW - Implementation KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2989 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229585 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461365 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-27. Off-Board Transit Fare Payment Using Proof-of-Purchase Verification AB - Many new bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail systems (LRT) in the US seem to be using or being designed to use off-board collection to speed the passenger boarding process. Off-board fare collection is very common on European bus and light rail systems. Newer bus BRT and LRT systems passengers purchase tickets, passes, or transfers at station kiosks or such sources, and simply, board the vehicle. Inspectors are employed to query riders to show proof of purchase and passengers unable to do so may be issued citations imposing a hefty fine as a deterrent to fare evasion. This synthesis will collect data on existing or planned BRT and LRT operations in North America in order to help others understand how it all works. This synthesis will be used to aid public agencies and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed when such service is being considered. A literature review, survey of appropriate stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished in order to document the state of practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Boarding KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Fare collection KW - Light rail transit KW - Proof KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2990 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229584 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461364 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-19. Ridesharing as a Complement to Transit AB - Transit and carpooling/vanpooling (ridesharing) can be powerful allies - especially if leveraged together creatively. Transit agencies have been seen to expand their market base, as well as enhance transit operations. It is proposed that a synthesis be prepared that gathers information from transit agencies that incorporate ridesharing, and those that do not, and from non-transit agencies that operate ridesharing services, to understand the perspectives of the relevant operators with regard to ridesharing as a complementary solution to transit for handling travel demand. Ridesharing in this case might include the broad spectrum of carpool and vanpool formation strategies including such as formal flexible carpooling (reference the Washington State Flexible carpooling program), informal flexible carpooling (slug-lines and casual carpooling), vanpooling, and dynamic ridesharing, etc. This synthesis will explore the integration or interface between ridesharing and the rest of the transit system and situations where ridesharing is operating synergistically with transit, and try to capture the essence of successful practice in this field. For the transit agencies that are already very active in ridesharing: How do they do it? How does it affect their cost structure? What is the full potential? This synthesis might be used to aid public agencies and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed when such options are being considered. A literature review, survey of appropriate stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles might be accomplished to document the state of practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Carpools KW - Case studies KW - Casual carpooling KW - Public transit KW - Ridesharing KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vanpools UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2991 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229583 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461363 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SE-06. Successful Maintenance and Safety Practices for Elevators and Escalators in US Transit Agencies AB - As transportation facilities in the United States age, as well as face increases in usage, the quantity of properly-functioning elevators and escalators available for public use declines. Elevator and escalator outages decrease the confidence of riders who rely on vertical transportation technology to get from level A to level B of a transportation facility. Importantly, transportation agencies have begun to address this challenge by implementing proactive maintenance programs to ensure safe and reliable elevator and escalator operation during all hours of transit operation. This synthesis will examine selected agencies' elevator and escalator maintenance and safety practices in the United States. It will document successful practices to control inconsistencies by improving maintenance strategies that provide the safest and most reliable access to users, as well as lessen unnecessary expenditures on elevator and escalator repairs. This synthesis will be used to aid public transit agencies and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed in developing successful maintenance and safety practices. A literature review, survey of appropriate stakeholders, and detailed case studies/profiles will be accomplished to provide information, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Accessibility KW - Elevators KW - Escalators KW - Maintenance KW - Maintenance of specific facilities KW - Public transit KW - Safety KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2993 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229582 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461362 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-15. Practices in Wayside Rail Track/Transit Worker Safety Protection AB - Public rail transit agencies are seeing a sharp rise in fatalities for rail transit wayside workers. This increase has caused great concern for the FTA, who reported that between October 2005 and April 2007, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data show a three-fold increase in the number of rail transit worker fatalities and a significant increase in injuries. Because of this concern, in the 2008 Rail Transit Safety Action Plan, the Federal Transit Administration identified a list of ten safety action priorities, of which priority number one calls for the improvement of the safety of transit workers, including right-of-way safety. KW - Fatalities KW - Maintenance of way KW - Maintenance personnel KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad tracks KW - Railroad trains KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Safety KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2994 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229581 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461361 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-16. Rewards and Discipline to Improve Safety Performance AB - Safety is a paramount concern for transit operations. Transit agencies typically use a combination of rewards and discipline to motivate good safety performance. Rewards may be provided on an individual or group basis to recognize and reinforce good performance. For example, an employee who works a full year without a preventable accident receives a safety pin; all drivers in a division receive gift coupons if they collectively go more than 30 days without a preventable accident. Conversely, progressive discipline (including warnings, suspensions, possible discharge, and mandatory retraining) is used to punish employees for unsafe performance and, hopefully, correct lapses or behaviors that lead to accidents. This synthesis will have two aspects. One is a survey of selected transit agencies (and possibly companies in related industries) to identify the specific types of rewards and corrections used. While many practices will be commonplace, innovative or unique practices will be described in greater detail. The second aspect will focus on selected transit agencies that have been using NTD data and have been recognized as exemplary safety performance. The practices at these agencies to motivate safety performance will be documented in detail. This synthesis will be used to aid public agencies and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed in this area of human resources. A literature review and detailed case studies/profiles, in addition to the survey of selected transit agencies, will be accomplished to document the state of the practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Improvements KW - Public transit KW - Safety KW - Safety performance KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit operators KW - Transit safety UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2995 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229580 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454158 AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Hough, Jill AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Public Transportation Workforce Development: A Survey of Vocational and University Students PY - 2010/07 SP - 87p AB - Students at three institutions of higher learning in the upper Midwest were surveyed to identify attitudes and behaviors that impact their choice of academic major, internship, and career, as well as perceptions of internships and careers in public transportation, and use of job search methods. Each of the three universities participates in a UPASS program, which allows for fare-free travel by university students, faculty, and staff, in a community with a relatively high level of service. Responses did not vary significantly by major. Fifteen percent of students stated that they are interested in an internship in public transportation, while 34% responded that they didn't know. Students in general did not report strong attitudes about internships or careers in transit. However, for those attributes that they did report strong feelings, the attitudes were negative. Internships in public transportation were not viewed as providing opportunities to apply existing skills or to develop new skills, the top factors that influence internship selection. Students thought that a career in public transportation would be uninteresting, unchallenging intellectually, and would not provide the opportunity to be creative. They also do not believe that a career in transit will provide the opportunity to work with technology, or provide social prestige. These attitudes, with the exception of social prestige, are at odds with many occupations in public transportation. Strategies to address these shortcomings include educating university and vocational students on the industry and career opportunities and working with the broader transportation industry to deal with shared workforce development needs. KW - Attitudes KW - College students KW - Internships KW - Labor force KW - Midwestern States KW - Surveys KW - Transportation careers UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP229.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1222609 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01562518 TI - Travel Assistance Device (TAD) to Help Transit Riders AB - This project developed a Travel Assistance Device (TAD) for transit riders with cognitive disabilities through the creation of an intelligent software system that integrates cell phones with transit agencies' automated vehicle location (AVL) systems. This project built on the initial TAD work funded through the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida (USF) by the Florida Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Transportation. The TAD prototype software application was developed at USF and was tested with the participation of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Authority, which serves the Tampa area. TAD uses multimedia cell phones with built-in global positioning systems (GPS) to overcome the challenges facing new transit riders, especially those who with cognitive disabilities. The TAD provides many services to the user, including ringing, vibrating, or playing a message as a reminder when the rider is approaching their stop. This tracking system can also monitor their travel behavior in real-time and notify the travel instructor or guardian if the rider deviates from the expected route. This project enhanced the TAD by providing a link to HART's real-time AVL data. This data can be used to provide services including: (1) delivering information to the rider via their mobile phone while they are waiting at the bus stop and while they are riding on the bus, (2) notifying riders when their specific bus has arrived, (3) providing the rider with identifying information so that they board the correct bus if multiple buses are present, and (4) alerting the rider and officials if the rider boards the incorrect bus. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Cellular telephones KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Tracking systems KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders KW - Travel assistance devices KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2261 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352306 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461359 TI - Improving Bus Transit On-Time Performance through the Use of AVL Data AB - This project will develop a number of software tools to enable a transit operator to benchmark existing bus transit performance and to improve on-time performance and service reliability. Methods to do this include establishing appropriate running (scheduled) times between timepoints, allowing sufficient time at the end of a trip to allow for a driver break (layover) and schedule recovery, and field supervision to assure on-time departures of buses from their terminals. The approach to improving on-time performance is to analyze automatic vehicle location (AVL) archived data, apply appropriate statistical methods to provide insights into the causes of deviation from schedules, and make recommendations on how performance could be improved. The software to be developed in this project will interface with the AVL systems that are installed by the three major firms in this field. Particular attention will be paid to developing an intuitive user interface and the graphic display of output. A field test will be conducted, using actual data from the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), in Albany, NY. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transportation KW - On time performance KW - On time reliability KW - Public transit KW - Service reliability KW - Software KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2996 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229578 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492222 TI - Holyoke Passenger Station Site Location Assess AB - The return of passenger rail service to Holyoke will be an important component of Holyoke's downtown resurgence. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) will open its new Intermodal Transportation Center (a joint venture with Peter Pan) at Veteran's Park this summer; the development of the High Performance Computing Center is proceeding at Open Square; and the Holyoke Canal Walk and Bicycle Path area already offering an improved downtown environment. Therefore, the identification of a recommended site for the future passenger rail station in Holyoke is needed to support this ongoing municipal revitalization and assure the overall success of the Knowledge Corridor project in the region. This study will focus on the analysis of two locations and their potential to serve the passenger demand and service scenarios described in the 2009 feasibility study. The location and accessibility of other transportation assets, resources, and trip generators in the downtown area shall be considered in the analysis of each location. KW - Economic development KW - Intermodal terminals KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Land use planning KW - Light rail transit KW - Nonmotorized transportation KW - Passenger transportation KW - Rail transit stations KW - Revitalization (Communities) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261187 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01508187 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Honolulu high-capacity transit corridor project, City and County of Honolulu, O`ahu : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/06//Volumes held: Draft, Final, Final Appendix,video guide B1 KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Hawaii UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1292511 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01329735 AU - Roisman, Richard I AU - Kennedy, Sean M AU - Spielberg, Frank AU - McCollom, Brian AU - Southern, Valerie J AU - Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit at the Table II: A Guide to Participation in Metropolitan Transportation Decisionmaking for Transit Agencies in Small- and Medium-Sized MPOs PY - 2010/06 SP - 76p AB - The purpose of the Transit at the Table II project is to answer the question, “Why should transit agencies in small- and medium-sized urban areas (population < 200,000) participate in the metropolitan planning process?” This report discusses the observations, perspectives, and recommendations of regional decisionmakers regarding transit agency participation in metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). It details how transit agencies secured strategic positions in the metropolitan planning process and the results they obtained in an effort to educate and energize transit agencies in small- and medium-sized areas taking a seat at the MPO “table.” The report examines how to win policy and program support for transit services at the MPO level and provides specific examples of benefits realized by transit operators in small- and medium-sized metropolitan areas. It also discusses the benefits gained by small- and medium-sized MPOs by actively including transit in their activities. This effort builds on a previous study that focused on MPOs representing the largest urbanized areas (population >200,000). The report also identifies commonalities and differences between the “transit at the table” experiences of operators in large metropolitan areas and those in small- and medium-sized ones. KW - Decision making KW - Medium sized cities KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Public transit KW - Small cities KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/TransPlanning/TransTableII.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1090890 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01173877 AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Brand-Sargent, Bethany AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Technology Adoption by Small Urban and Rural Transit Agencies PY - 2010/06 SP - 83p AB - In this paper, findings from a national survey on technology use by agencies providing transit service to rural areas are presented. The survey collected data on agency use of information and communications technologies, transit-specific technology, as well as characteristics of its manager. The survey targeted organizations that receive Section 5311 funds, a federal grant program, to provide transit service to non-urbanized areas, but that do not provide intercity bus service exclusively. Survey data were joined with financial and operating statistics contained in the recently available Rural National Transit Database (Rural NTD) to allow for further analysis. An econometric analysis to investigate the impact of community, agency, and manager attributes on technology adoption was conducted using discrete choice modeling techniques. The analysis included modeling the individual adoption of four technologies: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Computer-Aided Scheduling and Dispatch software (CASD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) using binary logit techniques. The joint adoption of technology, specifically CASD software in combination with AVL, GIS, or MDTs, was modeled using a multinomial logit framework. Agency size measured by fleet size, budget, and trips delivered are significant factors that impact the adoption of technology by rural transit agencies. Manager education and experience, attendance at national conferences, interaction with technology vendors, and participating in technology training were also found to be significant. Results of the survey and analysis have practical implications for policy and practice. They support participation of agency managers in national conferences and technology-focused training. The results can also be used to determine which agencies might benefit from technology based on community, agency, and manager attributes. Conversely, agencies that do use technology, but are not expected to based on their characteristics, can be identified to determine if and how they benefit from the technologies they use. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus transit operations KW - Computer aided dispatch systems KW - Econometric models KW - Geographic information systems KW - Logits KW - Mobile data terminals KW - Rural areas KW - Scheduling KW - Small cities KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP226.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/927767 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01164287 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2010 National State of Good Repair Assessment PY - 2010/06 SP - 35p AB - This report evaluates the level of investment required to bring all U.S. transit assets – including the assets of all urbanized area and rural transit operators – to a state of good repair (SGR). The analysis presented here describes a current national SGR backlog of an estimated $77.7 billion (2009$). It also estimates that an annual average of $14.4 billion in normal replacement expenditures would be required to keep that backlog from getting larger. Section 1 provides information on the study background, scope and approach. Section 2 considers the level of investment required to bring the Nation’s rail transit assets to a state of good repair and presents the assumptions and analysis methods used to develop those estimates. This section also presents forecasts of future transit asset conditions assuming funding levels remain at current levels. Section 3 provides an overview of the asset management processes used by the agencies contacted for the Rail Modernization and National SGR Assessment Studies, with particular emphasis on the methods used to develop the asset inventories provided for these studies. KW - Asset management KW - Assets KW - Bus transit KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Expenditures KW - Forecasting KW - Investments KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - State of good repair UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/National_SGR_Study_072010%282%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/924801 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01173874 AU - Vaze, Nachiket AU - Mukhin, Yurii AU - Fridman, Gregory AU - Fridman, Alexander AU - Drexel University AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Development and Construction of Non-thermal Plasma Air Sterilization Device PY - 2010/05/03/Final Report SP - 16p AB - The main objective of this work is to develop and construct a larger version of the Drexel non-thermal plasma air sterilization system to operate on the North American standard circuit. The design and construction of new ozone filters were completed. Experiments were carried out at the Bioaerosol Test Facility at the Defense Research and Development Canada compound at Suffield, AB in Canada. KW - Air KW - Decontamination KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Filters KW - Ozone KW - Plasma technology KW - Sterilization UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Development_of_Air_Sterilization_System_for_Chemical_and_Biological_Agents.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/927759 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01598882 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Sutherland, Pamela J AU - Saporta, Harry AU - Battelle AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - An Introduction to All-Hazards Preparedness for Transit Agencies PY - 2010/05 SP - 21p AB - This resource document is part of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA’s) technical assistant to transit agencies. All-hazards preparedness for transit agencies is a risk prioritization and management process to effectively allocate resources to continually reduce safety, security, and emergency management risks and to prevent, protect, control, and mitigate incidents and adverse events. This document provides transit agencies with an explanation, a high-level process, and illustrative examples for applying an all-hazards preparedness process that is consistent with the national guidance on all-hazards preparedness presented in the "National Preparedness Guidelines." KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Incident management KW - Risk management KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/All_hazards.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1405295 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335378 AU - Wu, Tina AU - Weatherford, Matt AU - Kaiparambil, Ancila AU - Zhang, Linna AU - Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County AU - Iteris, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County Intelligent Transportation System Implementation Evaluation Study PY - 2010/05 SP - 118p AB - This report documents the evaluation of the procurement, implementation and operation of Transit Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Washoe County, Nevada, from the perspective of the deploying agency. The purpose of the document is to provide insight and lessons learned to other agencies considering the deployment of Transit ITS to improve system efficiency, customer service and safety. KW - Customer service KW - Deployment KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Lessons learned KW - Public transit KW - Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (Nevada) KW - System efficiency KW - Transportation safety KW - Washoe County (Nevada) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/RTC_ITS_Eval_Study_section508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098703 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159846 AU - Zhao, Fang AU - Xing, Keqiang AU - Yang, Shanshan AU - Lu, Chenxi AU - Chung, Soon AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Hurricane Evacuation Planning for Special Needs Populations PY - 2010/05//Final Report SP - 134p AB - The lessons learned from Katrina point to the special attention needed for the population who are unable to evacuate by themselves. This population is commonly invisible, impoverished, and often cannot access necessary resources to avoid future disasters. Special needs populations often receive inadequate attention because emergency management personnel are traditionally more focused on evacuation time and the operations of highway facilities and do not understand well the challenges special needs populations face, where they are, who they are, and how many there are. This study is aimed at developing a method for assessing the vulnerability of special needs populations and estimating their demand for public assistance based on the threats of hurricanes and social vulnerability. The demand is considered separately in each of three emergency support function areas: communication needs of populations that are linguistically isolated, medical needs of senior citizens and people with disabilities and/or living in nursing homes, and transportation needs of people who do not have their own means to evacuate. Utilizing a survey data set that provides information on special needs populations during a hurricane evacuation, this report estimates the demand special needs population would make on public services, and describes the process of identifying the location and number of this population using census data. The transit supply required to meet the needs of these people is also analyzed, including the bus pick-up locations and required bus trips. The proposed procedure is simple and, using geographic information systems with local data, can be easily applied to help public agencies across the country in emergency planning and preparation. KW - Aged KW - Bus transportation KW - Communication KW - Demand KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Emergency planning KW - Evacuation KW - Geographic information systems KW - Hurricanes KW - Language barriers KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Supply KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.lctr.org/transpodeliverables/files/HurricaneEvacuation_FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920344 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01354546 AU - Boile, Maria P AU - Theofanis, Sotirios AU - Betak, John AU - O'Connor, Stephen AU - Schneider, David AU - Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Cooperative Agreement to Evaluate and Compare Federal Formula Grant Programs PY - 2010/04/30/Final Report SP - 158p AB - The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is undertaking efforts to improve its grant award, management and evaluation activities. This report presents the outcomes of a project aimed at assisting the FTA to move in this direction. The objectives of the project are to provide FTA with actionable steps for improving their formula grant programs in terms of the internal processes for developing, approving and administering grants that support providing excellent public transportation service, improve the performance of transit operations and systems, and lead to more fact-based, empirically-framed sets of FTA decisions about its programs and the impacts upon the ultimate recipients of those programs. To meet these objectives, other Federal government agencies' processes for awarding, managing and evaluating comparable grant programs have been reviewed to identify best practices. An assessment of how other Federal domestic formula, project and direct grant programs compare with selected FTA formula grant programs targeted for specific recipients, management processes for grant awarding, on-going oversight, post-award grant management, specific outcomes with respect to achievement of identified milestones and the performance measures used to evaluate grant program outputs and outcomes has been performed. A set of criteria for selecting comparison programs from other Federal government agencies was developed. KW - Administration KW - Awards KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Grant aid KW - Grant selection KW - Oversight KW - Public transit KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1118137 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488625 TI - Social Network Project Plan, PTP4,F AB - No summary provided. KW - Network analysis (Planning) KW - Policy making KW - Social factors KW - Social networking UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257602 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488608 TI - Public Health in Transportation Planning AB - No summary provided. KW - Human factors KW - Public health KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257585 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489201 TI - Safe Transit in Shared Track Research AB - The objective of this project is to develop specific designs and supporting simulation of a demonstration project on New Jersey (NJ) Transit's RiverLINE to allow co-mingled operation over the same right-of-way for compliant and non-compliant vehicles. Research shall include the necessary design modifications, simulation, and common operating doctrine report. KW - Design KW - New Jersey KW - Railroad tracks KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Shared track KW - Simulation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258220 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461619 TI - University Transportation Centers FY 2009 AB - This interagency agreement provides continued support to the U.S. Department of Transportation's University Transportation Centers Program (UTC)--the only program in the United States that provides higher education for the next generation of transportation professionals and connects them to career opportunities in the industry. The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) administers the UTC program in accordance with the provisions of 49 U.S.C. Section 5506, as amended by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59. This legislation reauthorized the UTC program, designated eight universities to be funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in FY 2006 and the following three years, and eliminated the 50 percent local match for those universities. The UTC Program has evolved from 10 regional centers in 1987 to 60 centers in 42 states in 2005. SAFETEA-LU significantly increased the total number of UTCs and established five categories with funding levels ranging from $500,000 to $3,500,000 annually. The objectives of the grants awarded to the UTCs are to advance the state-of-the-art in transportation research and expand the workforce of transportation professionals through research, education, and technology transfer programs. KW - Education and training KW - Research KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - State of the art UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229838 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335383 AU - National Biodiesel Board AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Biodiesel Mass Transit Demonstration PY - 2010/04/01/Final Report SP - 53p AB - The Biodiesel Mass Transit Demonstration report is intended for mass transit decision makers and fleet managers considering biodiesel use. This is the final report for the demonstration project implemented by the National Biodiesel Board under a grant from the Federal Transit Administration. This report evaluates the extended in-use performance of biodiesel (a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% ultra low sulfur diesel) in an independent engine test and two separate field demonstrations, specifically: a 1,000 hour engine durability test conducted by Southwest Research Institute (SWRI); an over-the-road field test with the St. Louis Metro Bus Transit System implemented by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); and an over-the-road field test with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority led by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). The results from the demonstration indicate that on-spec biodiesel can serve as a drop-in replacement fuel in existing diesel equipment. This report provides an introduction, a background, and a summary of the methodology and the research approach; reviews the results; and presents conclusions and lessons learned. This report also summarizes federal and state regulations that may impact fuel choice by transit agency operators. The project also produced a comprehensive report, printed under separate cover and titled, "Biodiesel Fuel Management Best Practices for Transit." KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Demonstration projects KW - Diesel engines KW - Field tests KW - Laboratory tests KW - Lessons learned KW - Public transit KW - Regulations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Biodiesel_Mass_Transit_Demonstration_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098699 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461504 TI - Strategic and Program Plan for Research Communication and Information Dissemination AB - This project seeks the professional technical services of the Volpe Center in analysis, evaluation and development of a comprehensive strategic plan and program for communicating and disseminating information about the Federal Transit Administration's research and results of that research. The services include enhancing the content and design of the public website--the portal for communicating FTA research and technology program and project results worldwide. Services also include an evaluation defining and describing the functional responsibilities of the FTA staff assigned to the communication and information dissemination function within the Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation (TRI), with recommendations for improving performance of those functions. Ultimately, the plan will reflect Federal Transit Administration (FTA) interest in federal research and development and its continuing commitment of facilitate the dissemination and implementation of transit research results to the transportation community and the general public. KW - Communication systems KW - Implementation KW - Information dissemination KW - Knowledge KW - Public transit KW - Research KW - Strategic planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229723 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01382396 AU - United States. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federal Transit Administration AU - United States. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federal Transit Administration TI - Reducing congestion & funding transportation using road pricing: international scan PY - 2010/04 SP - 17p AB - The purpose of the international scan was to identify new ideas and practical, workable models for integrating road pricing approaches into state, local, and regional policies, programs, and practices. The findings are intended to inform the U.S. road pricing research agenda and identify best practices from international experience that will assist U.S. practitioners. The scan team visited with representatives from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands in December 2009. KW - Czech Republic KW - Germany KW - Highway traffic control KW - International comparison KW - International comparison KW - Netherlands KW - Policy KW - Policy KW - Road pricing KW - Road pricing KW - Singapore KW - Sweden KW - Traffic management KW - United Kingdom UR - http://international.fhwa.dot.gov/pubs/roadpricing/roadpricing.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1150317 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01160568 AU - Doan, John Q AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - National Cooperative Highway Research Program TI - International Scan: Reducing Congestion & Funding Transportation Using Road Pricing PY - 2010/04 SP - 20p AB - The purpose of the International Scan was to identify new ideas and practical, workable models for integrating road pricing approaches into state, local, and regional policies, programs, and practices. The scan team focused on two primary purposes of road pricing: (1) to manage demand and (2) to generate revenue. The findings are intended to inform the U.S. road pricing research agenda and identify best practices from international experience that will assist U.S. practitioners. The scan team visited with representatives from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands in December 2009. The team was composed of representatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA); the Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington State Departments of Transportation; the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York; and SRF Consulting Group, Inc. A list of scan team members is presented on the back cover. KW - Best practices KW - Congestion pricing KW - Czech Republic KW - Finance KW - Germany KW - Netherlands KW - Revenues KW - Road pricing KW - Singapore KW - Study tours KW - Sweden KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - United Kingdom UR - http://international.fhwa.dot.gov/pubs/roadpricing/roadpricing.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/921362 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486803 TI - Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Research AB - This project supports a general program of advanced vehicle research at the University of Alabama. KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Technology KW - Transit riders KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256589 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486791 TI - Fuel Cell Transit Bus AB - This agreement includes two projects. The first is the Sunline/American Fuel Cell Bus that develops and demonstrates a fuel cell bus developed by American companies with improved fuel cell, energy storage subsystem and electric motive drive subsystem. The second is the BAE Bus that develops and operates a transit bus demonstrator with a fuel cell auxiliary power unit, conventional integrated starter generator coupled to a diesel engine, and an energy storage system. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Auxiliary power units KW - Diesel engines KW - Energy storage devices KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Transit buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256577 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01164217 AU - Berryman, Charles W AU - Jensen, Wayne AU - Hensley, Tim AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Computer Aided Modeling of Soil Mix Designs to Predict Characteristics and Properties of Stabilized Road Bases PY - 2010/03/28/Final Report SP - 129p AB - The purpose of this research was to develop a computerized model to predict soil properties stabilized using additives such as lime, cement kiln dust, and flyash. Properties were based on specified soils using the Nebraska Group Index (NGI). The model is able to predict the maximum laboratory density and optimum moisture content for native soils. It will also predict the soil properties of NGI soils stabilized with pozzolan additives, including maximum laboratory density, optimum moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, and modified plasticity index. A review of the literature demonstrated that it is very possible to create a soil prediction model through specialized software applications like artificial neural networks. The research team and the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) elected to use Microsoft Excel 2007 to create the model due to ease of use and the commonality of the program within NDOR staff. KW - Additives KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Computer models KW - Mix design KW - Soil stabilization KW - Soils by properties UR - http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/R6000/B319-2010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/921316 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489203 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center -- Portage Area Regional AB - The purpose of this project is to design a coordinated human services transportation system which takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by prior work in Portage and Geauga counties, significant local interest in coordinated service delivery and current-edge Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies. With commitment from the four partners the Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) that will be developed in Phase 1 can become a reality. The proposed TMCC will be a state-of-the-art, centralized call center that serves as a convenient access point for all consumers who require transportation, trip planning, real-time traveler information, and automatic trip reservations. The project will use the most up-to-date ITS technology which includes interactive voice response (IVR), trip requests via Internet, and online trip planning to name a few. Real-time management of coordinated resources using ITS technology allows for significant cost savings to all parties involved. Human service agencies will use ITS technology to have their trips automatically brokered to transportation providers for transporting passengers in the most cost efficient manner. This system will also reduce barriers to employment, training, health care, and society in general. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Portage (Michigan) KW - Real time information KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - State of the art KW - Technological innovations KW - Travel Management Coordination Center KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258222 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489275 TI - ITS Earmark for Early Deployment AB - The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will upgrade its radio communication system to integrate with the Franklin County Public Safety system so that its dispatchers and bus drivers can have direct communications with the county police and emergency forces. COTA also will install automated vehicle locator system on a portion of the existing transit fleet and provides real-time transit information in selected central business district bus stop locations. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus drivers KW - Communication systems KW - Dispatchers KW - Emergencies KW - Ohio KW - Real time information UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258292 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486795 TI - PEV and Hydrogen Demonstration Project AB - In partnership with Kokam America Inc., and the City of Kansas City, Missouri Transportation Institute (MTI) will utilize the city's existing airport shuttle and fleet operations as a platform to demonstrate the viability of electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technologies in a controlled, real-world environment. The integration of these demonstration vehicles into the city's day-to-day operations will allow the project team to gather and evaluate data related to the range, safety, serviceability, and public acceptance of battery-powered vehicles while simultaneously evaluating the pathway to integrate renewable energy into a transit service. KW - Airport ground transportation KW - Airport operations KW - Demonstration projects KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Plug-in hybrid vehicles KW - Public acceptability KW - Shuttle buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256581 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489196 TI - Rail Capacity Improvement Study AB - This project supports the efforts of the Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated to evaluate the present rail capacity limitations versus ridership for three of the largest rail transit systems in the United States to determine how close they are to capacity and to forecast where and when they will reach capacity based on historical trends and under certain assumptions. KW - Forecasting KW - Light rail transit KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Research projects KW - Ridership UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258207 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488607 TI - Energy & GHG Management Compendium AB - Compendium of strategies for transit agencies to reduce the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) intensity of their operations, maintenance, and construction. An easy to use tool to assist in evaluating the GHG emissions implications of different options available when making decisions regarding planning, procurement, operations, and construction, as well as other activities. KW - Decision making KW - Exhaust gases KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Pollutants KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257584 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01152834 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - State Safety Oversight Program: Audit of the Tri-State Oversight Committee and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority PY - 2010/03/04/Final Audit Report SP - 53p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) conducted an on-site audit of the safety program implemented by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and overseen by the Tri-State Oversight Committee (TOC) between December 14 and 17, 2009 at WMATA’s Jackson Graham Building and Alexandria Rail Yard. Subsequent document requests and reviews took place throughout the month of January 2010. FTA also participated in WMATA’s Right-of-Way Safety Workshop, January 11 to 13, 2010. At the end of January, both TOC and WMATA were provided with the opportunity to comment on a draft version of this report. FTA received those comments and incorporated them into this final report. At the end of February, FTA, TOC and WMATA all participated in a public hearing convened by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to focus, in part, on the adequacy of state and federal oversight of rail transit systems, including TOC and FTA’s program to oversee WMATA. This audit, previously scheduled for mid-2010, was accelerated at the request of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. For this audit FTA departed from its normal process of focusing primarily on the state safety oversight agency. In the aftermath of (1) the Ft. Totten collision and (2) in light of the well-publicized difficulties that TOC encountered assessing WMATA’s right-of-way safety program, FTA decided to assess WMATA’s safety program as well. WMATA’s acting Chief Safety Officer also requested that FTA’s audit more closely examine WMATA’s system safety program. This FTA audit, therefore, focused on: (1) the effectiveness of both TOC and WMATA’s implementation of FTA’s State Safety Oversight (SSO) rule (49 CFR Part 659); (2) the level and quality of coordination between TOC and WMATA to ensure safety for WMATA’s passengers and employees; and (3) follow-up on three open non-compliance findings from its 2007 audit of TOC. Recommendations were issued to both TOC and WMATA to address the identified deficiencies and challenges. KW - Coordination KW - Interagency relations KW - Oversight KW - Rail transit KW - Safety audits KW - Transit crashes KW - Transit safety KW - Tri-State Oversight Committee KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Final_SSO_Audit_Report_TOC_WMATA_03042010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914424 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367487 AU - Bergin, Stephen P AU - Farkas, Alexander AU - VSE Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of Ultra-Clean Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel in Transit Bus Applications PY - 2010/03//Technical Report SP - 62p AB - This document reports on one particular Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sponsored, Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) diesel fuel evaluation program, and it incorporates directly related findings (and the current, ongoing status) of other programs in the same series of FTA programs that have been, or are being, conducted by ICRC/VSE. The type of F-T fuel evaluated can be produced from a variety of US domestic energy resources other than petroleum. The overall technical priorities of these F-T fuel evaluations have been to: (1) Determine whether or not operational problems are likely to occur with F-T diesel fuel over the full spectrum of transit-relevant conditions; (2) Compare directly the fuel consumption of F-T and conventional diesel fuels under well controlled but still realistic on-road conditions in the more severe (than typical transit service) region of the spectrum of heavy-duty, diesel-engine service; and (3) Compare the potential environmental impacts, in terms of both engine exhaust emissions and fuel biodegradability, of F-T and conventional diesel fuels under transit-relevant conditions. KW - Biodegradability KW - Demonstration projects KW - Diesel fuels KW - Energy resources KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fischer-Tropsch KW - Fuel consumption KW - Pollutants KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Evaluation_of_Fischer-Tropsch_Diesel_Fuel_in_Transit_Bus_Applications_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135980 ER - TY - SER AN - 01163256 JO - PATH Research Report PB - University of California, Berkeley AU - Jia, Xudong AU - Gerfen, Jeff AU - Hockaday, Neil AU - Chapman, Bruce AU - University of California, Berkeley AU - University of California, Berkeley AU - California Department of Transportation AU - California Polytechnic State University, Pomona AU - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Cal Poly Pomona EDAPTS Test Deployment PY - 2010/03//Final Report SP - 42p AB - The Efficient Deployment of Advanced Public Transportation Systems (EDAPTS) demonstration assessed the viability of using the EDAPTS procurement, installation, verification, and validation processes in a small transit environment to reduce the cost of ownership for technology solutions. Modified systems engineering processes were used to deploy an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) solution on the Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Express campus bus system. This report provides a summary of methodologies used, outcomes, findings, recommendations and lessons learned stemming from the demonstration. The report explains the use of a modified version of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Systems Engineering “V-model” that helped the research team and stakeholders coalesce with a common understanding of expectations of what the procured system needed to do. The EDAPTS procurement process used by Bronco Express demonstrated a practical procurement and bidding methodology useful to small and medium transit agencies when acquiring ITS solutions. It also summarizes procedures that are effective for installing and testing lower-cost ITS systems and provides a practical methodology for verifying and validating them. KW - Advanced public transportation systems KW - Bus transit KW - California Polytechnic State University, Pomona KW - Campus transportation KW - Costs KW - Procurement KW - Public transit KW - Testing UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm52r3t9p/2/producer%2FPRR-2010-08.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/919836 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162414 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Downtown Dallas Transit Study, Dallas CBD alternatives analysis : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/03//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix(fol) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Texas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923400 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162135 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/03//Volumes held: Draft(2v), Final(2v) KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923121 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01160583 AU - Glitman, Karen AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Transportation Workforce Development at Community Colleges PY - 2010/03 SP - 35p AB - Community college participation and endorsement will be integral to the success of a National Transportation Workforce Development Strategy. The University of Vermont Transportation Research Center (TRC) analyzed the results of a survey conducted with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) that sought to quantify existing community colleges’ programs, infrastructure and partnerships preparing students for careers in transportation. Building upon data from this survey, the TRC has analyzed what transportation training exists at community colleges today and how that curriculum is supported by both investments in specialized equipment and through strategic partnerships. As detailed in this report: 1) The majority of schools reported having programs that develop skills relevant to the transportation sector, especially general skills (finance, technologies, operations and maintenance) that are transferrable to non-transportation industries; 2) Where schools are planning to expand or initiate transportation curriculum, it is primarily in technical areas, such as engineering, where the skills may extend to sectors other than transportation; 3) Similarly, where schools indicated having specialized equipment, most of the investment was for tools that could be leveraged beyond transportation studies, and few schools reported owning or having access to transportation-specific equipment, such as training ships, rail cars, or airplane fuselages; and 4) The majority of schools reported having strategic partnerships with other schools; federal, state, and municipal government entities; and private companies – supporting their transportation-related efforts. Collectively, these data suggest that there is a solid foundation within community colleges to deliver transportation-related training, but that additional investment and coordination likely will be necessary to support future workforce needs. To that end, this report lays out both best practices for community colleges looking to increase their transportation programs and recommendations for how the U.S. Department of Transportation can best stimulate and support the evolution of community colleges as a key pillar in the transportation workforce development infrastructure. KW - Best practices KW - Community colleges KW - Curricula KW - Education and training KW - Equipment KW - Partnerships KW - Recommendations KW - Surveys KW - Transportation careers KW - Universities and colleges KW - Workforce development UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-10-002.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/921471 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01155372 AU - Wu, Wanyang AU - Gan, Albert AU - Cevallos, Fabian AU - Shen, L David AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Optimization Models for Prioritizing Bus Stop Facility Investments for Riders with Disabilities PY - 2010/03//Final Report SP - 119p AB - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prescribes the minimum requirements for bus stop accessibility by riders with disabilities. Due to limited budgets, transit agencies can only select a limited number of bus stop locations for ADA improvements annually. These locations should preferably be selected such that they maximize the overall benefits to patrons with disabilities. In addition, transit agencies may choose to implement the “universal design” paradigm, which involves higher design standards than current ADA requirements and can provide amenities that are useful for all riders, like shelters and lighting. Many factors can affect the decision to improve a bus stop, including rider-based aspects like the number of riders with disabilities, total ridership, customer complaints, accidents, deployment costs, as well as spatial aspects like the location of employment centers, schools, shopping areas, and so on. These interlacing factors make it difficult to identify optimum improvement locations without the aid of an optimization model. This report proposes two optimization models to help identify a priority list of bus stops for accessibility improvements. The first is a binary integer programming model designed to identify bus stops that need improvements to meet the minimum ADA requirements. The second involves a multi-objective nonlinear mixed integer programming model that attempts to achieve an optimal compromise among the two accessibility design standards. Based on a case study using data from Broward County Transit (BCT) in Florida, the models were found to produce a list of bus stops that were determined to be highly logical upon close examination. Compared to traditional approaches using staff experience, requests from elected officials, customer complaints, etc., these optimization models offer a more objective and efficient platform on which to make bus stop improvement suggestions. KW - Accessibility KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Broward County Transit KW - Bus stops KW - Case studies KW - Design standards KW - Improvements KW - Investments KW - Mathematical models KW - Mixed integer programming KW - Optimization KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Strategic planning UR - http://lctr.org/transpodeliverables/files/Bus%20Stop%20Optimization%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/916309 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489200 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center -- Central Florida AB - LYNX has partnered with 12+ transportation, planning, and health & human service agencies throughout the five counties of Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake. The Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) is a unique concept that creates efficiencies in transportation delivery through optimal multi-jurisdictional route planning, provision of seamless transportation services, utilization of universal cashless fare payment system, and automated billing. The TMCC system development and design for the central Florida area will serve rural, suburban, and urban travel of senior citizens, people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged citizens, and Medicare and Medicaid recipients. It is the mission of MORE-TMCC to: advance coordination between multi-transportation and health & human services organizations within the region; deliver enhanced transportation services seamlessly across county boundaries and between multiple funding programs; provide an opportunity to serve general public mobility demand within the service region in areas currently unserved and underserved by general public transport services; and, utilize existing and planned ITS for human service and general public accessibility enhancements. KW - Aged KW - Central Florida KW - Coordination KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258219 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461679 TI - An Exploration of Fixed-Guideway Transit Criteria Revisited AB - The Federal Transit Administration, the American Public Transportation Association, the New Starts Working Group, and various other advocacy groups (e.g., Smart Growth America) have held a number of working sessions to re-think how New Starts projects are evaluated and rated. One proposal that is likely to be enacted during the SAFETEA-LU reauthorization is a requirement that FTA apply a "warrants-based" approach to project evaluation and rating. A warrants-based approach would provide that, if a specific project or corridor meets specific population density, employment density, existing transit use, congestion levels, or other criteria, the project would be warranted and a "medium" rating would be assigned. Currently, there is little available research to determine the potential "warrants" for various transit modes and corridor conditions, based on the characteristics of existing, successful transit systems. In November 1980, UMTA (now FTA) published a landmark report titled "Urban Rail in America: An Exploration of Criteria for Fixed-Guideway Transit," which was authored by Boris Pushkarev and Jeffrey Zupan. The purposes of that study were to explore what range of travel volume is sufficient to warrant a certain level of fixed-guideway investment; to indicate the location of urban corridors where such travel volumes may be found; to offer a rough, tentative assessment of the national market for fixed- guideway facilities; and to aid in focusing local planning on the most promising locations. Based on operating experience with existing systems at the time, functions were developed relating variables such as population density, development density, service frequency and speed to travel volumes, and minimum travel volume criteria or thresholds for fixed-guideway were formulated. An update of "Urban Rail in America" would contribute substantially to this discussion, and provide a framework for warrants for project evaluation. The update would offer new criteria for fixed-guideway transit using current data for the many such major transit projects that have been put into operation in the past 25 years. The update would add bus rapid transit (BRT) to the modes considered, and might drop downtown people movers, a technology whose popularity has waned. The objective of this research would be to evaluate and develop appropriate warrants for major transit capital investment projects and update "Urban Rail in America." This would provide an analytical framework for simplifying the evaluation of transit projects by analyzing the characteristics of the setting, the operation, the cost, and the performance of existing fixed- guideway transit lines. KW - Capital investments KW - City planning KW - Guideways KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Population density KW - Rail transit KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Smart growth KW - Warranty UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2894 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229898 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461675 TI - Research Support for Transit Industrial Control Systems and Cyber Security AB - With the support of the American Public Transit Association (APTA) Security Standards Policy & Planning Committee, the Security Standards Program has been approved to form a fourth Working Group; the formation of the Cyber Security Standards Working Group is targeted for November 2009. Of central concern are the industrial control systems that monitor and control physical activities on transit rail systems. It is anticipated that in early 2010 transit rail systems will need to respond to industrial control systems guidance (now in final revision) developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). That guidance is likely to point to the need for continuous (rather than periodic) certification of industrial control systems. TCRP Project J-6/Task 77 has begun to bring together transit rail systems, initially in response to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urgent recommendations made to the FTA dated July 13, 2009, NTSB Reference R-09-07. Additional NTSB recommendations of September 22, 2009, References R-09-17 and -18 (Urgent) and R-09-19, point to the need for research support for development of recommended practices and standards for industrial control systems and cyber security. The APTA Cyber Security Standards Working Group will support facilitation of volunteer participation (including travel support), which is necessary but not sufficient; research in depth is needed as well. The objective of this research is to provide support for the development of recommended practices and standards for transit industrial control systems and cyber security. This work will build upon the previous TCRP-sponsored research to draft recommended practices and standards. Initial topics to be addressed include signal systems, track circuits, and train controls. KW - Automatic train control KW - Computer security KW - Cybersecurity KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Research projects KW - Security KW - Technical support KW - Track circuits KW - Traffic signal control systems KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2898 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229894 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01173862 AU - Finkenbinder, Annie AU - Britt, Kelley AU - Blair, Catherine Cox AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit-Oriented Development Tools for Metropolitan Planning Organizations PY - 2010/02/23 SP - 33p AB - This report describes the benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD), combined with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). At the core of transit-oriented development is the idea that people with a wide range of incomes can live and work in places with interconnected transportation networks that offer more transportation options, allowing them to take care of some of their daily trips using transit, walking and biking, rather than driving. Since the most transit supportive neighborhoods also tend to be compact neighborhoods, this density also supports a mix of uses and activities including housing, work places, child care, stores, and restaurants. And, because of this compact walkability and mix of uses, people can also take care of some of their daily needs by walking or biking to various destinations. Thus, people are able to reduce the amount of money spent on travel, the number of vehicle miles traveled by car, and perhaps the number of cars they own – with positive impacts not just for households but also for the general public. To garner significant changes in behavior, however, alternative modes of transport must be convenient, timely, seamlessly connected, and safe. Increasingly, practitioners are focusing on building transportation “networks”, rather than individual transit lines. These networks knit together a region’s vast array of neighborhoods, destinations and centers. A person might leave their home in the morning, walk to a nearby bus stop, catch a bus that connects to a light rail line, then ride into the city center where they walk the last few blocks to their office. At the end of the day, they might take a streetcar to a nearby restaurant, then bus home along an entirely different route. The regions that have attracted the greatest amount of development around transit facilities and made significant shifts in auto ownership and transit ridership are those regions that have highly interconnected transit networks, linked with safe and direct walking and bicycling networks. In these successful cases, TOD is not an isolated occurrence, but a network of places and nodes with community-wide and even regional scope. When MPOs are involved with TOD decisions and planning, it is easier for TOD to become region-wide and not just site specific. KW - Accessibility KW - Bicycling KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Networks KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Regional planning KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand management KW - Walking UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/download/ctod_mpotod_final UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/930631 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159847 AU - Hiller, William AU - Pace Suburban Bus Service AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Public Transit Solutions, Continental AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Transit Operations Decision Support System (TODSS) Core Requirements Prototype Development Case Study and Lessons Learned PY - 2010/02//Final Report SP - 140p AB - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems (TODSS) are systems designed to support dispatchers and others in real-time operations management in response to incidents, special events, and other changing conditions. As part of a joint Federal Transit Administration and Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office effort, the transit industry developed core functional requirements for service disruption identification and provision of service restoration options for TODSS in 2003. Pace Suburban Bus was selected to lead a demonstration project to develop and evaluate a prototype TODSS and to validate the TODSS core functional requirements. This report summarizes the TODSS Core Requirements Prototype development and provides lessons learned from the implementation and operation of the system. The summary highlights Pace's transit service and operating environment, the final TODSS prototype concept of operations, the system's architecture, issues encountered during the prototype development and implementation, the TODSS core requirements evaluation and update recommendations, and the operating experience from the time of implementation. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Decision support systems KW - Demonstration projects KW - Lessons learned KW - Prototypes KW - Real time information KW - Service disruption KW - Service restoration KW - Special events KW - System architecture KW - Traffic incidents KW - Validation UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Task_7_Final_TODSS_Report_V3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920342 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159571 AU - Grant, Michael AU - Bauer, Jocelyn AU - Plaskon, Terence AU - Mason, John AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - ICF International AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Advancing Metropolitan Planning for Operations: An Objectives-Driven, Performance-Based Approach: A Guidebook PY - 2010/02 SP - 81p AB - This guidebook presents an approach for integrating management and operations (M&O) strategies into the metropolitan transportation planning process that is designed to maximize the performance of the existing and planned transportation system. This approach is recommended as a means to meet Federal transportation planning requirements for promoting efficient system M&O and implementing a congestion management process (CMP). The approach is driven by operations objectives for the regional transportation system and performance measures for achieving those objectives. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) resulting from this approach contains specific, measurable operations objectives, performance measures, and M&O strategies that directly influence the projects selected for the transportation improvement program (TIP). This approach not only helps fulfill Federal planning requirements, but also results in an MTP that is better able to meet customer needs, creating a more optimal mix of transportation investments. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Handbooks KW - Highway operations KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Performance measurement KW - Strategic planning KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transit vehicle operations KW - Transportation Improvement Programs KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation system management UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop10026/fhwa_hop_10_026.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/33000/33700/33775/fhwa_hop_10_026.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920075 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159326 AU - Farber, Nicholas J AU - Reed, James B AU - National Conference of State Legislatures AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Labor TI - State Human Service Transportation Coordinating Councils: An Overview and State Profiles PY - 2010/02 SP - 23p AB - Better coordination for human service transportation activities is key to enhance services to those in need and to use public resources more efficiently, particularly in times of tight budgets. To do this, many states have created state coordinating councils, however, the intergovernmental landscape of transportation coordination is complex and fragmented. By one estimate, some 44,000 levels of government are involved in providing or funding transportation, each with its own specific laws and regulations that guide their many responsibilities. In addition, many non profit agencies, private companies and individuals are involved with providing transportation services to a wide array of customers and users. This report summarizes how state coordinating councils operate, provides a reference table for 50 states, and presents profiles of the existing 25 state coordinating councils. KW - Coordination KW - Councils of government KW - Intergovernmental partnerships KW - State government KW - States KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation services UR - http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefiles/NCSL_StateCoordinatingCouncilsBrief_February2010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/919825 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153607 AU - Goetz, Edward G AU - Ko, Kate AU - Hagar, Aaron AU - Ton, Hoang AU - Matson, Jeff AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Minnesota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The Hiawatha Line: Impacts on Land Use and Residential Housing Value PY - 2010/02//Final Report SP - 119p AB - This report presents the results of an examination of the economic and land-use impacts of the Hiawatha Light Rail Line. Specifically, the report contains findings on the impact of the line on residential property values, housing investment, and land-use patterns. Property value impacts were determined through the creation of a hedonic pricing model for single-family and multi-family residential properties within a one-half mile radius of the Hiawatha Line stations. Price trends within station areas were examined both prior to and after completion of the Hiawatha Line in 2004 and in comparison to a control area of southeast Minneapolis. Housing investment trends were investigated through an examination of building permit data, also broken down into pre- and post-construction periods. Land use patterns were examined through analysis of the Metropolitan Council’s seven-county land use data base. The findings indicate that construction of the Hiawatha Line has had a positive effect on property values within station areas. The effect is limited to the west side of the line; on the east side a four-lane highway and a strip of industrial land uses intervenes and eliminates any positive impact of the line. Results also show a high level of residential investment (as measured by dollar value of the investment) within station areas compared to the control area. No changes in land use patterns were detected since completion of the light rail line. This study demonstrates that completion of the Hiawatha Line has generated value and investment activity in the Minneapolis housing market. KW - Economic impacts KW - Guideways KW - Hedonic price models KW - Hiawatha Light Rail Line KW - Land use KW - Property values KW - Residential development UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1290 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914975 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486785 TI - Update Construction Project Management Handbook AB - The objective of this procurement is to maintain the value of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Construction Project Management Handbook by monitoring changes in Federal requirements affecting FTA-funded construction projects and preparing revised editions of the Handbook reflecting those changes. KW - Construction management KW - Construction projects KW - Handbooks KW - Project management UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256571 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486016 TI - Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Diesel Demonstration AB - The objective of this project is to demonstrate the use of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel for heavy duty diesel engines. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Diesel engines KW - Diesel fuels KW - Heavy duty vehicles KW - Synthetic fuels UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255637 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486014 TI - Southern Fuel Cell Coalition: Hydrogen and Flywheel Research AB - This project will provide support for the Southern Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition and support related hydrogen and flywheel research. KW - Coalitions KW - Flywheels KW - Fuel cells KW - Hydrogen UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255635 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150230 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2008 Status of the Nation's Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions & Performance. Report to Congress PY - 2010/01/14/Report to Congress SP - 622p AB - This is the eighth in a series of combined documents prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to satisfy requirements for reports to Congress on the condition, performance, and future capital investment needs of the Nation’s highway and transit systems. This report incorporates highway, bridge, and transit information required by Section 502(h) of Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), as well as transit system information required by Section 308(e) of Title 49, U.S.C. Beginning in 1993, the Department combined two separate existing report series that covered highways and transit to form this report series. This report draws primarily on 2006 data. This document is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physical conditions, operational performances, and fi nancing mechanisms of highways, bridges, and transit systems based both on the current state of these systems and on the projected future state of these systems under a set of alternative future investment scenarios. This report offers a comprehensive, data-driven background to support the development and evaluation of legislative, program, and budget options at all levels of government. It also serves as a primary source of information for national and international news media, transportation associations, and industry. This report consolidates conditions, performance, and financial data provided by States, local governments, and mass transit operators to provide a national-level summary. Some of the underlying data are available through the DOT’s regular statistical publications. The future investment scenario analyses are developed specifically for this report and provide national-level projections only. The report begins with a "Highlights" section that lists key findings, focusing mainly on changes in various indicators since 1997, the last year prior to the enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This is followed by an Executive Summary that highlights the key findings in each individual chapter. The main body of the report is organized into four major sections. The six chapters in Part I, “Description of Current System,” contain the core retrospective analyses of the report. Chapters 2 through 6 each start with separate highway and transit sections discussing each mode in depth, followed by a combined section comparing key highway and transit statistics with those presented in the 2006 edition. The four chapters in Part II, “Investment/Performance Analysis,” contain the core prospective analyses of the report. Part III, “Special Topics,” explores further some topics related to the primary analyses in the earlier sections of the report. Part IV, “Afterword: A View to the Future,” describes ongoing research activities and identifies potential areas for improvement in the data and analytical tools used to produce the analyses contained in this report. The report also contains three technical appendices that describe the investment/performance methodologies used in the report for highways, bridges, and transit. KW - Bridges KW - Condition surveys KW - Financing KW - Highways KW - Investments KW - Operational performance KW - Public transit KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2008cpr/pdfs/cp2008.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/33000/33400/33453/2008StatusSummary.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912596 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490037 TI - Intermodal Transportation Safety AB - This project will create computer-based digital visualizations of intermodal transportation, including transit systems, railroads, seaports, and airports for the purpose of planning, engineering, management and security activities, utilizing 3-D and 4-D modeling and simulation. It will create detailed and accurate 4-D virtual databases of these facilities and their associated transportation infrastructure to permit simulated visual flyovers, walkthroughs, and observation of all access points. The four Consortium members (Florida Atlantic University, Florida Central University, Florida International University and the University of South Florida) are conducting various research projects, including: the Dimensional Reality Envisioning and Multi-Sensory Lab; design and test of continuity of operations plans for rail and bus transit and airports; evaluating emergency evacuation routes; GPS cargo tracking for ports rail and motor carriers; and, economic and environmental impact of intermodal transportation projects. KW - City planning KW - Florida KW - Infrastructure KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Real time information KW - Safety and security KW - Safety management KW - Terrorism KW - Urban transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259584 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367480 AU - Cevallos, Fabian AU - Skinner, Jon AU - Joslin, Ann AU - Ivy, Tekisha AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Attracting Senior Drivers to Public Transportation: Issues and Concerns PY - 2010/01//Final Report SP - 134p AB - This report was created as a means to help transit agencies attract senior drivers to fixed route transit services. With the number of seniors expected to rise dramatically over the next several decades, additional pressures are being placed upon transit agencies to provide viable alternatives to driving. Despite progress at many agencies, attracting senior drivers is still a significant challenge; many members of the senior population remain unaware or apathetic about recent improvements to transit. Following an in-depth review of the needs, behaviors, and attitudes of elderly individuals and issues they face when riding public transportation, strategies are presented for attracting seniors to transit. The presented strategies are based upon a review of the literature, interviews with various transit agencies, and examination of many agencies’ web sites. Techniques such as ride-free-days, senior passes, neighborhood bus routes, flexible route services, travel training programs, commercial advertisements, and advanced marketing strategies are discussed in detail. Experiences noted at several transit agencies may provide insight for transit planners and marketers trying to improve ridership among the elderly. A list of recommendations is provided at the end of this report that describes potential strategies for bringing the elderly on-board public transportation KW - Aged drivers KW - Marketing KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/TRANSPO_Attracting_Seniors_Public_Transportation_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135982 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162046 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - University Corridor fixed guideway in Houston, Harris County : environmental impact statement PY - 2010/01//Volumes held: Draft(2v), Final(3v)(v.3 fol) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Texas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923030 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01158402 AU - Kack, David AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Montana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transportation Toolkit: United We Ride Project. Executive Summary PY - 2010/01 SP - 5p AB - Transportation coordination can be used to expand the availability of public transportation services in states like Montana with large rural and frontier areas. Local communities interested in improving mobility face unique challenges such as limited fiscal resources, scattered populations, and long distances between destinations. Coordination can help public and private agencies work together to pool and share resources, sometimes resulting in an expansion of service without a major increase in total funding. As a result of requirements contained within the national surface transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU), the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) now requires locally developed coordination plans for those applying for public transportation funds. However, many communities, agencies and individuals lack training or understanding of these issues, and need new tools to understand and comply with these processes. The overarching goal of this project was to further enhance the coordination/consolidation process in Montana, in order to improve specialized and public transportation systems in more communities throughout the state. Specific objectives included: survey Transportation Advisory Committees (TACs) in the state to determine their needs; create a set of tools to assist TACs with their processes; and provide training events for stakeholders. This executive summary summarizes project activities for accomplishing these goals. KW - Committees KW - Coordination KW - Local government agencies KW - Mobility KW - Montana KW - Private enterprise KW - Public transit KW - Rural areas KW - Stakeholders KW - Toolkits UR - http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W1869_Executive_Summary.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/919014 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153448 AU - Hodges, Tina AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Public Transportation’s Role in Responding to Climate Change PY - 2010/01 SP - 20p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) collects and analyzes data from across the country on public transportation fuel use, vehicles deployed, rides taken, and other key metrics. These data, taken from the National Transit Database and combined with information from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides valuable insight into the impacts of automobile, truck, SUV, and public transportation travel on the production of greenhouse gas emissions. National level data show significant greenhouse gas emission savings by use of public transportation, which offers a low emissions alternative to driving. This paper presents an analysis of the data and frames it in a broader context. It concludes with a description of FTA actions that address climate change. Based on an examination of FTA’s data and other academic, government, and industry sources, public transportation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by: (1) Providing a low emissions alternative to driving. (2) Facilitating compact land use, reducing the need to travel long distances. (3) Minimizing the carbon footprint of transit operations and construction. KW - Climate change KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental protection KW - Exhaust gases KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Public transit KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/PublicTransportationsRoleInRespondingToClimateChange2010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914972 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485242 AU - Ngai, Florence AU - Kusuma, Markus AU - Yao, Jun AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Application of Dynamic Traffic Assignment in a Small-Urban Area PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - Many attempts had been made to improve the highway assignment component of a four-step travel demand model, in such that the model would generate more realistic speed and travel time estimates. These estimates determined performance measures, which were used to evaluate projects and help policy makers to make decisions in the planning process. With the help of advanced computer technology, and research and development efforts, dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) had become a viable modeling option. This paper explored the benefits of applying the DTA methodology in a small urban environment and the implications in planning analysis. Unlike in static assignment, where time and speed were unrealistically assumed to be constant over a period of analysis time and that the results of one analysis period did not affect the next analysis period, DTA assumed that travel time and speed changed by time segment and that the results of one time segment would affect the next time segment. In DTA the demand trips were assumed to enter the network over the course of the model time period and that no link would handle more traffic than its capacity. These features would conceptually enable DTA to produce results that were more reflective to reality. A case study was conducted for Morristown, a small urban town in New Jersey with a population of 18,500. Two assignment applications, static and DTA were developed using the Cube software. Input data was obtained from subarea-extraction of the Morris County Transportation Model. The assignment methodologies were tested using two hypothetical network scenarios. The analysis results were compared and the assignment methodologies were evaluated. This study also demonstrated a process of developing a DTA assignment application for a small urban area based on a regional model. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Benefits KW - Case studies KW - Dynamic traffic assignment KW - Highway capacity KW - Morristown (New Jersey) KW - Travel demand KW - Travel time KW - Urban areas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253860 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485241 AU - Schaub, Charles AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Prioritizing Projects for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan -- The Lexington Experience PY - 2010 SP - 11p AB - A federal certification review recommended that the Lexington area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) formalize and enhance the project selection process for potential projects to be included in the long-range or metropolitan transportation plan. After reviewing several processes used by other MPOs, a scoring process was developed that attempted to address each of SAFETEA-LU’s planning factors and the unique objectives of the Lexington area. The process included 18 different criteria such as: economic impact, congestion reduction, multimodal involvement, safety impact, project feasibility, public support, and a benefit/cost adjustment factor. Criteria were both quantitative and qualitative. The initial intent was to make the scoring process multimodal by including transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects along with traditional highway projects. However, due to an on-going transit operational analysis and transit’s separate funding sources, transit projects were not considered. Bicycle and pedestrian projects were incorporated into highway projects where appropriate. Nearly 100 different projects were scored. These projects were from the previous long-range transportation plan (funded and unfunded), various congestion and corridor studies, and the MPO area’s two county comprehensive plans. The projects were scored by utilizing available data and staff knowledge. Qualitative scores were determined by staff consensus. After all projects were scored and cost estimates were calculated, they were listed in order and a fiscal constraint analysis was done to ascertain final recommendations for the plan. The MPO staff was pleased with the process and believes it was successful and will be useful for future project analysis and prioritization. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bicycle travel KW - Economic impacts KW - Lexington (Kentucky) KW - Long range planning KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Pedestrian traffic KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Traffic congestion UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253858 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485240 AU - Matson, Phil AU - Chittaluru, Prasad AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Vacant Land Inventory and Development Assessment Tool PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - The Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) created a vacant land inventory (VLI) application to identify the development status of land at the parcel level. The results of the vacant land inventory are used by the MPO to develop more accurate travel demand models by improving model inputs and assumptions about future land use and development scenarios. While originally developed as the central component of the MPO’s Visioning and modeling efforts, the model has seen new life as a school planning, utilities modeling, and emergency modeling tool as well. The VLI application integrates a vast amount of spatial data including parcel data, building permit data, future land use and zoning data, traffic analysis zones and street centerlines. The application automates an extensive analysis process and provides outputs in both report format and spatial data files. Parcel development status, as well as future development potential, are determined through a series of spatial overlays and the use of a customized algorithm that determines development status based on the taxable value of the parcel. Building permit data is used to further refine the development status and allows the county to analyze development projects as they progress through the development process. Look-up tables allow users to modify future land use densities and perform various buildout scenarios based on alternative future land use scenarios. The application was built using Mircosoft Access 2000 and ESRI’s ArcGIS and allows users to perform sophisticated geographic information system (GIS) and database analysis without requiring a high level of GIS or database knowledge. Custom ArcGIS map templates were created to allow users to visualize the spatial analysis and results in printer-friendly formats. The model also produces output at the TAZ level for direct input into Land Use and Travel Demand Forecasting models. The MPO developed the tool for use in the 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan and is currently using the application in its development of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan. The results of the VLI application have allowed the MPO to analyze the association between land use and transportation. The School Board of Indian River County has used the application for locating a future high school, and for projecting populations by section/township/range. The MPO also provided data from the application to FEMA following Hurricane Frances to assist in the location of temporary housing units based on specific site-selection criteria. Overall, the VLI application has integrated the analysis of numerous spatial data sources and improved the MPO’s ability to plan for the transportation future of Indian River County. For these reasons, the MPO model has been featured in Civil Engineering News and at the annual ESRI GIS conference. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Development KW - Forecasting KW - Land use planning KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Travel demand KW - Vacant land KW - Zoning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253854 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485239 AU - Wood, Brett AU - Fluitt, Allison AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Lessons Learned: A Community Driven Approach to Infrastructure Improvement PY - 2010 SP - 13p AB - Every agency is learning to do more with less. Communities are learning that traditional funding sources for transportation improvements may not provide the financial backing needed to keep their existing infrastructure maintained or provide new improvements to meet the needs of a growing community. In 2006, Sumter County attempted to pass a sales tax referendum intended to fund community infrastructure improvements. The effort was unsuccessful largely because the community was not informed of the proposed projects and the benefits that might come from the improvements. Concurrent to this attempt, the City and County planning staff and Kimley-Horn began updating the Sumter community-wide Long Range Transportation Plan. The staff determined to use this project as a vehicle for improving its approach to the sales tax referendum and identifying strategic projects for future implementation. The study included a more detailed look at needed projects, and an emphasis on revenue projections based on successfully passing the next sales tax referendum. As an offshoot of this project, the City and County staff and Kimley-Horn conducted a corridor study for Lafayette Drive, one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the community. This study included a closer evaluation of two of the proposed sales tax project locations, with conceptual improvement designs as a primary deliverable. The project included an intense public outreach component, providing an opportunity for citizens and business owners to become involved in the plan’s development and ultimately provide buy-in for the improvements. At the conclusion of these projects, the County attempted to pass another sales tax referendum. This time, the planning staff provided greater outreach and education opportunities and a better definition of the included projects. The second referendum passed successfully, and the City and County are currently implementing or designing the proposed projects. The public outreach efforts continue as a means to maintain the community’s involvement. This paper focuses on the lessons learned from these efforts, including the importance of strong community outreach, innovative visualization tools, strategic project selection, and development of both the Long Range Transportation Plan and the subsequent corridor study. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Communities KW - Development KW - Implementation KW - Improvements KW - Infrastructure KW - Lessons learned KW - Long range planning KW - Strategic planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253859 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485238 AU - Agnello, Paul AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Developing Travel Demand Modeling Tools for Medium-Sized Communities in Virginia PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains travel demand models for all Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) within the state of Virginia through the Virginia Transportation Modeling (VTM) program including seven medium-sized community MPOs. These seven MPOs are all located in the western part of the state. Traditionally, travel demand modeling for all MPO areas within Virginia has been performed by VDOT modeling staff, but during FY-2009 and 2010, MPO model application work was transferred from VDOT to MPO modeling staff. VDOT provided training for all MPO regions to assist with this transitional process, but additional training and resources were provided for medium-sized community MPOs since they lacked the technical staff resources that the larger MPO regions in the eastern part of the state had. This presentation and paper will discuss the new modeling tools that VDOT staff developed to assist medium-sized community MPOs in Virginia in this process including standardized interfaces and methodologies, reports for summarizing model results, integrating models with State geographic information system (GIS) systems, and customizing model capabilities to better meet MPO needs. Additionally, within the next few years, VDOT is planning to make further improvements to these modeling tools using new data that will be available, e.g., 2009 NHTS, 2010 Census, etc. This paper and presentation will discuss lessons learned during the recently completed effort and plans for future improvements. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Geographic information systems KW - Methodology KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Technical assistance KW - Training KW - Travel demand KW - Virginia UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253842 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485237 AU - Smith, Larry T AU - Transportation Research Board TI - An Economical Methodology for Development of Land Use and Socio-economic Forecasts for Long-range Transportation Plans (LRTPS) PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - The Central Mississippi Planning and Development (CMPDD), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Jackson, MS area, developed an innovative methodology for forecasting population, number of dwelling units, employment and school enrollment based upon adopted Land Use Plans from counties and municipalities (most of which the CMPDD prepared) in the study area for the 2030 Jackson Urbanized Area Transportation Plan (the Long-Range Transportation Plan). That LRTP was part of the Statewide Mississippi Unified Long-Range Transportation Infrastructure Plan (MULTIPLA), which won an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) award for State-MPO cooperation. The forecast methodology utilized measurements of acreage from adopted Land Use Plans for various land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public/quasi-public uses, and applied residential population density factors from the ITE Trip Generation Manual to develop the forecasts. These forecasts were applied by a consultant, using TRANSCAD traffic simulation software, to develop traffic projections for all arterial and collector roadways in the study area to determine where traffic capacity deficiencies would occur in 10-year increments for 2010, 2020 and 2030. The presenter will use a power point presentation to discuss how the methodology was utilized to prepare the population and other forecasts and the development of the 2030 Jackson Urbanized Area Transportation Plan. This economical methodology is particularly useful for small or medium-sized MPO’s which do not have a large staff to develop the necessary forecasts for an LRTP. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Forecasting KW - Jackson (Mississippi) KW - Land use planning KW - Long range planning KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Traffic simulation KW - Trip purpose UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253855 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485236 AU - McDonald, Andy AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Northern Minnesota/Northern Wisconsin Freight Plan PY - 2010 SP - 11p AB - The Northern Minnesota/Northwest Wisconsin Regional Freight Plan is a multimodal, comprehensive look at freight movement beyond traditional state and metro area boundaries. This freight planning effort built upon prior planning activities by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council, the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, and the University of Wisconsin Superior Transportation and Logistics Program. The plan was undertaken to provide a better understanding of the demand from freight transportation on the local and regional transportation infrastructure and to identify necessary improvements that enhance freight mobility and accommodate economic growth within the region. It emphasizes heightened inter-agency coordination, stakeholder engagement, critical investment making and assists the region in creating a vision for maintaining and improving the freight system. This area has some unique challenges and opportunities in the freight movement system. Potential new mining developments in Northeast Minnesota in integrated steel making, nonferrous mining and mining byproducts create pressure on current transportation resources. Other transportation challenges include moving large wind energy components to sites throughout the Northern Plains and Midwest and over-dimension equipment bound for the Oil Sands in Alberta. These large pieces are manufactured worldwide and arrive at the Duluth port by water and move out by truck and rail. The principal elements of this plan include a freight inventory, freight analysis stakeholder engagement followed by research on key regional freight issues and trends. Recommendations were developed to address policies and improve freight related infrastructure. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Demand KW - Economic growth KW - Freight traffic KW - Infrastructure KW - Minnesota KW - Mobility KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Transportation planning KW - Wisconsin UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253839 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485235 AU - Jamei, Bahram AU - Mann, William W AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Comparison of Five Metropolitan Washington Travel Demand Models PY - 2010 SP - 11p AB - Several of the Virginia suburban jurisdictions in the Washington, DC region have developed their own travel forecasting models. We now have 4 sub-area models for this region. One was developed for Prince William County, one for Loudoun County, one for Fairfax County and one for the Town of Leesburg. Each one was developed by a different consultant hired by the local jurisdiction and each is structured a little differently. The regional model developed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has always been available for its member jurisdictions to use, but these jurisdictions took it upon themselves to develop their own models with consultant help. Some of the reasons for this proliferation of travel forecasting models are: (1) locals want more detail with smaller zones and more highway links than the regional model provides; (2) locals want to be in control of the models for quick turn-around when asked. MWCOG staff is not always available when a quick turnaround is needed; and (3) locals want a simpler model than the regional model so they can understand the outputs to explain to their elected officials. The characteristics of each of these 4 sub-area models will be described in this paper for each of the 4 steps in the standard 4-step modeling process, along with a discussion of how they differ from the parent model – the one developed by MWCOG. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Fairfax County (Virginia) KW - Highways KW - Leesburg (Virginia) KW - Loudoun County (Virginia) KW - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments KW - Prince William County (Virginia) KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253851 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485234 AU - Slavin, Howard AU - Ricotta, Paul AU - Brandon, Jonathan AU - Rabinowicz, Andres AU - Sundaram, Srinivasan AU - Transportation Research Board TI - A New Traffic Assignment Method for Small and Medium Communities PY - 2010 SP - 11p AB - This paper describes a new equilibrium traffic assignment method, compares it with prior methods, and illustrates how it can provide improved results for the models that are applied in small and medium-sized communities. The new origin user equilibrium (OUE) method, based on an algorithm developed by Robert Dial, provides superior convergence and more reliable estimates of link flows than the conventional method provided in most travel demand forecasting software packages. Utilizing a regional model for Victoria, British Columbia, the authiors compare traffic assignment results for test cases at different levels of assignment convergence and using different algorithms for computing user equilibrium. The authors demonstrate that OUE can achieve levels of convergence that are virtually indistinguishable from the true equilibrium solution and do so rather quickly on commonly available computers. The test cases illustrate that low levels of convergence lead to gross errors and spurious effects in traffic assignment, but that these problems disappear with higher levels of convergence. Consequently, the ability of OUE to achieve high levels of convergence quickly leads to much more reasonable and reliable traffic assignment results. Small community planners often rely on select link and select zone analysis to understand who benefits from road improvement projects and to share that information with stakeholders. The authors examine the select link analysis that is derived from different traffic assignment algorithms and convergence levels. The authors show that the results are very sensitive to these factors and that, with a proportionality correction, the OUE method provides more robust and reliable select link analysis. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Algorithms KW - Traffic assignment KW - Traffic equilibrium KW - Traffic flow KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand KW - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253853 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485233 AU - Azimi, Ed AU - Jamei, Bahram AU - Gondy, Chowdhary S AU - Transportation Research Board TI - A Standardized Tool for Calculating Road User Benefits PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - The Highway User Benefit-Cost Analysis Program (HUB-CAP) provides the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with a standardized method to quantify road user benefits/costs to the traveling public based on roadway geometric, traffic, and operating characteristics. Based on this information, the Department can determine the cost effectiveness of various alternatives including detours, temporary roadway or shoulder construction, off-peak hour day work, night work, and the most appropriate project delivery method (i.e., Incentive/Disincentive, A+B Bidding, etc.). HUB-CAP provides valuable information to the designers and project managers when determining the most appropriate construction staging and final design. This application should be used early in the design process while there is still flexibility in the design. The optimal design will mitigate or avoid disruptions before they can occur. This application can also determine future highway user benefits-costs based on future improvement needs. By understanding the major factors influencing highway user benefits-costs, the analyst can take steps to minimize the effect of any future rehabilitation activities on roadway users. This tool was developed after researching the methodologies and application used by several States’ Department of Transportations and finally chose to utilize AASHTO’s 2003 Highway User Benefit Analysis method as a starting point. AASHTO’s worksheets were modified to include before and after scenarios, look-up tables for various inputs necessary to run the tool, and consistencies in the type of required data. It consists of three main modules: (1) Value of Time Savings / Benefits (both based on ADT and hourly volumes); (2) Accident Costs / Benefits; and (3) Operating and Ownership Costs / Benefits. The HUB-CAP application has already been implemented at VDOT by area construction engineers and construction managers. This has resulted in several projects being delivered on time with substantial saving to the users and VDOT in construction duration, user costs and completion of the project on-time. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Highway operations KW - Off peak periods KW - Road construction KW - Standardization KW - Traffic volume KW - User benefits KW - Value of time KW - Virginia UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253857 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485232 AU - Grimm, Lewis G AU - Rickards, Mark D AU - Geyer, Dorothy M AU - McDaniel, Danny AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Moving the Guests at a 400th Anniversary: Jamestown 2007 PY - 2010 SP - 13p AB - The year 2007 marked the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the first permanent English colony in North America at what is now known as Jamestown, Virginia. In preparation for this most recent in a series of anniversary events celebrated every 50 years since the early 1800s, a group of federal, state, and local agencies undertook the development of a multimodal transportation plan to accommodate the expected increases in visitation to the Jamestown–Williamsburg–Yorktown area, commonly referred to as “America’s Historic Triangle.” Under the general direction and leadership of the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation, a group of public and private organizations formulated and implemented a visitor transportation plan for the region which fulfilled all defined transportation objectives. In addition to the Department of Rail & Public Transportation, the participants in this process included the Virginia Department of Transportation, the National Park Service, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the City of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, the College of William and May, Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, Hampton Roads Transit, and a team of consulting planning and engineering firms. The resulting visitor transportation plan built upon existing visitor parking, shuttle bus services, and traveler information system elements to create a system to both link visitors to individual sites as well as to link major visitor attractions to each other. Many of the plan elements developed for the 400th Anniversary commemoration activities in 2007 have been retained and incorporated into the local public transportation system serving “America’s Historic Triangle.” This paper describes how the plan was developed, its implementation for the 400th Anniversary events, and its continuing evolution since 2007. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Jamestown (Virginia) KW - Parking facilities KW - Public private partnerships KW - Regional planning KW - Shuttle buses KW - Special events KW - Tourism KW - Transportation planning KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253856 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485231 AU - Bittner, Jason AU - Kleinmaier, Dan AU - Levine, Josh AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Transportation of Wind Energy Industry Components: Planning for Growth in the Heartland PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - The wind energy industry is growing in the United States. However, transportation of the wind turbine components from the point of production to the wind farm site incurs multiple challenges and obstacles. Along with the wind turbine components, the transportation of supplemental construction materials such as sand and gravel also has a significant impact. By the time a wind farm project is completed, it is likely that significant infrastructure damage has occurred, especially at the local level. Better and earlier communication between counties, townships, and developers can enhance the planning of infrastructure development to minimize damages and costs. Also, innovative design of wind turbine components and the vehicles that carry the components, along with more efficient logistical planning, can help to reduce some of this damage. Although these designs and strategies may reduce damages and cost, it is advisable to local counties and municipalities to sign an agreement with the developer prior to construction that specifically addresses infrastructure damage and repair. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Design KW - Infrastructure KW - Logistics KW - Transportation planning KW - Turbines KW - United States KW - Wind power generation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253838 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485125 AU - Bricka, Stacey AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Data Alternatives in Support of Regional Travel Demand Modeling PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - Historically, data collection in support of regional travel demand models for small and medium-sized communities has been limited, largely due to a lack of resources. As a result, travel demand models in these regions are often based on generalized trip rates and other characteristics (such as those detailed in NCHRP Report 365). Another common trend is to “borrow” a data set from a “comparable” region. Finally, a growing research focus is on the ability to conduct a small sample survey to supplement or refresh older travel survey data. The purpose of this paper is to provide a resource for transportation planners in small and medium-sized communities through presenting practices on the use of secondary data to support travel demand modeling. This is accomplished through detailing common practice in the use of the two most common transferable practices as well as presenting an alternate approach that blends a smaller focused “fresh” survey sample with secondary data. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Best practices KW - Data collection KW - Medium sized cities KW - Regional planning KW - Small cities KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253597 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485124 AU - Anderson, Michael D AU - Harris, Gregory A AU - Neppel, Lauren Jennings AU - Blanchard, Lisa S AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Using a Federal Database and Local Industry Sector Knowledge to Develop Future Freight Forecasts PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - Freight transportation is often not explicitly modeled, but is included implicitly as a percentage of non-home-based trips, which has nothing to do with the actual behavior of freight. This incorporation has the potential to develop future traffic forecasts that are unreasonable and potentially will lead to poor roadway infrastructure investment decisions. The federal freight flow data contained in the Freight Analysis Framework Version 2.2 (FAF2) Database has the potential to improve the forecast year accuracy, however, use of the database itself is often suspect and the large aggregation level of the database usually makes it impractical. This paper examines a process to systematically improve the forecasted volumes from the FAF2 using local industry sector knowledge to a potential level that is acceptable for urban transportation modeling. A case study is shown using Mobile, AL to demonstrate the process of adjusting the FAF2 data to account for industries located in the community. The paper concludes that with appropriate adjustment and application, the FAF2 database can be used for in forecasting future travel demand in a smaller urban area. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Case studies KW - Data quality KW - Databases KW - Forecasting KW - Freight Analysis Framework KW - Freight flow data KW - Freight traffic KW - Mobile (Alabama) KW - Urban areas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253609 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485123 AU - Krutsinger, David AU - Kutzmark, Tam AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Circulator Guidebook: Dupage Local Area Circulator Study PY - 2010 SP - 11p AB - Ever wanted to start a circulator or shuttle bus in your community? Want to know where to start? Want to get some questions answered before hiring a consultant? Then the Circulator Guidebook is a valuable resource for your community! The Circulator Guidebook was conceived as a product of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference which wanted to study thirteen communities within DuPage County. They knew only four of the communities were ready to start a circulator. The other nine would want to do so in a few years’ time, but didn’t want to miss an opportunity to make the most of some technical expertise. So the Circulator Guidebook documented all the steps along the way, using information from the first four communities, allowing the other nine to follow when they were ready. The main benefit of this paper and the Circulator Guidebook is that it synthesizes many ideas and techniques concisely. It is a toolkit of ideas all in one simple document. It provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and planning for a bus circulator. It is usable in small and medium-sized communities, whether as a stand-alone community, as a community on the periphery of an urbanized area, or several communities with connecting service. It is useful for both short-term and long-term planning. The methods are approachable enough that professionals with generalized backgrounds can use them. Additional references for further reading are provided. The Circulator Guidebook starts with the basics of running an open house and conducting a community survey. The market analysis section shows how census and more recent community population and employment information can be used to identify transit service gaps and to estimate a potential demand if the whole community were served. Different circulator service types, including innovative services like flex-routes and checkpoint routes can help a community provide service to more people. From there, step through the process of designing transit alternatives, zeroing in on ridership estimates for specific alternatives, and estimating the costs of operations, maintenance, and vehicles. While costs will vary from region to region in the U.S., this Circulator Guidebook can give you a “ballpark” cost using information included here. Learn how an implementation plan addresses organizational structure, staffing requirements, and funding sources to implement your circulator. Typical federal, state, and local funding sources are described. The basics of putting together a marketing plan are also covered, including raising the visibility of a new service in the community and how to make the transit route information useful to your customers. Finally, assess the performance of the circulator after it’s been implemented. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - DuPage County (Illinois) KW - Handbooks KW - Operating costs KW - Ridership KW - Shuttle buses KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253568 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485122 AU - Holland, Peggy AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Public Involvement in Bicycle Safety PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - The Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO), along with its partners in Guilford County, Greensboro Parks and Recreation and the City of Greensboro, adopted the consolidated Greensboro Urban Area Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan in 2006. Through a series of interactive public meetings, the plan helped to spawn a new bicycle advocacy group and brought new ideas for bike lanes and edgelines into the public realm. Implementation of the plan, especially bicycle improvements, began immediately upon adoption. Since the community was unfamiliar with bike lanes, edge lines and bike routes, an education campaign was needed to familiarize them with these features and their purpose. After initial implementation of the plan, a growing number of bicyclists turned into a growing numbers of crashes. Once again, it was obvious that engineering by itself wasn’t enough and a targeted education campaign was needed. Through the use of public outreach, advertising and partnerships, a successful bike safety campaign was launched with a dedicated Bike Safety Month. This has become an annual event to celebrate bicycling and refresh the safety dialogue. In 2009, Greensboro was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community. This presentation will highlight those strategies and techniques that have worked well in the community and those things that haven’t. Bicycle safety is an ongoing process that is more than just education and engineering. Interaction with the public, and encouraging communication amongst residents, is a key to bicycle safety. These are ideas that can be replicated in other communities, especially those that are just beginning to implement new bicycle facilities and want to become more bicycle-friendly. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Advertising campaigns KW - Bicycle travel KW - Bikeways KW - Greensboro (North Carolina) KW - Master plans KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Public participation KW - Safety campaigns UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253595 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485121 AU - Hyder, David W AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Using Decision Trees in Transportation Planning and Analysis PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - This paper discusses using search trees and decision trees in transportation planning and analysis. Decision trees are a formal decision support methodology that is often seen in business and the healthcare fields. However, they are seldom seen, in the formal sense, in transportation planning and analysis. This paper briefly discusses decision trees, including the definition of a decision tree and the method of construction a decision tree. The paper also discusses the advantages of decision trees and provides an example of how a decision tree is applicable to systems planning. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Decision making KW - Decision trees KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Health care KW - Policy analysis KW - Systems planning KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253601 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485120 AU - Reynolds, William AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Transit Node Analysis: Comparing Street-Level Physical and Socioeconomic Factors Using a Layered GIS Approach PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - Maximizing transit ridership in small and medium-sized communities requires, among other factors, strategic stop placement, network connectivity characteristics that encourage walk and bike trips, as well as mixed use development patterns that provide residents with walkable destinations. Although a growing body of research has demonstrated automobile trip rate suppression effects due to mixed-use and transit-oriented development, as well as a correlation between walking/cycling trips and street connectivity, no single analysis tool has the ability to objectively compare transit stop locations based on a combination of physical and socioeconomic attributes. The proposed methodology demonstrates a technique that relies on geographic information system (GIS) analysis within a one-mile radius of a future or existing transit node to present layered imagery at the street level in order to highlight blocks in need of infrastructure improvement and/or land use changes to support transit. As medium-sized communities, particularly in suburban Sunbelt contexts, often lack the traditional urban infrastructure that readily supports transit usage, the method provides a critical set of analysis tools that can provide guidance for establishing a more transit-supportive built environment. The paper describes a total of nine measures of physical connectivity, mix of use, and socioeconomic factors that relate to transit usage. Walkscore (http://www.walkscore.com), which measures straight line distance to 13 amenity types including grocery stores, movie theaters, and restaurants, provides an aggregate mixed-use retail score based on proximity. As the method ignores accessibility to these locations, however, walk time information as well as intersection density, dead-end frequency, and total sidewalk mileage provide an indication of the local network connectivity. Additionally, a weighted summation of residential and employment density, termed the activity intensity measure, is used to assess the socioeconomic activity of the TAZs contained within the one-mile region of interest. Taken together, these indices provide a detailed analysis of the mixed of use, the overall connectivity of the network, as well as the land use intensity within a one-mile radius of the transit node. Layering of the visual components provides a clear, concise, and easy to understand representation of the zone that highlights areas in need of improvement at the block level and provides a method of comparing sites that can be used to communicate site selection criteria to the public and generate discussion. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Geographic information systems KW - Land use planning KW - Mixed use development KW - Ridership KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Transit oriented development KW - Walking KW - Walkscore UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253569 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485119 AU - Taylor, Steve T AU - Canon, Andrew A AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Integrating Planning and Operations for a Comprehensive Transportation Management System PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - Transportation engineers and planners need a new set of tools to help ensure they are getting the best value and use of limited transportation monies. Agency officials have historically relied on various performance evaluation methods to assess roadway networks that have inherent limitations, which may not completely identify true causes and contributors of congestion. Through application of existing technology and off-the-shelf tools, Jacobs Engineering Group has developed and applied an integrated system to evaluate congestion on regional networks, evaluate pavement roughness, estimate emissions, recommend mitigation measures, prioritize improvements, and update transportation travel demand model networks. The network conditions are evaluated using an invehicle setup including a PDA data collector, differentially correctable global positioning system (GPS) pavement sensor, and geo-referenced digital video system. Components of this approach has been successfully applied on over 400,000 miles of roadways for various scales of communities across the country including: Hidalgo County (McAllen TX), Savannah GA, Harlingen TX, Corpus Christi TX, Birmingham AL, Columbia SC, Phoenix AZ, Nashville TN, Oakland CA, Dallas TX, Denver CO, Tucson AZ, San Francisco CA, Los Angeles CA, Atlanta, GA, and Tampa, FL. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Congestion management systems KW - Geographic information systems KW - Global Positioning System KW - Performance measurement KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand KW - Travel time UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253565 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485118 AU - Stabler, Ben AU - Knudson, Becky AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Dynamic Model Visualization and Investigation PY - 2010 SP - 7p AB - The purpose of this presentation is to share a new approach to model visualization and investigation. Travel and land use models are complex, requiring and generating a great deal of data. The Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Statewide Integrated Model (SWIM) produces gigabytes of data that have historically been cumbersome to sort through and glean useful information from. ODOT has worked on visualization of model results during specific analysis projects over the last few years, but these efforts have been disjointed and coarse. As a result, visualization was approached as a separate, coherent goal aimed at creating an efficient, comprehensive tool for viewing modeling results. The project was split into two distinct tasks which significantly changed how the model is visualized, and more importantly, how model results can be investigated. The first task was to develop a reporting/visualization database using open source technologies. This database centralized and structured the model outputs in a consistent manner that could be automated to follow a model run. Properly structuring the data in a generic/normalized fashion allowed for the development of a tool to query/mine the data. The second task was to develop an open source Adobe Flash/Flex interactive application that connects to the visualization database, allows for standard and custom data queries, and presents results in dynamic tables, charts, and maps. The application can illustrate changes over time and differences between scenarios automatically. The real value of the new tool is the speed at which model results can be investigated, patterns revealed and relationships better understood, and scenario ”stories” put together to share with others. Finally, the dynamic visualization platform has already proven its worth by bringing to light model results that had previously been lost in all the model complexity. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Data collection KW - Data modeling KW - Databases KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Land use planning KW - Oregon KW - Travel demand KW - Visualization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253600 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485117 AU - Weisiger, Sarah AU - Transportation Research Board TI - The School Travel Plan as a Community Planning Tool PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national program and a movement to enable and encourage children to walk and bike to school. State coordinators implement the federally-funded program to promote safe, active transportation. Funding is used to support planning, program implementation, and project construction in small towns, suburban areas, and cities. Successful local programs require a crosscutting approach bringing together school districts, local governments, law enforcement, parents, students, and others to create an effective plan. The state Safe Routes to School programs in Illinois, Ohio and Virginia have adopted a School Travel Plan reference guide to facilitate planning by localities to make communities safe for kindergarten to eighth grade students to walk and bike to school. The School Travel Plan has proved to be an important and low cost tool to engage communities in creating sustainable transportation systems. The action plan, for strategies to make walking and cycling safe, draws together “the five E’s” of Safe Routes to School: education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and engineering. These plans can work for a single school or for schools city-wide. This paper and conference presentation will describe: (1) motivations for why communities become interested in the Safe Routes to School movement; (2) types of Safe Routes to School guidebooks and planning documents used across the country; (3) key components of a School Travel Plan in Ohio, Illinois and Virginia; (4) how the Virginia Safe Routes to School Program began to use the School Travel Plan process; (5) the Illinois and Ohio Safe Routes to School program, including types of planning assistance to communities; (6) the number and type of communities creating School Travel Plans; (7) examples of success stories involving implementation of aspects of School Travel Plans; (8) a simple survey of planning tools used in other SRTS programs around the country; and (9) the benefits of this type of planning to engage people in creating livable communities. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - City planning KW - Illinois KW - Implementation KW - Ohio KW - Safe Routes to School (Program) KW - Safety KW - School children KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Transportation planning KW - Virginia UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253585 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485116 AU - Badenhope, Julia AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Small-Town Transportation Assessments that Work: Combining Community Learning and Research Strategies PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - One of the challenges facing transportation planners in small communities is effectively engaging local leaders and residents in issue analysis leading to effective goals statements for transportation system expansion and enhancement. Local knowledge about how transportation is used by residents, barriers to use, and desires for change/preservation is unavailable to planners without involvement of residents and local system managers. Technical expertise about transportation system development is rarely accessible to community leaders, who are often lay persons, who must work with residents to formulate plans that hinge on transportation infrastructure. Through the Iowa’s Living Roadway Community Visioning Program, a participatory research method has been developed that involves local residents in not only providing data but also in applying findings to meaningful community transportation goals. In this process, initial goals established by a volunteer community steering committee are studied and expanded through two simultaneous participatory research projects—one quantitative and one qualitative. A random sample survey, which uses both traditional survey form and interactive geographic information system (GIS) elements, quantitatively describes community transportation system use and priorities for development. Focus groups conducted with transportation users discover why and how the community transportation system is used, including uses related to work and play. Results are communicated through the news media in addition to internal communication with steering committee members. Based on this feedback, community leaders can refine goal statements and specific transportation development strategies responsive to local needs and values. Immutable qualities and values associated with place are often revealed through this two-part process, in part due to the integration of map- and narrative-based data in the research design. Traditional survey methods reveal frequencies and types of uses, but the juxtaposition of these data with the spatial data—place qualities implied in landscape and community elements such as hills, woodlands, downtown hangouts, etc.—demonstrate how transportation and place are related. Seeing these relationships helps residents articulate how transportation system development relates to and extends their values for place. This, in turn, fuels sustained action on transportation, enriched with knowledge about system elements, as well as articulated and represented place values embodied in community transportation maps. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Assessments KW - City planning KW - Cooperation KW - Decision making KW - Geographic information systems KW - Iowa KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253594 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485115 AU - Murshed, Delwar AU - Transportation Research Board TI - GLOBEWARM – A Tool to Estimate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Roadway Vehicles PY - 2010 SP - 13p AB - Since Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are believed to lead to global warming, emission of such gases are now considered an environmental threat that must be confronted. About 30% of the GHG emissions in the United States are from transportation sources. This is why, for most transportation improvements or policy decisions, the public and decision makers often want to know what effects an improvement or a policy decision will have on GHG emissions. Transportation planners and decision makers want to know to what extent are solutions within the realm of transportation planning and to what extent are they in the realm of other policy areas? How emissions are affected by congestion induced by population growth and maintaining economic vitality? How to address this GHG emission issues early in the planning process? To answer any such questions, planners and engineers need to estimate GHG emissions from roadway vehicles. How to estimate GHG emissions in planning stages of a project or at policy decision levels? The standard process involves running a travel demand model as well as a sophisticated vehicle emission model using tools such as MOBILE, MOVES, EMFAC, etc. Data requirements of most of these emission modeling tools strain the ability of travel demand models to produce needed inputs. Moreover, due to emission model’s complexity, time-consuming data collection, and staff and project budget constraints, it may not be feasible for transportation professionals to apply such sophisticated tools for estimating vehicle emissions for all sorts of transportation projects. Therefore, there is need to develop a quick and easy approach that would help planners/engineers to estimate GHG emissions with minimal data. With this need in mind, a simple methodology and tool have been developed for planning level estimation of GHGs. This paper is to provide an overview of the tool that can help estimate GHG emissions using either system-wide summary data or link-by-link travel model data. This paper will first provide an overview of the common approaches about applying travel demand model for roadway vehicle emission estimation. Several quick and easy vehicle emission estimation approaches will then be described for reference purposes. Finally, this paper will document the concepts, assumptions, and methodology of GHG emissions estimation along with data needs and default data that comes with the tool. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Air quality management KW - Decision making KW - Environmental protection KW - Global warming KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Policy analysis KW - Pollutants KW - Travel demand UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253596 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485114 AU - Carreras, Joseph AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Applying the Housing + Transportation Affordability Index in Your Metro Area PY - 2010 AB - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood announced a new partnership to help American families gain better access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs. The average working American family spends nearly 60 percent of its budget on housing and transportation costs, making these two areas the largest expenses for American families. Donovan and LaHood want to seek ways to cut these costs by focusing their efforts on creating affordable, sustainable communities (HUD Press Release, May 2009). The SCAG Housing & Transportation Affordability Index illustrates how this tool can be applied in a wide variety of communities – large, medium and small – in supporting transit oriented and infill development. The presentation will showcase the California Land Opportunities Tracking System (CALOTS) web based mapping and GIS tool developed by UCLA's Neighborhood Knowledge Center for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and a series of Southern California case studies developed for SCAG by the Center for Neighborhood Technology in partnership with the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, The Index shows how affordability changes from neighborhood to neighborhood throughout Southern California and that the most affordable neighborhoods tend to be mixed use, compact in design, walkable, and near transit and jobs. An Affordability Index Toolbox study just completed for SCAG includes six community case studies: El Monte Case Study; Fullerton Case Study; Glendale Case Study; Koreatown Case Study; Platinum Case Study; San Bernardino Case Study. The case studies examine different local government approaches to a paradox associated with dispersed growth - it appears to make housing more affordable, but often cancels any significant savings with high transportation costs. The Affordability Index Toolbox synthesizes results from the case studies and recommends potential policy "tools" that local planners, elected officials and others can use to promote affordability in their communities. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Case studies KW - Housing KW - Southern California KW - Southern California Association of Governments KW - Sustainable development KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning KW - Walking UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253570 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485113 AU - Leap, Monica AU - Transportation Research Board TI - A Literature Review of Current Events and Trends in Ciclovía Programs across America PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - For six hours every Sunday, Bogotá, Colombia, closes 70 miles of roads to automobiles, and opens them to bicyclists, walkers, runners, and dancers. An estimated two million of the city’s eight million residents participate each week, reaping health, environmental, social, and economic benefits. It is called Ciclovía, meaning “bicycle path” in Spanish. The popularity and success of Ciclovía programs have, over the past 10 years, inspired cities of various sizes in the U.S. and other countries to begin similar programs. Ciclovía programs seek to combat rising obesity rates and issues of equity caused by the increasing prevalence of auto mobility. It offers free active living opportunities within urban settings, and as there are no barriers to entry, it provides healthy opportunities for residents of all incomes, especially those who cannot join gyms or travel for recreation. Ciclovía programs across the U.S. have a wide array of advocates, ranging from families looking for affordable entertainment in hard economic times, city officials looking to increase programming, those for the reduction of obesity, diabetes, or other health issues, avid cyclists, to many others. Through surveys, interviews, and anecdotal evidence, Ciclovía events are extremely popular amongst both participants and organizers. They provide opportunities for exercise and community development from which city residents would otherwise be excluded from due to financial or safety concerns. In addition to this, there are also emotional and mental health benefits from greater social integration, a stronger sense of belonging and from being able to freely experience and explore ones everyday environment in a different way. The routes chosen for the program tend to highlight the city’s historic district or characteristic neighborhoods, promoting historic preservation and attracting tourists. However, without excessive auto use on that day, cleaner air and happier, healthier residents are the primary outcomes. A key element of the program is that it can be catered to the specific needs and abilities of each community sponsoring it. The length of the route and the programming along it are modified to reflect the character of the city. It can be marketed as an obesity-reduction campaign or a pro-bike and walk event, for example. Though large cities like New York receive wide acclaim for their program, smaller communities, such as Paducah, KY; Lakewood, OH; and Clearwater, FL, have just as much success. Though not a comprehensive guidebook, this study can serve as a resource to cities beginning their planning process. It contains background information and in-depth case studies of small, medium, and large cities. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bogota (Colombia) KW - Ciclovia KW - Cyclists KW - Environmental impacts KW - Handbooks KW - Obesity KW - Pedestrians KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253571 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485112 AU - Frawley, William E AU - Transportation Research Board TI - MPO Planning Resources – An Internet-Based Tool PY - 2010 SP - 9p AB - Small and medium-sized metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) commonly experience frequent staff and policy committee turnover. Frequent turnover requires that new staff and policy committees need to become familiar with MPO processes and requirements as quickly as possible. In some cases, staff will be directed to accomplish specific tasks prior to becoming fully knowledgeable of the overall MPO process. This can be particularly true as deadlines for metropolitan transportation plans (MTPs) loom closer. The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) has developed a web site comprised of MPO process related materials for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The original need for this effort stemmed from frequent turnover in a specific MPO and the struggles staff experienced with knowing how to prioritize tasks and being aware of processes related to the MTP update. That effort began with the creation of a timeline of tasks and subtasks and evolved into the development of a web site. The web site contains scores of “drill-downs” that are explanations of requirements and processes. The web site also contains links to federal and state documents and examples of documents from various states. This paper explains the evolution of the Internet-based resource from its initial spreadsheet format. The paper also provides an explanation of the overall process to develop the resource, including the key personnel involved. Detailed explanations of various sections of the web site are also included. The paper is formatted in a user’s guide layout, with section headings presented in the form of questions a resource user might ask. This paper will be beneficial to MPO and state Department of Transportation (DOT) staff who may desire to develop a similar resource for their agencies. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Internet in education KW - Master plans KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Personnel retention KW - Policy analysis KW - State departments of transportation KW - Texas KW - Training UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253606 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485111 AU - Everett, Jerry AU - Transportation Research Board TI - An Investigation of the Transferability of Trip Generation Models PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - The cost of collecting data for travel demand modeling is high and increasing each year. Data collection costs could easily exceed the annual budget of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in a small or medium-sized area. Many of these agencies borrow or transfer data and/or models from other areas since they cannot afford the cost of collecting local data. A study with the objective of testing the appropriateness of transferring commonly used trip generation models from one urban area to another under specific circumstances was recently completed. The issue of the transferability of trip generation models is real and is faced by many urban areas especially those of small and medium size. A review of literature found that at the present time the appropriateness of transferring trip generation relationships from one area to another is still in question since previous studies have had mixed findings. The quantitative analyses of the study included data from four separate travel surveys, with data from 11 study areas in two states, and four trip purpose models in each area, resulting in the development of a total of 44 cross-classification models. The analysis was based on a comparison of cross-classification tables developed using the number of vehicles available and household size or number of household workers. These models are typical of those used by many small and medium-sized metropolitan planning organizations around the country. Comparisons between pairs of study areas were then made for each of the four trip purpose models. All study areas within each size category, irrespective of their state were compared to one another, and each study area within a state was compared to the other study areas in the same state. Forty area-to-area comparisons were made with four trip categories in each case for a total of 160 comparisons. This paper will present the findings of this research and offer some insights into the issue of the transferability of trip generation rates that will be helpful to planners at small and medium-sized MPOs. Though this research did not definitively answer the question of “is the transfer of trip generation models from one area to another statistically valid?” it will provide a valuable addition to the body of literature of the subject that both researchers and practitioners will be able to draw from in the future. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Data collection KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Transferability KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys KW - Trip generation KW - Trip purpose UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253599 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485110 AU - Eisele, William L AU - Park, Eun Sug AU - Zhang, Yunlong AU - Stensrud, Rachael AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Estimating Arterial Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Communities PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - Transportation professionals in small and medium-sized communities (SMSCs) require planning-level methods and models to estimate arterial street mobility performance. Because financial resources are often constrained, methods that require limited field data collection are most useful. Understanding arterial performance in terms of mobility can identify problem areas and facilitate improvement prioritization. This paper describes completed research at the Texas Transportation Institute with the objective of developing a corridor travel time index (TTI) arterial model for estimating arterial performance in small to medium-sized communities. The TTI is the ratio of the travel rate (minutes per mile) during the peak period to the travel rate (minutes per mile) during the off-peak period. The TTI is a geographically scalable measure, which makes the models more transferable. This paper describes two models to assist transportation professionals in small and medium-sized communities to estimate the TTI in the arterial environment during light and moderate congestion conditions. To address limitations of existing models, the models 1) consider access management (e.g., driveway density), 2) are corridor-based, 3) are a function of generally-available or easy-to-obtain data, 4) are calibrated and validated with extensive field data, and 5) explain a relatively high degree of variability. The models were developed based upon extensive field data along a typical suburban corridor that is representative of a typical small and medium-sized community. The model for moderate congestion conditions (TTI values up to approximately 2.8) is a function of traffic volume, driveway density, signal green time relative to the cycle time (g/C), and signal coordination condition. The model for light congestion conditions (TTI values up to 1.35) is based upon traffic volume and g/C along the corridor. Intuitively, when congestion levels are relatively higher, the research found that driveway density was an important prediction variable for TTI along the arterial corridor. The research findings will benefit transportation professionals and decision-makers in small and medium-sized communities who are responsible for tracking mobility along roadways of interest and for prioritizing roadway improvements. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Access control (Transportation) KW - Arterial highways KW - Driveways KW - Mobility KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic signal cycle KW - Traffic volume KW - Travel time KW - Travel time index UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253549 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485109 AU - Morgan, Daniel AU - Mayberry, Rick AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Application of a Combined Travel Demand and Microsimulation Model for a Small City PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - This paper describes the development and application of a multi-modal microsimulation model for the Greater Eureka Area (GEA), a small community of 25,000 in Northern California. The travel demand model for the GEA was used to develop estimates of the traffic demand for base and forecast years. A rigorous data collection and calibration effort was made to calibrate the simulation model for the base year. The simulation of pedestrian activity and bus routes is included in the model. The application is unique in its methods and in its ultimate objective. First, the microsimulation model was developed on a geographic information system platform shared with the travel demand model, allowing the fusion of geographic information and the application of geographic analysis methods to assist in the refinement of peak period trip tables for simulation. The travel demand model was used to develop initial estimates of the traffic demand. Additional analysis was performed to develop a dynamic temporal profile in the demand. Simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment methods were used to calibrate route choices in the model. Second, the microsimulation model was designed not for a specific and finite project in the common tradition of planning and engineering practice but for the purpose of becoming a living model to be adopted and maintained by local authorities for use in all manner of planning and traffic impact studies, both big and small, throughout the city. Thus, the microsimulation model will serve as a natural corollary and complement to the travel demand model. A variety of alternatives, including the additional lanes on a key corridor and traffic signal optimization, are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of microsimulation for improving the estimates of project impacts in the planning context. In addition to serving as an illustrative case study for the application of microsimulation in small and medium-sized communities, this paper demonstrates the advantages of geographic information system (GIS) for making the development of a microsimulation model for small and medium-sized communities feasible and cost-effective. Lessons learned and guidance for similar applications elsewhere are provided. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Data collection KW - Dynamic traffic assignment KW - Eureka (California) KW - Geographic information systems KW - Microsimulation KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Traffic simulation KW - Travel demand KW - Trip matrices UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253591 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485108 AU - Sadhai, Rohan AU - Matson, Phil AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Safe Routes to School: A Collaborative Approach PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - A major reason for the shift away from walking to school among student-age populations is concern over personal safety. These concerns are both actual and perceptual and go beyond concerns over traffic conflicts. Moreover, pedestrian-related accidents are a major problem throughout the United States and are especially problematic in Florida, which routinely leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities. Given several high-profile student fatalities in the region, the Indian River County (IRC) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) took an active approach to the pedestrian safety issue and committed to developing a school safety study at a school with high potential to increase its alternative mode access. While the focus of the study was on school access, the MPO addressed a number of related priorities in the project scope, including safety, mobility, and minimizing pupil transportation costs. The MPO began the effort by screening candidate schools for intensive study. Thompson Elementary School was identified for the study because it represents a traditional neighborhood school, but with lower than expected walking and bicycling travel rates than at similar schools. The methodology used for the study was developed by Stanley Consultants to define pedestrian-related deficiencies and to identify potential areas for improvement. The first step in the methodology was to interview students, parents and faculty to identify their concerns. An analysis of the demographics of the neighborhood indicated that the area contained many not-easy-to-reach households, including working families, single-parent families, and low-income households. The MPO and Stanley Consultants made a proactive effort to overcome this challenge and reach these families by sending representatives to PTA meetings, School Advisory Council meetings, and in the field at parent drop-off and pickup times. In addition, Stanley Consultants developed and distributed a survey/map to parents and students, tailored to the school type (elementary). First-hand information on the causes of student travel patterns was collected whereas more conventional methods (such as MPO meetings and public workshops) might have failed. As part of the methodology, a detailed inventory assessment of the roadway and sidewalk characteristics within a 2-mile radius of the school was performed, along with an inventory of planned bicycle and pedestrian networks identified by the county, and a review of various codes and statutes. The methodology also included an assessment of non-transportation factors, such as crime, lighting, and predators. Known safety hazards and obstructions were then located, as well as the identification of links, intersections, and areas that may need improvement. Once improvements were identified, a Zone Methodology was developed and implemented to prioritize the improvements. The improvements were grouped within Zones A, B and C, which represented the distance from the school. The improvements were then prioritized within each zone based on several criteria. Funding sources for applicable infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects such as the FDOT Safe Routes to School program were then identified. General strategies and 28 specific physical improvements were identified to provide continuity of pedestrian and bicycle access to and from Thompson Elementary School. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Demographics KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Pedestrian-vehicle crashes KW - Safe Routes to School (Program) KW - School children KW - Traffic conflicts KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253584 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485107 AU - Wang, Teng AU - Transportation Research Board TI - A Transportation Safety Planning Tool for the City of Ames PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - The City of Ames in Iowa is a medium-sized community, which has an estimated population of 56,510 (2008). The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) was designated in 2003. In addition, the City of Ames is home to Iowa State University with an enrollment of 27,945 as of Fall 2009. During the period 2002-2008, on average 1,000 traffic crashes (of property damage over $1,000) occurred per year. This trend will continue in the future and may increase in view of changes in demographics and land use. However, to date, safety is not explicitly considered in the city’s transportation planning process. Historically, the approach to safety problem identification and mitigation has been “reactive”, black spots or hot spots have been identified by ranking locations based on the crash frequency and severity, mainly at the corridor-level and without considering the exposure rate (vehicle miles traveled) and socio-demographics characteristics of the study area. Therefore, a larger study analysis area at the Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) level or the network planning-level should be used to address the needs of development of the community in the future and incorporate safety into long-range transportation planning process. This paper examines how existing planning models (for example, the PLANSAFE models presented in NCHRP Report 546) can be used for forecasting safety in the future in a medium-size community, due to changes in socio-demographics, traffic demand, road network and countermeasures. In addition, United States Road Assessment Program (usRAP) Risk Mapping is investigated for application in the city. Incorporating safety into long-range transportation planning can assist planners and decision-makers in predicting how changes in demographics, land use, and roadway infrastructure investments can impact traffic safety, and help set safety performance targets for the city. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Ames (Iowa) KW - Decision making KW - High risk locations KW - Land use planning KW - Long range planning KW - Medium sized cities KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - PLANSAFE (Software) KW - Traffic crashes UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253608 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01485106 AU - Ma, Jingtao AU - Shull, Robert M AU - Joshi, Chetan AU - Hayes, Ed AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Applying a Multi-Resolution Modeling Approach for Master Planning of State Route 285 Corridor at Wenatchee Valley, WA PY - 2010 SP - 12p AB - It is increasingly apparent that combining the travel demand modeling and micro simulation modeling techniques can improve model quality and promote modeling productivity. The project is intended to provide Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council (WVTC), the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in central Washington State, with a transportation improvement plan for the State Route 285 North Wenatchee Avenue Corridor, a fast-growing area along the Columbia River in Wenatchee, Washington. The project team proposed a tri-level modeling approach to incorporate the strengths of all three types of prevalent traffic analysis tools, namely macroscopic regional travel demand forecast modeling, mesoscopic dynamic traffic management modeling and microscopic traffic simulation modeling. WVTC has a long used and well tested a four-step travel demand forecast model in VISUM, which was further updated and calibrated based on the 2008 land use and traffic operations and bus ridership data. The static 4-step model provided the basis to analyze and project the urban growth to the transportation systems. However, as generally recognized, the static four-step modeling approach does not work well to trace the temporal evolution of the transportation network flow patterns and their changes under various traffic management and control measures such as intelligent transportation system (ITS) options. In this project, this problem is overcome by integrating a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model with the traditional travel demand forecast modeling. DTA is capable of computing the network flow patterns not only based on typical V/C ratios and resultant delays but also queues, dynamic intermittent delays, and shockwave propagation within the network. It also offers multi-modal operations within a general transportation network including bus operations, and signal optimization modules that can be used to investigate the effect of various control schemes as well as an interaction with the dynamic traffic assignment if so desired. Due to its capability of dynamic modeling of the traffic flows and simplicity over detailed vehicle trajectory modeling as microscopic simulations, DTA has served as the screening tool for multiple improvement projects that may potentially eliminate the choke points identified from the travel demand forecast modeling. Once the most promising projects (two had been scheduled) were chosen out of the above dynamic modeling process, they were be refined in microscopic simulation models for final technical assessments. Important in this process is the seamless transfer of the dynamic traffic assignment results in the form of time-dependent path flows from DTA into micro-simulation. At the final micro simulation level, the detailed infrastructure improvement and ITS measures can be assessed, and the final transportation plans will be recommended to the WVTC board. The authors conclude from our coordinated 4-step modeling, dynamic traffic assignment modeling and microscopic traffic simulation modeling that combining macro and micro models with an intermediate dynamic assignment layer yields great benefits in dealing with both engineering and planning needs. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Bus transit KW - Dynamic traffic assignment KW - Highway traffic control KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Traffic signal timing KW - Traffic simulation KW - Travel demand UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1253607 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01483192 AU - Transportation Research Board TI - Tools of the Trade: 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized Communities PY - 2010 SP - v.p. AB - The Small and Medium-Sized Communities Conference was a symposium for transportation managers, planners, engineers and elected officials from urban areas of less than 250,000 people; representatives from regional planning agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), federal, state, and local transportation agencies and T-2 centers, consultants, and citizens who had active interest in transportation. The conference provided ready-to-use, economical and practical techniques for transportation professionals in small (under 50,000) and medium-sized (50,000 – 250,000) communities. The conference explored information on the factors relating to the planning, development, programming, and implementation of multi-modal transportation facilities for small and medium-sized communities. Future research and implementation needs were also addressed. U1 - 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized CommunitiesTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWilliamsburg,VA,United States StartDate:20100922 EndDate:20100924 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Communities KW - Conferences KW - Consultants KW - Economics KW - Facilities KW - Federal government KW - Implementation KW - Local government agencies KW - Medium sized cities KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Regional planning KW - State government agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1251878 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370170 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2010 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions & Performance - Report to Congress PY - 2010///Report to Congress SP - 502p AB - This is the ninth in a series of combined documents prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to satisfy requirements for reports to Congress on the condition, performance, and future capital investment needs of the Nation’s highway and transit systems. This report incorporates highway, bridge, and transit information required by 23 U.S.C. §502(h), as well as transit system information required by 49 U.S.C. §308(e). This document is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physical conditions, operational performances, and financing mechanisms of highways, bridges, and transit systems based both on the current state of these systems and on the projected future state of these systems under a set of alternative future investment scenarios. This report offers a comprehensive, data-driven background to support the development and evaluation of legislative, program, and budget options at all levels of government. It also serves as a primary source of information for national and international news media, transportation associations, and industry. This condition and performance (C&P) report consolidates conditions, performance, and financial data provided by States, local governments, and mass transit operators to provide a national-level summary. Some of the underlying data are available through the DOT’s regular statistical publications. The future investment scenario analyses are developed specifically for this report and provide national-level projections only. This edition of the C&P report is based primarily on data through the year 2008; consequently, the system conditions and performance measures presented do not yet fully reflect the effects of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which authorized Federal highway and transit funding for Federal fiscal years 2005 through 2009. These measures also do not reflect the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The main body of the report is organized into four major sections. The six chapters in Part I, “Description of Current System,” contain the core retrospective analyses of the report. Chapters 2 through 6 each include separate highway and transit sections discussing each mode in depth. The four chapters in Part II, “Investment/Performance Analysis,” contain the core prospective analyses of the report, including 20-year future capital investment scenarios. Part III, “Sustainable Transportation Systems,” includes a set of three new chapters exploring sustainability, climate change adaptation, and livability. The report also contains three technical appendices that describe the investment/performance methodologies used in the report for highways, for bridges, and for transit. KW - Bridges KW - Capital investments KW - Condition surveys KW - Financing KW - Forecasting KW - Highways KW - Needs assessment KW - Performance KW - Public transit KW - Sustainable transportation UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2010cpr/pdfs/cp2010.pdf UR - https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2010cpr/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138917 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370144 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2010 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions & Performance - Report to Congress, Executive Summary PY - 2010///Executive Summary SP - 42p AB - This document is a summary of the 2010 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions and Performance report to Congress (C&P report). The C&P report is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physical conditions, operational performance, and financing mechanisms of highways, bridges, and transit systems based both on the current state of these systems and on the projected future state of these systems under a set of alternative future investment scenarios. This edition of the C&P report is the ninth in the series that combines information on the Nation’s highway and transit systems. The main body of the report is organized into three major sections. Part I, “Description of Current System,” includes the core retrospective analyses in the report, including chapters on household travel, system characteristics, system conditions, operational performance, safety, and finance. Part II, “Investment/Performance Analysis,” includes the core prospective analyses of the report, including projections of future highway, bridge, and transit capital investment under certain defined scenarios. This section also explores how these scenarios would be affected by changing the assumptions about travel growth, financing mechanisms, and other key variables. Part III, “Sustainable Transportation Systems,” includes a set of three new chapters exploring sustainability, climate change adaptation, and livability. Some of the topics discussed have been referenced in previous editions of this report, but this edition is the first to explore these issues in a concentrated fashion. The report also contains three technical appendices that describe the investment/performance methodologies used in the report for highways, for bridges, and for transit. KW - Bridges KW - Capital investments KW - Condition surveys KW - Financing KW - Forecasting KW - Highways KW - Needs assessment KW - Performance KW - Public transit KW - Sustainable transportation UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/2010cpr/pdfs/littlebook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138920 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01356793 AU - U.S. Census Bureau AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Census Transportation Planning Product (CTPP) 2006-2008 - Part 1A (T11100-T12302C): Place of Residence Data and Documentation PY - 2010 SP - v.p. AB - The Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) data product based on 2006 – 2008 3-year American Community Survey (ACS) Data is designed to help transportation analysts and planners understand where people are commuting to and from, and how they get there. The information is organized by where workers live, where they work, and by the flow between those places. At this website a link is provided that will take you to the CTPP data product based on 2006 – 2008 3-year ACS Data. The Data Product is a special tabulation of census data designed by transportation planners, for transportation planners. The Data Product contains commuter flows, not available in other data sets. This Data Product is limited to geographies with populations 20,000 or greater. It contains over 200 tabs and cross tabs and will help planners answer such questions as: How many people live here and work there? What’s the average commute time to my city? How many or what percentage of workers use transit in my Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)? What is the average income of workers commuting from the suburbs to the city? What industries are located in my city? What proportion of transit users are automobile owners? What percentage of work trips are made in carpools? What proportion of people telecommute? KW - American Community Survey KW - Automobile ownership KW - Carpools KW - Census KW - Census Transportation Planning Package KW - Commuters KW - Commuting KW - Income KW - Modal split KW - Telecommuting KW - Transportation planning KW - Work trips UR - https://1bts.rita.dot.gov/pdc/user/products/src/products.xml?p=33107&c=-1 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1122434 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331220 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Loukaitou-Sideris, Anastasia TI - What Is Blocking Her Path? Women, Mobility, and Security SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 103-121 AB - Fear and anxiety about personal security impede mobility. Historically, women’s presence in public environments and their journeys throughout the city have been impeded by norms imposed on them by society but also by their own fear of victimization. Indeed, fear of victimization and crime is quite widespread among women. Almost every fear of crime survey reports that women are much more fearful than men (Gordon and Riger 1989). Many women are fearful of rape and serious violence against them, but feminist scholars also argue about an existing continuum of violence against women that includes intimidation, groping, sexual comments, harassment, threats, and other nuisance crimes with sexual undertones (Morrell 1996; Stanko 1990). In explaining the gendered nature of fear of crime, criminologists highlight these often “invisible” and underreported crimes against women. Whether real or only perceived, fear has significant consequences for women and leads them to use precautionary measures and strategies that affect their mobility and travel behavior. These range from the adoption of certain behavioral mechanisms when in public to the choice of specific routes, modes, and transit environments over others to completely avoiding particular transportation environments, trips, and activities deemed as more unsafe for women (e.g., walking or bicycling). Of course, not all women experience similar levels of fear, and significant differences exist among them. Important sociopsychological, sociodemographic, and environmental factors intervene and may modify women’s levels of fear. This paper takes stock of the issues affecting women’s unobstructed movement in the city and assesses changes occurring during the past decades with respect to personal security as it pertains to women’s mobility. Following a brief historic overview of issues affecting women’s mobility patterns in the city, the author discusses how changes in sociospatial conditions are currently affecting women’s travel. Because fear of crime and violence influence women’s travel behavior, the author also examines and assesses how research and practice have responded to these concerns. Finally, she outlines some promising research and policy directions for making women’s travel in the city less hindered by the fear of crime and violence. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Crimes KW - Fear KW - Females KW - Mobility KW - Safety and security KW - Sexual harassment KW - Travel behavior KW - Violent crimes UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094898 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331219 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kostyniuk, Lidia P TI - Road User Safety: Women’s Issues SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 94-102 AB - Every year about 1 million people are killed and between 20 and 50 million are injured worldwide in motor-vehicle-related crashes (Peden et al. 2004). Although males in the most economically active age group make up the largest proportion of reported casualties, women’s fatality and injury rates appear to be increasing with motorization (Ghee et al. 1997). Motorization accompanies development, as do changes in women’s traditional roles. The changes vary by country and culture, but in general, there are overall increases in the numbers of women who drive motor vehicles and who die of motor vehicle crashes. Differences between men and women in vehicle crash involvement have long been recognized, but much about gender differences in traffic safety remains unknown. This resource paper examines vehicle crash patterns and trends by gender in the United States and discusses their implications for traffic safety. The primary reason for looking only at the United States is the availability of data on crashes, licensing, and amount of travel. Another reason is that the United States has undergone the process of motorization and has faced some of the issues and challenges that accompany the growth of automobile use in a society. Although, some gender issues in traffic safety are specific to a particular culture, many others are universal. Insights on gender differences in risks of crashes, injuries, and deaths in an environment where automobiles are the main transportation mode of a large proportion of women can increase knowledge of women’s issues in traffic safety worldwide. This resource paper first presents an overview of trends in the number of motor vehicle crashes over time and then examines rates based on licensing and vehicle use. Risky driving behaviors are examined, and the risks of death and injury in crashes are discussed. The final section addresses research needs. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Automobile ownership KW - Behavior KW - Crash injuries KW - Crash rates KW - Fatalities KW - Females KW - Highway safety KW - Research needs KW - Risk assessment KW - Risk taking KW - Traffic safety KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094897 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331218 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Giuliano, Genevieve TI - Her Money or Her Time: A Gendered View of Contemporary Transport Policy SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 78-93 AB - This paper reports on recent research and trends for women’s transportation policy and planning in the United States. From among the wide range of factors that influence outcomes for women in cities, the authors focus on two key areas of major contemporary change in transportation policy: public transit and transportation finance. Both areas have responded to a wide range of policy goals, including energy, health, the environment, and climate change. In so doing, policy and planning have converged on one major goal: reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). However socially laudable in other dimensions VMT reduction may be, policy and planning based on this goal have gone forward largely without addressing or allowing for the related equity consequences that derive from social norms and institutions that contribute to gender inequality, including wage discrimination, gender segregation of labor markets, and household roles and labor divisions. A review of the scant literature on women’s time poverty finds that anything that increases the time costs or uncertainties of auto travel is likely to disproportionately affect women and that public transit provision has not in the short term provided an effective substitute. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Automobile travel KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Females KW - Financing KW - Gender inequality KW - Public transit KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation policy KW - United States KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094896 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331217 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Rosenbloom, Sandra AU - Plessis-Fraissard, Maryvonne TI - Women’s Travel in Developed and Developing Countries: Two Versions of the Same Story? SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 63-77 AB - This paper compares women’s travel in the developed and the developing worlds in the context of four societal trends: globalization, urbanization, motorization, and sociodemographic transitions. The paper finds two versions of the same story: while women in the Global South suffer from far worse transportation problems, women around the world have less access to better transport modes and new technology; their travel patterns continue to differ from men’s, both because of their household and child-care roles and because of norms about women’s appropriate travel behavior; and they face greater fear and anxiety in traveling. These differences are largely ignored or even made worse by policy responses and government programs. Women’s travel needs and patterns can be given more traction in policy debates by encouraging researchers to recognize the underlying causes of differences in women’s travel behavior using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches, encouraging more women to enter transportation planning and research, and requiring policy makers to assess projects and policies in terms of their differential impacts on women and men both before and after implementation. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Automobile ownership KW - Developed countries KW - Developing countries KW - Females KW - Gender inequality KW - Globalization KW - Policy KW - Safety and security KW - Sociodemographics KW - Transportation careers KW - Travel KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel patterns KW - Urbanization UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094895 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331216 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Roy, Ananya TI - Gender, Poverty, and Transportation in the Developing World SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 50-62 AB - The start of the 21st century is marked by striking contrasts. Until the recent financial crisis, many countries of the world were experiencing brisk economic growth. This global material prosperity was not confined to the countries of the industrialized world—what is often known as the developed world. Indeed, emerging economies such as India and China have harnessed the benefits of globalization and have captured significant shares of the world economy. It is thus that Thomas Friedman (2005), the well-known analyst of globalization, declared that the “world is flat” and that it is a “level playing-field” of economic competition where old geographical separations and historical divisions are irrelevant—one where Bangalore, India, can compete neck and neck with Silicon Valley, California. This world, as imagined by Friedman, is one of mobile entrepreneurs, instantaneous flows of capital and innovations, and unprecedented time-space compression enabled by new technologies of information and transportation. It is an interconnected world, but more important, it is a world where such connections have engendered the democratization of economic opportunity. Such optimism is only slightly amended in Friedman’s (2008) most recent text, which notes that the world is flat but that it is also hot and crowded. In sharp contrast to Friedman’s celebratory narrative of globalization is the sheer fact of widespread and persistent global poverty. The statistics have now become common sense: of a world population of 7 billion people, 1.3 billion live under conditions of extreme poverty, earning less than $1.25 a day. Such figures are a shorthand for what is in fact a complex configuration of deprivation and vulnerability. Viewed from the perspective of the “bottom billion,” the world is constituted of steep hierarchies, exclusive enclaves, and unbridgeable distances and borders. It is a world where there may be mobility, but where such mobility is often forced, keeping the poor on the move as refugees, migrants, and the homeless. In short, the world is not flat. In this paper, the author takes a closer look at a world marked by persistent poverty and inequality. She is particularly interested in the gendered nature of vulnerability and deprivation, and equally interested in how such vulnerability is closely connected with issues of “spatial disadvantage.” She borrows this term from the latest report of the Chronic Poverty Research Centre (2008), which is based in England. Indeed, spatial disadvantage—whether manifested in the form of forced migration and displacement or in the form of limited access to transportation—is a key feature of poverty. The relationship between gender, poverty, and spatial disadvantage lies at the heart of this paper. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Developing countries KW - Females KW - Gender inequality KW - Low income groups KW - Mobility KW - Poverty KW - Social deprivation KW - Socioeconomic inequality KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094893 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331215 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Wachs, Martin TI - Women’s Travel Issues: Creating Knowledge, Improving Policy, and Making Change SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - pp 41-49 AB - Since the first conference more than 30 years ago, the study of gender and transportation has become a legitimate focus of research. The transportation community has developed a deeper understanding of relationships between gender, travel, and many ways in which they are linked; however, major knowledge gaps remain that are deeply in need of research. Although we have learned more about traffic safety and gender, knowledge in that area has not advanced nearly as much as knowledge about travel patterns and choices. There has been far more analysis of gender issues with respect to travel, traffic, and safety and security in developed economies than in poorer societies undergoing rapid development, and there is deeper understanding of those issues. Furthermore, understanding of the historical evolution of relationships between gender and transportation remains rudimentary, and even within advanced urban societies, knowledge has improved unevenly. Although great advances have been made in understanding gender differences in travel patterns in developed urban societies, there is much to learn about gender and mobility in rural areas and with respect to long-distance (intercity) travel, non-work-related travel, and air travel. Insufficient attention has been given to gender issues associated with employment and advancement within the transportation industry and with respect to transportation employees and professionals. Information technology and electronic connectivity are already transforming relationships between gender and mobility, and that change is in need of systematic research and analysis. There have been few broad syntheses linking the several thematic areas discussed at this conference, and few studies have integrated social science analysis with broader theories of social change and gender in society. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Developing countries KW - Females KW - Gender inequality KW - Information technology KW - Intercity travel KW - Mobility KW - Rural areas KW - Safety and security KW - Social change KW - Traffic safety KW - Transportation careers KW - Travel UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094892 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01331214 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board TI - Women's Issues in Transportation: Summary of the 4th International Conference. Volume 1: Conference Overview and Plenary Papers SN - 9780309160766 PY - 2010 IS - 46 SP - 146p AB - The program for the 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in Transportation addressed longstanding issues relating to gender concerns in transportation that merit ongoing attention. It highlighted the latest research on changing demographics that affect transportation planning, programming, and policy making as well as the latest research on crash and injury prevention for different segments of the female population. Special attention was given to pregnant and elderly transportation users, efforts to better address and increase women's personal security when using various modes of transportation, and the impacts of extreme events such as hurricanes and earthquakes on women's mobility and that of those for whom they are responsible. This volume, Volume 1, includes the conference overview and the six commissioned resource papers. U1 - 4th International Conference on Women's Issues in TransportationTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationDepartment for Transport, EnglandUniversity of California, BerkeleySwedish Government Agency for Innovation SystemsMETRANS Transportation CenterNew Mexico Department of TransportationUniversity of California, DavisFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,California,United States StartDate:20091027 EndDate:20091030 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Department for Transport, England, University of California, Berkeley, Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems, METRANS Transportation Center, New Mexico Department of Transportation, University of California, Davis, Federal Transit Administration KW - Aged KW - Crash injury research KW - Demographics KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Females KW - Gender inequality KW - Mobility KW - Policy making KW - Pregnant women KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Safety and security KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164708.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1094890 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01207441 AU - Rue, Harrison AU - McNally, Lisa AU - Rooney, Kathleen AU - Santalucia, Pepper AU - Raulerson, Mary AU - Lim-Yap, Jane AU - Mann, Joel AU - Burden, Dan AU - ICF International AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Livability in Transportation Guidebook: Planning Approaches that Promote Livability PY - 2010 SP - 120p AB - The Guidebook's primary purpose is to illustrate how livability principles have been incorporated into transportation planning, programming, and project design, using examples from State, regional, and local sponsors. It is intended to be useful to a diverse audience of transportation agency staff, partners, decisionmakers, and the general public, and is applicable in urban, suburban, and rural areas. While several of the example projects address capacity and operational issues on major roadways, the Guidebook primarily explores how transportation planning and programs can improve community quality of life, enhance environmental performance, increase transportation and housing choice while lowering costs, and support economic vitality. Many of the case studies resolve capacity and operational issues through a multimodal network and systems approach, reflecting better integration of land use with transportation. The Guidebook includes the executive summary, introduction, six “planning approach” chapters, and a conclusion. A separate appendix provides details about each of the case studies. Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the 15 primary case studies, organized by project types, to help readers quickly identify cases that are most applicable to their interests. Chapters 2 to 7 discuss common challenges experienced in transportation planning and implementation, and approaches used to overcome barriers. Each chapter represents a phase of the transportation planning and project development process. The conclusion provides ideas and practical strategies for next steps in implementing livability in transportation planning and projects. KW - Case studies KW - Economic factors KW - Environmental design KW - Handbooks KW - Land use planning KW - Project development KW - Quality of life KW - Rural areas KW - Suburbs KW - Sustainable development KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation projects KW - Urban areas UR - http://environment.transportation.org/pdf/sustainability/fhwalivability-in-transportation-guidebook.pdf UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/case_studies/guidebook/appendix/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/968178 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01155653 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Annual Report on Funding Recommendations, Fiscal Year 2011. New Starts, Small Starts, and Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program PY - 2010 SP - 277p AB - This Annual Report on Funding Recommendations is issued by the Secretary of Transportation to help inform the appropriations cycle for the upcoming fiscal year by providing information on projects included in the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) discretionary New Starts and Small Starts programs. These programs are part of the Major Capital Investment Grant Program provisions of 49 USC 5309, most recently reauthorized in August 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU). 1 New Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting $75 million or more in New Starts funds, or anticipating a total capital cost of $250 million or more (49 USC 5309(d)). Small Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting less than $75 million in Small Starts funds and anticipating a total capital cost of less than $250 million (49 USC 5309(e)). FTAs discretionary Major Capital Investment Grant program is the Federal governments primary financial resource for supporting major transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented, and operated. The program has helped to make possible dozens of new or extended transit fixed guideway systems across the countryheavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit systems, and ferries. These public transportation investments, in turn, have improved the mobility of millions of Americans, provided alternatives to congested roadways, and fostered the development of safer, more viable and livable communities. This report provides vital funding and project information to Congress about the New and Small Starts programs. It also serves as guidance to project sponsors so that improvements in project development can be made. This report also includes information about the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, codified at 49 USC 5320, and formerly known as the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program. Section 5320 requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to prepare an annual report on the allocation of amounts available to projects under the transit in parks program. The law further directs that the annual report on the transit in parks program be included in this Annual Report. KW - Capital investments KW - Construction projects KW - Financing KW - Guideways KW - New Starts Program KW - Parks KW - Public land KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Urban transportation UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/NewStarts_mainText_Jan_2010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/916368 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489199 TI - Transit Operation Decision Support System (TODSS) Demonstration AB - Many transit agencies have installed fleet management systems (i.e., Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) / Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems) to support real time operations. These systems generate large quantities of data and dispatchers often do not have enough time to digest the data for decision making in a normal operating environment and/or they are unable to recognize patterns of operational problems. Transit Operations Decision Support Systems (TODSS) are systems designed to support dispatchers and others in real-time operations management in response to incidents, special events, and other changing conditions in order to improve operating speeds, reduce passenger wait times, and restore service when disruptions occur. As part of a joint Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO) effort, the "Core Functional Requirements For Identification Of Service Disruptions And Provision Of Service Restoration Options" was completed in May 2003. However, no transit fleet management system in the U.S. currently incorporates the TODSS core functional requirements for either service disruption identification or provision of service restoration options. This project Implements and tests the viability of the core requirements in a prototype TODSS system. Project outcome: The prototype TODSS was accepted and became operational in March 2009. The core functional requirements were validated, and the system is producing many benefits including a drastic reduction in the number of data messages (e.g., service disruptions) to dispatchers and the provision of uniform service restoration responses by dispatchers within and among Pace's divisions. KW - Advanced driver information systems KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Computer aided dispatch (CAD) KW - Decision making KW - Decision support systems KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258218 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01152839 AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Shao, Gang AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Rodier, Caroline AU - Shaheen, Susan AU - Munnich, Lee AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - San Francisco Urban Partnership Agreement: National Evaluation Plan PY - 2009/12/22 SP - 92p AB - This report provides an analytic framework for evaluating the San Francisco Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The San Francisco UPA projects to be evaluated focus on those related to variable parking pricing. Those projects include variable pricing of on-street and off-street parking in the City of San Francisco, enhancements to 511 to include parking information, an integrated payment system for parking and transit, and expansion of telecommuting/TDM outreach activities to support the other projects. The San Francisco UPA national evaluation plan identifies major questions to be answered through the evaluation, the evaluation analyses to be used to address those questions, and the data needed for the analyses. It also outlines the test plans that will be used to collect and analyze the required data. The evaluation plan is based on the National Evaluation Framework (NEF) prepared for the U.S. DOT. Four objective questions that were posed by U.S. DOT serve as a starting point for the NEF and San Francisco evaluation plan. These questions are how much congestion was reduced; what contributed to the reduction and what were the associated impacts; what lessons were learned about non-technical factors for success; and what were the overall cost and benefit of the congestion reduction strategies. The four objective questions were translated into twelve evaluation analyses, which in turn consist of hypotheses and questions, measures of effectiveness (MOEs), and data required for the MOEs. This document presents the plan for evaluating the San Francisco UPA projects. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Parking KW - Partnerships KW - San Francisco (California) KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32600/32616/sanfranupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914421 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489205 TI - Very High-Speed Third Rail Insulator Cleaner--FTA SBIR Phase 2 AB - Metrorail systems, also called subways, rely on insulators to keep the electricity that powers trains flowing through the third rail where it belongs. The high-voltage third rail sits on insulators spaced 6 to 10 fee apart, depending on the subway, which means there are about 500 to 900 insulators in one mile of track. Dirt and grime can short circuit an insulator and cause arcing, burning and smoke, which can cause the rail system to be shut down. Rapid rail transit systems around the country report that damaged insulators are most frequently the cause of traction power shut-down. The objective of this Small Business Innovation Research project is to design and fabricate an automated very high speed insulator cleaner technology for cleaning third rail insulators on rapid transit systems in the United States. The novel technology slides on the third rail and is attached to a service vehicle that rides on the track and provides high pressure water. Although the high-speed insulator cleaner is designed and customized for cleaning insulators installed on the New York City subway track, the technology can be designed to meet the needs of any rapid rail transit system in the United States. The Task 5 effort includes the development of insulator materials: fiberglass and porcelain. KW - Cleansers KW - Fiberglass KW - High speed rail KW - High speed track KW - Insulators (Electricity) KW - Maintenance of way KW - New York (New York) KW - Subway stations KW - Subways KW - Third rail UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258224 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01594695 AU - Perk, Victoria A AU - Catalá, Martin AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Transportation TI - Land Use Impacts of Bus Rapid Transit: Effects of BRT Station Proximity on Property Values along the Pittsburgh Martin Luther King, Jr. East Busway PY - 2009/12//Final Report SP - 80p AB - The development of bus rapid transit (BRT) systems is relatively recent in the United States; however, several systems are operating and many more are being planned. A more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between land use and BRT is needed, particularly in comparison to other fixed-guideway modes. This report documents an effort to quantify the impacts of BRT stations on the values of surrounding single-family homes. The hypothesis is that BRT stations have an impact on property value that is commensurate with rail transit projects considering the level and permanence of services and facilities. To test this hypothesis, a hedonic regression model was used to estimate the impact of distance to a BRT station on the fair market value of single-family homes. Because many BRT systems operating in the United States may be too new to find evidence of capitalization into property values, data from Pittsburgh’s East Busway, one of the oldest operating BRT systems in the country, was used. Decreasing marginal effects were found: moving from 101 to 100 feet from a station increases property value approximately $19.00, while moving from 1001 to 1000 feet increases property value approximately $2.75. Another way to interpret this result is to say that a property 1,000 feet away from a station is valued approximately $9,745 less than a property 100 feet away, all else constant (this figure is determined by summing the marginal effects for each foot of distance).The results shown in this report are only valid for the data used in Pittsburgh’s case. As more BRT systems continue operating in the United States for more years, this method should be applied to other cities and other types of properties to gain a better understanding of the general property value and land use impacts of proximity to BRT. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus terminals KW - Land use KW - Location KW - Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) KW - Property values KW - Regression analysis UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Property%20Value%20Impacts%20of%20BRT_NBRTI.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1401767 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456674 AU - Miller, James H AU - Mielke, Jon AU - Scott, Marc AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - South Dakota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Business Plan for Brookings Area Transit Authority PY - 2009/12 SP - 82p AB - Long range planning is crucial for any organization but it is especially important for rural transit systems that have small staffs where one person may possess all the institutional knowledge that keeps things running. Unfortunately, the smallness of these organizations may also demand so much of an administrator's time for day-to-day operations that long-term planning needs go unrecognized and/or unmet. This report addresses the long-range planning needs of a rural transit system by preparing a business plan that identifies existing mobility services and unmet mobility needs and then outlines a plan for meeting related needs in the future. The plan also prepares corresponding operating and capital budgets and identifies potential funding sources. It also presents recommendations that are specific to local operations. Related items include matters such as organizational structure, staff training, succession planning, vehicle replacement, service expansion, and marketing. KW - Business practices KW - Local transportation KW - Long range planning KW - Needs assessment KW - Rural transit KW - South Dakota KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/SP170.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224407 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456667 AU - Miller, James H AU - Mielke, Jon AU - Scott, Marc AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - South Dakota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Business Plan for People's Transit PY - 2009/12 SP - 60p AB - Long range planning is crucial for any organization, but it is especially important for rural transit systems that have small staffs where one person may possess all the institutional knowledge that keeps things running. Unfortunately, the smallness of these organizations may also demand so much of an administrator's time for day-to-day operations that long-term planning needs go unrecognized and/or unmet. This report addresses the long-range planning needs of a rural transit system by preparing a business plan that identifies existing mobility services and unmet mobility needs and then outlines a plan for meeting related needs in the future. The plan also prepares corresponding operating and capital budgets and identifies potential funding sources. It also presents recommendations that are specific to local operations. Related items include matters such as organizational structure, staff training, succession planning, vehicle replacement, service expansion, and marketing. KW - Business practices KW - Local transportation KW - Long range planning KW - Needs assessment KW - Rural transit KW - South Dakota KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/SP171.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224406 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456648 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - North Dakota Transportation Survey: Aging and Mobility PY - 2009/12 SP - 65p AB - Mobility is fundamentally important for people to live full and satisfying lives. As people age, however, their mobility may decline. To investigate issues of aging and mobility and other concerns of older adults, the AARP conducted a survey of its North Dakota members. This study analyzes the results from the transportation section of the AARP survey. Specific objectives are to determine how informed and satisfied older adults are with their transportation options, how often they make different types of trips, if they desire more trips, if lack of transportation limits the trips they make, what improvements they would like to see made for them to stay in their neighborhood as they age, and what problems they encounter with using public transportation. The survey shows that most AARP members in North Dakota continue to drive, and they are more satisfied than dissatisfied with their transportation options. Although many still drive, transit is found to be very valuable for certain segments of the population and for certain trips, and an analysis of the data using logit modeling shows that for all types of trips, transportation is more likely to be a limiting factor as age increases. Also significant is the impact that disabilities have on the ability to make trips. KW - Aged KW - American Association of Retired Persons KW - Demographics KW - Mobility KW - North Dakota KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Statistical analysis KW - Surveys KW - Travel behavior UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP221.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224413 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456623 AU - Miller, James H AU - Mielke, Jon AU - Scott, Marc AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - South Dakota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Business Plan for West River Transit Authority Inc. d/b/a Prairie Hills Transit : Spearfish, South Dakota PY - 2009/12 SP - 72p AB - Long range planning is crucial for any organization, but it is especially important for rural transit systems that have small staffs where one person may possess all the institutional knowledge that keeps things running. Unfortunately, the smallness of these organizations may also demand so much of an administrator's time for day-to-day operations that long-term planning needs go unrecognized and/or unmet. This report addresses the long-range planning needs of a rural transit system by preparing a business plan that identifies existing mobility services and unmet mobility needs and then outlines a plan for meeting related needs in the future. The plan also prepares corresponding operating and capital budgets and identifies potential funding sources. It also presents recommendations that are specific to local operations. Related items include matters such as organizational structure, staff training, succession planning, vehicle replacement, service expansion, and marketing. KW - Business practices KW - Long range planning KW - Needs assessment KW - Prairie Hills Transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Rural transit KW - South Dakota KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/SP172.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224405 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162276 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Draper Transit Corridor Project: environmental impact statement PY - 2009/12//Volumes held: Draft(2v) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Utah UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923262 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01156649 AU - Thole, Cheryl AU - Samus, Joseph AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Bus Rapid Transit and Development: Policies and Practices that Affect Development Around Transit PY - 2009/12 SP - 72p AB - The development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is relatively recent in the United States, but several systems are in operation and more are advancing. There is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between land use and BRT system development, particularly in comparison to other fixed-guideway modes such as heavy and light rail. While recognizing that existing land uses have an important and complex influence on the development costs and benefits of fixed-guideway projects, this research focuses primarily on the impact such projects have had on existing and future land uses and economic development, as well as the policies and practices that have been used by local governments that have the potential to affect development potential. Finally, additional note has been taken as to whether the benefits and incentives offered along transit corridors between BRT and Light Rail Transit (LRT) are equitable in cities in which both modes operate. KW - Benefits KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Economic development KW - Incentives KW - Land use KW - Light rail transit KW - Local government KW - Policy KW - Real estate development KW - Transit oriented development KW - United States UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/BRT%20and%20land%20use_97ver_508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/917661 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01155068 AU - Mishra, Santosh AU - Schweiger, Carol AU - TranSystems Corporation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Monterey-Salinas Transit ITS Augmentation Project: Phase III Evaluation Report PY - 2009/12 SP - 150p AB - The purpose of this document is to present the findings from Phase II and Phase III of the Evaluation of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Augmentation Project that was implemented at the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) in Monterey, California. This project, implemented using the Federal Fiscal Year 2003 ITS Integration Program Funds, originally included automated passenger counting (APC) technology, digital video surveillance, on-board automated vehicle annunciation (AVA), smart-card based fare payment, web-based trip planning, and real-time information systems. Although many of these systems were already implemented as of August 2008, deployment of some of these technologies has been delayed for institutional or technical reasons. The goal of the evaluation was to determine the impacts of these technologies in performing daily functions such as operations, scheduling, service planning, and maintenance, and to gather and document any lessons learned by the MST throughout the process of the deployment and operation of the technologies. This report discusses impacts to date of the technologies that have been in place for at least one year as of June 2009. The findings from customer satisfaction surveys that were conducted in Phase III to observe the impacts of technologies, particularly real-time information, and web-based trip planning on MST, are also documented in this report. As discussed in the Phase II report, the Evaluation Team was not able to derive conclusions on the direct impact of technology for certain expected changes (e.g., increased ridership, improved on-time performance). Further AVL data analyses were performed in Phase III, but the analysis results regarding schedule adherence remained inconclusive. However, anecdotal information obtained from MST staff during interviews conducted in Phase II provided significant evidence to show that technology has helped MST make significant improvements in operations and planning. Also, based on the customer surveys conducted in Phase III, it can be concluded that a significant number of MST riders are satisfied with the MST service which has been improved through the deployment of the technologies. The survey results reveal that nearly 70% of the riders surveyed are “satisfied” or ”very satisfied” with the reliability of service, and nearly 80% of the riders surveyed are ”satisfied” or “very satisfied” with MST service in general. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Dispatching KW - Evaluation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Monterey (California) KW - Monterey-Salinas Transit KW - Public transit KW - Scheduling UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Final_MST_Phase_III_Report_-Final_123009_FTA.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32600/32611/Monterey-Salinas_Transit_ITS_Augmentation_Project_Phase_III_Evaluation_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/915754 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153263 AU - Horning, Jessica AU - El-Geneidy, Ahmed M AU - Hourdos, John AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Estimating Running Time and Demand for a Bus Rapid Transit Corridor PY - 2009/12//Final Report SP - 69p AB - Due to the increasing ease and affordability of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) data collection, new methods for assessing conditions along current and future transit corridors are available. Measures such as average speed, travel time, and intersection delay can be determined for car and bus traffic along a corridor using readily available technology. These measures can be used to monitor the performance of the transportation system for existing modes and to estimate measures for proposed additions to the system. The goal of this research is to utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) device records from regular vehicles as well as buses to estimate running time and potential passenger demand for a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor on Cedar Avenue in the southern Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Demand for future BRT service is predicted based on frequency and reliability of service and socio-demographic characteristics of the region around the corridor. Average passenger counts for existing transit service along the corridor in combination with existing commuting patterns in the region are used to estimate passenger demand. The running time and demand models produced by this study can be integrated with existing cost benefit software to evaluate the effects of intelligent transportation systems technologies on BRT running time (IBAT). The findings of this research introduce a benchmark for comparison between transit and private vehicle running time for general applications in Hennepin County. These findings also help to create additional understanding of the potential for BRT service in the Twin Cities region. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Demand KW - Global Positioning System KW - Hennepin County (Minnesota) KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Running time KW - Service reliability KW - Sociodemographics KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/reportdetail.html?id=1852 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914849 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159897 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement: Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups Test Plan PY - 2009/11/19 SP - 122p AB - This report presents the test plan for developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys, interviews, and focus groups for evaluating the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups will be used to identify the potential impacts of the UPA projects, especially on mode change in the I-35W corridor. This report outlines the anticipated surveys, interviews, and focus groups to be conducted to assist in evaluating the Minnesota UPA projects. Information on the stakeholder interviews, MnPASS user surveys, carpooler surveys, telecommuter surveys, on-board ridership surveys, focus groups on the real-time transit and traffic information dynamic message signs, interviews of special groups, and other activities is presented. The purpose and approach, participant recruitment protocol, preliminary questions, analysis methods, and schedule and responsibilities are discussed for the various surveys, interviews, and focus groups. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Focus groups KW - Interviewing KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Surveys KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32527/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32527/surveyupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920367 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159889 AU - Shao, Gang AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Cost Benefit Analysis Test Plan PY - 2009/11/19 SP - 30p AB - This report presents the cost benefit analysis test plan for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. The test plan is based on the analysis presented in the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan. The test plan identifies the data needed to conduct the cost benefit analysis of the Minnesota UPA projects. The data sources and the data availability are discussed. Potential risks associated with the data collection and analysis are discussed. The cost benefit analysis methodology is presented, along with the schedule and responsibilities. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Congestion pricing KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32529/costupa.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32529/index.htm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920365 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159888 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement: Exogenous Factors Test Plan PY - 2009/11/19 SP - 36p AB - This report presents the exogenous factors test plan for the national evaluation of the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. As outlined in the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan, the exogenous factors test plan will be used to monitor elements unrelated to the Minnesota UPA projects that may influence travel in the I-35W corridor, use of the UPA projects, changes in travel modes, and use of telecommuting and alternative work arrangements. These factors include unemployment rates, gasoline prices, parking rates in downtown Minneapolis, parking rates at the University of Minnesota, roadway construction, non-typical weather conditions, major traffic incidents, and major special events. The use of control corridors is also discussed. This report presents the data sources for obtaining information on these elements, the availability of the data, and potential risks associated with data collection activities. The data analysis techniques and the schedule and responsibilities are also described. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32530/exogenousupa.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32530/index.htm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920364 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159898 AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Traffic System Data Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 42p AB - This report presents the traffic system data test plan for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. The test plan builds on the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan. The traffic system data test plan identifies the traffic data needed to analyze the congestion reduction impacts of the Minnesota UPA projects. The data sources, data availability, potential risks, data analysis methods, and schedules and responsibilities are described. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Evaluation KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32524/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32524/trafficupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920378 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159895 AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Telecommuting Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 30p AB - This report presents the telecommuting test plan for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. The test plan builds on the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan. This test plan identifies the data needed to analyze the telecommuting hypotheses and questions. The data sources and the data available are discussed and the potential risks associated with telecommuting data collection and analysis activities are discussed. The methods for analyzing the telecommuting data are presented, along with the schedule and responsibilities. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Evaluation KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32526/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32526/telecommutingupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920371 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159894 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Content Analysis Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 28p AB - This report presents the content analysis test plan for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. As outlined in the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan, the content analysis test plan focuses on collecting and analyzing information on outreach activities, media coverage, and reactions of the public, policy makers, and other groups to the UPA projects. The information from the content analysis test plan is used primarily in the non-technical success factors analysis of the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan. This report presents the data sources for obtaining information on the reactions of the various groups to the UPA projects, as well as the outreach activities conducted by the partnership agencies and media coverage of the projects. The availability of needed data, possible risks associated with data collection, data analysis techniques, and the schedule and resources are described. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32531/contentupa.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32531/index.htm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920363 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159893 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Transit System Data Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 40p AB - This report presents the test plan for collecting and analyzing transit system data for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) National Evaluation under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. This test plan is based on the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation Plan. It presents the sources for obtaining the data needed to evaluate the impacts of the Minnesota UPA transit projects, the data availability, and the risks associated with collecting and analyzing the data. The data analysis techniques are described and the schedule and responsibilities are presented. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32523/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32523/transitupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920386 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159890 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Tolling Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 30p AB - This report presents the test plan for collecting and analyzing toll data for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. The tolling projects in the Minnesota UPA include HOT lanes and a priced dynamic shoulder lane (PDSL) on I-35W South. The Tolling test plan is based on the Minnesota UPA National Evaluation. This test plan describes the tolling data sources, data availability, and possible risks associated with the data. The methods for analyzing the toll data are discussed. The schedule and responsibilities for collecting, analyzing, and reporting the toll analysis are presented. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Evaluation KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32525/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32525/tollingupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920385 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159887 AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement National Evaluation: Safety Data Test Plan PY - 2009/11/17 SP - 30p AB - This report provides the safety data test plan for the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) UPA Program. The Minnesota UPA projects focus on reducing congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. As outlined in the Minnesota National Evaluation Plan, the safety data test plan focuses on collecting and analyzing safety related data on the Minnesota UPA projects. The information from the safety data test plan will be used primarily in the safety analysis and the cost benefit analysis. This report presents the safety data sources, data availability, and potential risks associated with the data collection and analysis activities. The data analysis techniques, along with the schedule and responsibilities are also presented. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Crash data KW - Highway safety KW - Incident management KW - Minnesota KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Technology KW - Telecommuting KW - Toll roads KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban areas UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32528/index.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32500/32528/safetyupa.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920382 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488610 TI - Enhance Public Particip-Region Plan AB - No summary provided. KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257587 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159764 AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - United We Ride (UWR)/Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) Enhanced Human Service Transportation Models Joint Demonstration: Phase 1 – System Planning and Design Institutional Process Evaluation: Final Report PY - 2009/11/15/Final Report SP - 61p AB - This document presents the findings of the evaluation of the process used by eight project sites to develop a design for a Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for improved coordination of human service transportation within a region. The TMCC project was funded by U.S. DOT as part of the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) initiative. The process evaluation examined how the sites went about the design activity, the challenges they faced and how they solved them. Findings are discussed in four major areas – project management, stakeholder collaboration, technology issues, and Federal role in the design phase. In each area, lessons learned from the sites are presented along with best practices identified by sites. All eight sites submitted complete TMCC designs with seven of the eight sites submitting a proposal for the implementation phase. KW - Door to door service KW - Jitney service KW - Mobility KW - Passenger service KW - Rural transit KW - Social service agencies KW - Systems analysis KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32200/32230/14504.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/32000/32200/32230/14504_files/14504.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920308 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461833 TI - Development of Maintenance Training Module for Bus Transit Technicians AB - This project will develop and test an electrical/electronics training module for transit bus maintenance technicians, to be delivered on-line. CDX Global will adapt and modify its current multimedia content, which currently targets automotive technicians, specifically for transit bus maintenance technicians. This project will provide a model for the application of web-based training and testing both entry level and experienced bus maintenance technicians in modern electrical/electronic systems in transit buses. The objective will be to improve the level of transit technician training. This will be particularly valuable for transit agencies that don't have the resources to deliver such training. The focus on electrical/electronic subjects addresses an area of rapid technological change where significant training is required by new entrants and also by practicing technicians in transit agencies. KW - Bus transit KW - Buses KW - Electronic materials KW - Maintenance KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Technicians KW - Training UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2860 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230053 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486805 TI - Design, Build and Manufacture Low Floor Bus AB - As part of the Advanced Small Transit Vehicle Development Program, to provide a vehicle responsive to the needs of rural providers around the country, Ride Solution will select the design for a new vehicle through a competitive solicitation. The winning bid will be selected against a series of performance specifications to ensure that the vehicles meet these specialized needs. Fabrication and testing of the new vehicles at Ride Solution will validate conclusively the low floor to be viable on dirt roads. KW - Competitive bidding KW - Design build KW - Earth roads KW - Fabrication KW - Low floor vehicles KW - Rural areas KW - Vehicle design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256591 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489277 TI - Public Transportation Analysis AB - The Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) is composed of The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Langston University. There are 6 central projects being undertaken under this agreement: (1) measuring the mobility impacts of projects competing for New Starts funding; (2) developing a framework for preparing environmental risk assessments; (3) examining paratransit demand response service quality and cost enhancement through information technologies; (4) supporting Federal Transit Administration (FTA) coordination of services efforts; (5) examining the transportation planning process web enabled training & education; and (6) assisting FTA in strategic research planning. KW - Coordination KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Mobility KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258294 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489271 TI - Oklahoma Transportation Center NAPTAG205 AB - The Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) is composed of The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Langston University. There are 6 central projects being undertaken under this agreement: The research projects are: (1) methods and tools for studying and improving para-transit services in Tulsa and OK City; (2) coordinated human service transportation-impediments and solutions at the state and local level; (3) operating and maintenance cost database; (4) transportation planning guidance modules; (5) development of an on-board survey manual; and (6) development of a transit safety performance measurement tool. KW - Coordination KW - Databases KW - Human service transportation KW - Operation and maintenance KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258288 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472078 AU - Morcous, George AU - Erdogmus, Ece AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Use of Ground Penetrating Radar for Construction Quality Assurance of Concrete Pavements PY - 2009/11//Final Report SP - 79p AB - Extracting concrete cores is the most common method for measuring the thickness of concrete pavement for construction quality control. Although this method provides a relatively accurate thickness measurement, it is destructive, labor intensive, and time consuming. Moreover, concrete cores are usually taken approximately every 750 ft, which may be inadequate for estimating the actual thickness profile of a pavement section; however extracting more cores would damage the pavement extensively and increase the labor cost and time excessively. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a well-established technique for subsurface exploration. Recently, GPR has been used for several transportation applications, such as measuring layer thickness in asphalt pavement, locating reinforcing bars and tendons, and detecting deteriorations and anomalies in concrete structures. The main advantages of GPR are speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness when scans are conducted on large areas. The objective of this project is to investigate the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of using GPR for measuring the thickness of concrete pavement for quality assurance purposes. The GPR systems GSSI SIR20 and SIR3000 with a high resolution 1.6 MHz ground coupled antenna were used in measuring the thickness of concrete pavement up to 14 inch thick. Several laboratory and field tests have been carried out to determine the accuracy of the GPR measurement at different concrete ages and when various metal artifacts are used underneath the concrete to improve the reflectivity of the bottom surface. Testing results have indicated that GPR is a cost-effective non-destructive technique for measuring the thickness of concrete pavement, compared to extracting concrete cores, and an accuracy of 1/8 in can be achieved when appropriate reflectors and calibration cores are used. KW - Concrete pavements KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Ground penetrating radar KW - Measurement KW - Quality assurance KW - Thickness UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1239505 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01156646 AU - Carey, Graham AU - Bauer, Thomas AU - Giese, Karen AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Bus Lane with Intermittent Priority (BLIMP) Concept Simulation Analysis PY - 2009/11 SP - 31p AB - The Lane Transit District, in cooperation with the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute (NBRTI) at the University of South Florida, completed a preliminary implementation study to determine the potential impacts of a new and innovative transit priority treatment along a BRT corridor in Eugene, Oregon. The bus lane with intermittent priority (BLIMP) utilizes dynamic lane assignment to designate an exclusive bus lane on a temporary, bus-actuated basis. The temporary lane is designated via overhead variable message signs and in-ground dynamic lane markings. With no existing reference, PTV America, Inc. undertook the development of a VISSIM microscopic traffic and transit simulation model for the study corridor in Eugene, Oregon. The simulation model was used to identify potential benefits and disadvantages of the BLIMP concept and to compare BLIMP to other potential BRT treatments including no-build, transit signal priority, and exclusive bus lanes. The results indicate that travel time and travel time reliability would improve upon implementation of the BLIMP concept while having minimal impact on overall intersection delay. Additionally, evaluation of movement delays indicated that concurrent movements would see improvement while conflicting movements would see minimal change with the BLIMP concept. KW - Bus priority KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Dynamic lane assignment KW - Dynamic road markings KW - Eugene (Oregon) KW - Intermittent bus lanes KW - Lane Transit District KW - Microsimulation KW - Traffic delays KW - Travel time KW - Travel time reliability KW - Variable message signs KW - VISSIM (Computer model) UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/BLIMP%20FINAL%20REPORT%20APRIL%2019%202010_508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/917660 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01155458 AU - Mortensen, Steven AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Van Nostrand, Caleb AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute TI - Miami Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) Project Phase 1A –Transit Evaluation Report PY - 2009/11 SP - 59p AB - This report documents an evaluation of the transit elements of Phase 1A of the Miami Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) project—one of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s UPA program sites. The project is being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Miami Dade County Transit, Broward County Transit, and South Florida Commuter Services, to alleviate traffic congestion on the I-95 corridor between I-595 in Broward County and I-395 in Miami-Dade County. Phase 1A work involved replacing the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes with ‘95 Express Lanes’ which are based on the High Occupancy Toll (HOT) concept. This report discusses the impacts of Phase 1A improvements on transit performance, mode shift to transit, and congestion mitigation. The study findings indicate that implementation of express lanes (Miami Phase 1A) has significantly impacted the northbound travel times of 95 Express bus routes between downtown Miami and Golden Glades Interchange, with travel times on this 7.5 mile section decreasing from 25 minutes to 8 minutes on average. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Miami (Florida) KW - Mode choice KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Travel time KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/MiamiUPA_TransitEvaluationReport_Phase1A.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/916310 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153610 AU - Bregman, Susan AU - Berendes, Christoph AU - Gerty, Rosemary AU - Miller, Lauren AU - Commonwealth Environmental Systems AU - TranSystems Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Connecting People to Employment and Enhancing Mobility for People with Disabilities: An Evaluation of Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom Program Services Provided in 2007 and 2008 PY - 2009/11//Final Report SP - 102p AB - The Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program was established to address the unique transportation challenges that welfare recipients and low-income individuals face in finding and keeping jobs. The New Freedom program was established to provide new public transportation services and new alternatives to public transportation for people with disabilities beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This study analyzed the JARC and New Freedom funded services provided in FY 2007 and 2008 and provides information on the number of jobs that can be accessed and the number of rides provided by JARC services. The study also provides information on the number of rides provided by New Freedom funded services. The report also includes detailed profiles of services funded under both programs. KW - Access KW - Employment KW - Job Access and Reverse Commute program KW - Jobs KW - Low income groups KW - Mobility KW - New Freedom program KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Welfare recipients KW - Work trips UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/08_Evaluation_Report_091030_doc12-10-09_%282%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914946 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486808 TI - Delaware Auto Fuel Cell Vehicle Consortium -- Phase III AB - This agreement funds Phase 3 of the fuel cell bus program, including testing Lithium Titanate battery cells. The Phase 3 bus platform will be the Optare bus, modified by Ebus. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Lithium batteries UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256594 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486784 TI - Transit Post Traumatic Stress Disorder AB - The objective of this project is to support the efforts of University of Denver to improve rail transit systems by developing a Transit Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that can be applied to rail transit operations and can improve capital and operating efficiencies. The grantee collected data in the Pacific Northwest, the first region sampled, a research team traveled to New York City (NYC) to collect data on NYC transit workers to document the affects of accidents on operators an thus, the impact on transit operations. KW - Data collection KW - Injuries KW - Light rail transit KW - New York (New York) KW - Posttraumatic stress disorder KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Railroad crashes KW - Railroad operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256570 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489214 TI - Multimodal Trip Planner System AB - The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Joint Planning Office (JPO) awarded the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funding to develop a Multimodal Trip Planner System (MMTPS). The system will provide regional coverage throughout the six-county RTA region of Northeast Illinois. This demonstration will test technical and institutional feasibility and public acceptance of multimodal trip planners, test ITS standards (in XML) used to integrate existing single-mode trip planners (components of the multimodal trip planner), and evaluate the trip planner's impacts and costs. This project is the third phase of a 3-phase project. The first phase was a multimodal trip planning needs assessment. The second phase, focusing on developing extensible Markup Language (XML) schemas built on existing ITS standards work (Transit Communications Interface Profiles and Advanced Traveler Information Systems standards). This third phase is an operational test of the system. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center will conduct a national evaluation for $300,000 for the MMTPS project, Baseline data collection will began in Nov 2006 and will finish in Aug 2007. KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Field tests KW - Illinois KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Needs assessment KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Trip planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258233 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462432 TI - Assessing and Comparing Environmental Performance of Major Transit Investments AB - Federal transit law provides that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) may financially assist a proposed New Starts project only if it is justified based on a comprehensive review of its environmental benefits (among other criteria). To implement this requirement, the transit community needs a methodology that can be uses to assess the environmental benefits of a transit project in a way that facilitates its comparison to other transit projects in other metropolitan areas. While much thought has been given to comparing the environmental benefits of a transit project to the alternative highway project in the same corridor, an approach to comparing the environmental benefits of transit projects in different cities and of different modes, lengths, and costs is not readily available. The objective of this research would be to develop a methodology for assessing and comparing the environmental benefits of transit fixed guideway projects that can be applied by project sponsors and FTA. FTA has considered using the forecasted air pollutant emission reductions of the transit project as a measure of environmental benefits, but this approach fails to consider the vastly different health benefits of identical emissions reductions in a populous, highly air-polluted metropolitan area compared to a much less populous area that is in attainment of all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards. Furthermore, Federal transit law envisions a broader definition of the human environment than simply the air we breathe. It states that, in reviewing a project's environmental benefits and the other statutory criteria, FTA must evaluate and consider, among other things: the direct and indirect costs of relevant alternatives; factors such as--(i) congestion relief, (ii) air pollution, (iii) noise pollution, (iv) energy consumption, and (v) all associated ancillary and mitigation costs necessary to carry out each alternative analyzed; reductions in local infrastructure costs and other benefits achieved through compact land use development; and the cost of suburban sprawl. Thus, the methodology developed should take into account a broad range of environmental benefits and disbenefits of a transit project, in addition to air quality, including especially the other resources protected in Federal law, such as parklands, historic sites, wetlands and waters of the United States, endangered species, etc. 
 
KW - Air pollution KW - Air quality management KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Environmental impacts KW - Noise KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2616 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230653 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486783 TI - Evaluating Effectiveness - 3-D Visualization AB - No summary provided. KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Three dimensional displays KW - Visualization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256569 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489165 TI - Bus Rapid Transit Peer-to-Peer Exchange AB - This project supports the efforts of the Rudin Center at New York University to focus on transportation issues unique to very large U.S. cities. The scale and complexity of establishing exclusive bus lanes is one vital dimension of transportation issues facing large cities. This cooperative agreement funds development of best practices for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) running ways on heavily used streets in large cities, taking into account the unique challenges and constraints that are present in that context. KW - Best practices KW - Bus lanes KW - Bus priority KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus transit KW - Large cities KW - Public transit KW - Transit priority UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258159 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461745 TI - Transit Safety and Security Training Facility AB - This project supports the efforts of the Chester County Economic Development Council to develop a county-wide training program for First Responders to effectively respond to human and natural disasters. Currently no public security and safety facility exists in the county to provide training for first responders, nor enables them to train together as a response team at one centralized, dedicated facility. Funds will be used to design, construct, and outfit a facility that will serve the training and workforce development needs of Chester County's first emergency responders, including the 5,000 or more fire, police and emergency medical service personnel. KW - Emergency management KW - Emergency response time KW - First responders KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229965 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380375 AU - RSG, Incorporated AU - Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - US 2/North Williston Road Intersection: Initial Scoping Report PY - 2009/10 SP - 33p AB - The US 2/North Williston Road Intersection Scoping Report was commissioned by the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) to determine feasible improvement alternatives that address apparent traffic and safety concerns at this location, which is located in the historic district of the Village of Williston, Vermont. This report provides a technical evaluation of alternatives designed to address the project’s purpose and need. There was significant public input throughout this project. The findings from this report were presented to the Williston Selectboard and the public at a series of meetings. After considering several alternative designs, the recommendation of the Selectboard was the roundabout alternative. This alternative involves reconfiguring the existing intersection into a single‐lane roundabout. The roundabout alternative has the best anticipated level of service and lowest delays and queuing of all the alternatives considered. However, this alternative is also the most expensive and has the most potential for environmental impacts, due to the larger area of disturbance and the need for improvements to the existing stormwater collection system. There will likely be minor right‐of‐way impacts with the roundabout alternative. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Highway design KW - Intersections KW - Project scoping KW - Public participation KW - Roundabouts KW - Traffic safety KW - Williston (Vermont) UR - http://www.ccmpo.us/library/scoping/US2_NWilliston_Rd_200910.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147556 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01367497 AU - Hiller, William AU - Luck, Kevin AU - PACE Suburban Bus AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Transit Operations Decision Support System (TODSS) Core Requirements Evaluation And Update Recommendations PY - 2009/10 SP - 88p AB - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems (TODSS) are systems designed to support dispatchers and others in real-time operations management in response to incidents, special events, and other changing conditions in order to improve operating speeds, reduce passenger wait times, and restore service when disruptions occur. In 2003, as part of a joint Federal Transit Administration and Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office effort, the transit industry developed core functional requirements for service disruption identification and provision of restoration options for TODSS. In 2006, Pace Suburban Bus was selected to lead a demonstration project to develop and evaluate a prototype TODSS and to validate the TODSS core functional requirements. This report documents the evaluation of the TODSS demonstration project with respect to the core requirements and impacts of TODSS, and includes recommended changes and lessons learned for the transit industry to better understand the TODSS core requirements for future implementations. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus transit operations KW - Computer aided dispatch (CAD) KW - Demonstration projects KW - Real time control KW - Service disruption KW - Transit Operations Decision Support Systems UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Technical_Memorandum_TODSS_Core_Requirements_Evaluation_and_Update_Recommendations_Final_Report_v4_%28final%29_%28508%29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1135981 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01157127 AU - Eudy, L AU - Chandler, K AU - Gikakis, C AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Energy TI - Fuel Cell Buses in U.S. Transit Fleets: Current Status, 2009 PY - 2009/10 SP - 31p AB - This report documents progress in meeting the technological challenges of fuel cell propulsion for transportation based on current fuel cell transit bus demonstrations and plans for more fuel cell transit buses and hydrogen infrastructure. Introducing new types of buses into the transit world is a well-understood, if sometimes challenging, process involving testing, demonstration, and limited production using increasingly greater numbers of vehicles. KW - Buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/pdfs/46490.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/916553 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462436 TI - Improving Safety-Related Rule Compliance in the Public Transportation Industry AB - The critical importance of safety to the public transportation industry makes compliance with safety-related rules a key concern for public transportation systems and administrators. Despite the industry's solid safety record, one major accident stemming from rule non-compliance can call into question the safety of the entire industry. Adding to their traditional practices, many transit systems have established methods for enhancing rule compliance. These approaches have included employee training, re-training, certification requirements, positive reinforcement practices, and other techniques. American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recently adopted a voluntary standard for rule compliance . Now that these steps have been taken, what more can be done? Do other industries -- such as the aviation, railroad, and other low-probability/high-consequence industries -- offer effective approaches that can be fruitfully applied to improve safety-related rule compliance in the public transportation industry? Research is needed in this area that involves a wide variety of organizations and institutions, including, but not limited to, public transportation systems, public and private companies, regulatory bodies, industry trade groups, and labor organizations. This breadth of perspectives is critical since the various industries are as different as they are similar. The key to successful research in this area will be the usefulness of the final product to a wide audience. The objective of this research is to develop a resource for improving safety-related rule compliance in the public transportation industry. The resource should include a variety of methods and practices so that it can be used by the broad spectrum of public transportation systems, including systems of different sizes and those that operate one or more different modes. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Bus transportation KW - Compliance KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Research projects KW - Safety KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit operators UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2612 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230657 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01148568 AU - Bocchieri, Robert T AU - Kirkpatrick, Steven W AU - MacNeill, Robert AU - Navarro-Northrup, Claudia AU - Peterson, Brian AU - Gough, Glenn AU - Applied Research Associates, Incorporated AU - Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Collision Safety Improvements for Light Rail Vehicles Operating in Shared Right of Way Street Environments PY - 2009/09/30/Final Report SP - 66p AB - The majority of fatalities that occur from light rail vehicle (LRV) operations are occupants of automobiles that are struck by the LRVs. Recent developments of crashworthiness standards for LRVs by the American Society of mechanical Engineers (ASME) Rail Transit Vehicle Standards Committee included consideration of a wide variety of crash scenarios including collisions between LRVs and street running automobiles. The requirements included in the standard are primarily to create an enclosed front end geometry where the struck vehicle will not be entrapped or overridden. A smooth enclosed front end profile is a primary requirement for improving the compatibility of LRVs with automobiles. The focus of this study was to investigate the potential for reducing injuries to automobile occupants struck by LRVs with the addition of appropriate front-end structures. In particular, a prototype bumper system design with an improved profile and segmented energy-absorbing corner bumpers was developed. The technical approach for this project was focused on assessing detailed injuries from an unbelted Side Impact Dummy (SID) using detailed nonlinear dynamic finite element simulations. Impact conditions focused on normal (90 degrees) and oblique (45 degrees) impacts. The resulting bumpers suitable for retrofit on LRVs showed marked improvements to automobile passenger safety for a variety of automobile types. KW - Automobiles KW - Bumpers KW - Countermeasures KW - Crashworthiness KW - Dummies KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Occupant protection devices KW - Right of way (Land) KW - Side crashes KW - Traffic crashes KW - Transportation safety KW - Vehicle occupants KW - Vehicle safety UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/CollisionSafetyImprovementsforLRVs.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/908280 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488615 TI - Evaluation of RIAS on Target Population AB - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center will evaluate the Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Model Accessibility Project (MAP). The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center will also submit two reports - a final evaluation report and a report to Congress (approximately 5-10 pages). The report to Congress will include highlights on: (1) the effect of the pilot program on multimodal accessibility in public transportation; (2) the effect of the program on operators of public transportation and their passengers; (3) the effect of making public transportation accessible to people with visual, cognitive, and learning disabilities on ridership of public transportation and use of paratransit; and (4) the effect of the program on the education, community integration, work life and general quality of life of the targeted populations KW - Accessibility KW - Cognition KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Paratransit services KW - Quality of life KW - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program KW - Traffic signs UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257592 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489144 TI - Person Centered Mobility Management AB - No summary provided. KW - Management KW - Mobility KW - Persons and personal characteristics KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258138 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462434 TI - Track Design Handbook For Light Rail Transit, Second Edition AB - TCRP Report 57: Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various types of light rail transit track. The track structure types covered include ballasted, direct fixation ("ballastless"), and embedded track. The components of the various track types are discussed in detail. The guidelines consider the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, track and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli. The handbook includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special trackwork, aerial structure/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, and traction power. These chapters provide insight into considerations that affect track design and require interface coordination. Since its original publication in 2000, this handbook has been extensively used in the design of light rail transit track systems and is now being used as the basis for the development of AREMA/APTA light rail track design standards. However, there is a need for portions of the handbook to be updated based on advancements that have taken place since 2000 before the material can be adopted as AREMA/APTA standards. Information on several additional subjects not fully covered in the original handbook (e.g., stray current, restraining rail issues, ride quality standards and measuring methods) also need to be addressed in more detail in an updated handbook. The objective of this research would be to update TCRP Report 57: Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit for use in the development of AREMA/APTA light rail track design standards. This research will review each section of existing TCRP Report 57, identify those sections that are in need of revision, and prepare and execute research plans necessary to update each section. The research will also identify additional sections that need to be added and will provide the necessary material for those sections. Finally, information will be provided that weighs the cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, and constructability tradeoffs of the various types of track for use by track designers. Transit agencies frequently build new light rail transit systems, procure light rail vehicles, and undertake track improvements to existing systems to increase operating speeds, enhance service and expand ridership. This research will provide needed technical input into the newly initiated AREMA/APTA light rail track design standards process. These standards will assist in minimizing capital and maintenance costs associated with such efforts. KW - Alignment KW - Ballast (Railroads) KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Light rail transit KW - Railroad bridges KW - Railroad tracks KW - Research projects KW - Track design UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2614 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230655 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486704 TI - JSU Bus Technology Center AB - This project is designed to acquire materials testing and fabrication equipment to establish a bus technology center (BTC) at Jacksonville State University (JSU), and to initiate research at the center. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Fabrication KW - Jacksonville (Florida) KW - Materials tests KW - Research KW - Technology UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256430 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490039 TI - FY 2008 Portland Oregon Streetcar AB - TriMet will purchase and deploy a domestically manufactured streetcar in Portland, Oregon. The project includes selection of the manufacturer, car manufacturing, testing, acceptance and reliability evaluation for a period of two years on the Portland Streetcar system. The project will enable a U.S.-owned manufacturer, through building and testing a single modern streetcar, to gain experience in the business of manufacturing modern streetcars and develop the ability to competitively sell domestically manufactured vehicles to U.S. cities planning modern streetcar systems. The vehicle must meet or exceed Federal Buy America requirements and be compatible with the existing Portland Streetcar operation. KW - Acceptance tests KW - City planning KW - Domestic KW - Industries KW - Portland (Oregon) KW - Streetcars KW - United States UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259586 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489212 TI - Testing TCIP Standards AB - Up to three pilot deployments of Transit Communications Interface Profiles (TCIP) will serve as the initial implementation test beds for TCIP. These initial deployments will provide field testing of the TCIP standard. The results of these deployment efforts will generate problem reports and comments that will serve to both test and improve the TCIP standard. The requested funds will be used by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to cover these activities. KW - Communication systems KW - Interfaces KW - Public transit KW - Standards KW - Test beds KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258231 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486013 TI - Assessment of Energy Storage AB - The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to assist the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Mobility Innovation in assessing current and projected electric drive bus energy storage technology needs, and developing a Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap to address technology gaps. To this end, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center shall review the technical literature and survey the leading transit agencies. KW - Electric buses KW - Energy storage systems KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Mobility KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255634 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462435 TI - Audience Measurement for Transit Advertising AB - Sale of advertising in public transit facilities and vehicles is a nearly $1 billion industry generating approximately $500 million annually to transit authorities. Yet transit advertising revenue is less than half of one percent of total U.S. ad expenditures. The other 99.5% of advertising revenues goes to television, radio, billboards, the internet, newspapers, magazines, and other media. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), as a service to its transit agency members, has set out to boost transit's share of national advertising expenditures. This is one of several self-help, revenue-generating strategies to enable the transit industry to keep fares down and sustain service to its customers. To increase transit advertising revenues, a recent TCRP study was conducted, Practical Measures To Increase Transit Industry Advertising Revenues (TCRP Project B-33). Preliminary results from TCRP Project B-33 indicate that a key impedance to increasing transit advertising revenues is the lack of an audience measurement system that can demonstrate the value of transit advertising to potential advertisers.  Other more lucrative media, such as radio and television, have standardized audience measurement systems. These standardized audience measures are successful because they give media buyers confidence that ads will deliver messages to the right audiences cost effectively. The proposed research to develop an audience measurement system for transit is expected to increase transit advertising revenue. Each additional tenth of one percent of advertising market share will generate upwards of $125 million in annual revenue to transit authorities. The objective of this research is to develop an audience measurement system to sharply boost advertising revenue for transit systems.
 
KW - Advertising campaigns KW - Fares KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Revenues KW - Roadside advertising KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2613 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230656 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489190 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center -- River City AB - TARC has been selected as one of eight cities to receive funds through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for a demonstration project to plan and design a Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) utilizing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The grant will provide in its first phase the design a TMCC that would be a national model and could be replicated anywhere. In the second phase of the grant, funds would be awarded to implement the plan and create a TMCC. In the TARC's project, the TMCC is envisioned as a one-call center that would provide trip planning, eligibility information, and reservations for transportation services within the region. It would be a collaboration of transportation providers and human services agencies, and would coordinate local resources. It would ultimately improve access to transportation services for all users, but the initial focus would be on older adults and persons with disabilities. The ability to provide services through a one-call center would be enhanced through the utilization of ITS technologies. Some of the activities included in this first phase will be an assessment of available transportation services in the region, outreach to encourage participation and coordination among transportation providers, and outreach to determine needs and to obtain guidance from consumer groups. The project team, will design functions and policies for development of a TMCC. KW - Coordination KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Policy analysis KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Travel Management Coordination Center KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Trip planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258201 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489232 TI - Reconnecting America's Center for Transit Oriented Development AB - This cooperative agreement enables Reconnecting America's Center for Transit-Oriented Development (Center) to partner with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance the field of transit-oriented development (TOD) through the development and dissemination of research, data analysis, best practices, and tools that foster more sustainable and equitable community development near transit stations. The center will continue to expand knowledge of the critical linkages between mixed-income housing, economic development, and transit, as well as develop an online national TOD database of demographics, land use data and travel behavior data for existing and planned fixed transit station in the U.S. and more. KW - Best practices KW - City planning KW - Economic development KW - Land use planning KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Public transit KW - Sustainable development KW - Transit oriented development KW - Travel behavior UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258251 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01518744 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of the Interior AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands (ATPPL) Program: Review: Summary and Results of Transportation Assistance Group (TAG) Activities Conducted to Date PY - 2009/09 SP - 21p AB - Beginning in late 2006, the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands (ATPPL) Program — jointly administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) — conducted a number of site-specific Transportation Assistance Group (TAG) activities, aimed at providing recommendations to federal land management agency (FLMA) staff on addressing transportation needs. These TAGs, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Transportation John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, were based on a similar series of successful activities, also known as TAGs, begun several years ago by the National Park Service (NPS) as part of its Alternative Transportation Program. Land units operated by NPS, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are eligible to submit project proposals for ATPPL funding. In some cases, potential applicants need assistance in scoping projects or in identifying their transportation problems and needs: few land units have transportation experts on staff, and ATPPL, as a new program, is not yet well understood. In other cases, land units may have transportation issues that could be effectively addressed by an effort much smaller than a months-long planning study. TAGs — usually a 2-3 day site visit by an interagency team of transportation professionals — are intended to respond to all of these cases: delivering technical assistance, strengthening project applications, raising awareness of the ATPPL program, and saving FTA, DOI, and the FLMAs a great deal of time, money, and effort. To date, 11 TAGs have been conducted under the ATPPL program, as summarized in this document. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Federal Land Management Agencies KW - Financing KW - National parks KW - Public land KW - Recommendations KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/48000/48500/48579/UPDATEDtagsummary2009.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1290270 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162116 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - East Corridor Project : environmental impact statement PY - 2009/09//Volumes held: Draft(3v), Draft AppendixD, Final(2v) KW - Colorado KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923101 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01151111 AU - Kane, Gerald J AU - Bai, Li AU - Temple University AU - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Regional Rail On-Board Electronic Payment Project PY - 2009/09//Final Report SP - 29p AB - The goal was to develop a non‐proprietary and plug‐in‐and‐play multi‐modal transport payment (i.e., cash, credit card, passes, and more importantly the contactless smartcard) portable solution. This project focused on developing an open architecture and prototype design with a commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (COTS) product for a handheld, contactless, smartcard‐based unit for the mass transit and regional rail systems. The system was extended from Temple University’s senior design project research efforts and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA’s) in house backend database improvement on the project. The system has been demonstrated with effective applicability, usability and durability for today’s transit systems. KW - Advanced on-board electronics KW - Electronic payment KW - Fare collection KW - Onboard equipment KW - Onboard ticket sales KW - Prototypes KW - Rapid transit KW - Regional railroads KW - Smart cards KW - Subways UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Raj_-_SeptaFinalReport_bai_FINAL_REPORT_04-01-2010_(2).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/913305 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01143772 AU - Petrella, Margaret AU - Rainville, Lydia AU - Spiller, David J AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program Evaluation Report PY - 2009/09//Final Evaluation Report SP - 73p AB - This report presents evaluation findings on the Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Pilot Program in the Puget Sound Region of Washington. The installation, demonstration and evaluation of RIAS were required by a provision in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. RIAS is an orientation and mobility technology designed to eliminate barriers to accessibility for people who are visually impaired or are cognitively or developmentally disabled. The evaluation was designed specifically to better understand the impacts of RIAS on multimodal accessibility, on transit ridership, on transit operators, and on quality of life issues. This report outlines the evaluation methodology and presents focus group and survey findings, lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations. KW - Accessibility KW - Cognitive impairment KW - Focus groups KW - Lessons learned KW - Public transit KW - Puget Sound Region KW - Quality of life KW - Recommendations KW - Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program KW - Remote infrared signage KW - Ridership KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Surveys KW - Talking signs KW - Transit operators KW - Visually impaired persons UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/RIAS_EvaluationReport.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/34000/34700/34777/FTA-MA-26-7117-2009.01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/904276 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01143736 AU - Rainville, Lydia AU - Hau, Victoria AU - Peirce, Sean AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Electronic Fare Collection Options for Commuter Railroads PY - 2009/09//Final Report SP - 47p AB - This research is designed to support the Federal Transit Administration in its efforts to disseminate knowledge of new technologies within the transit community, in this case focusing on issues associated with automated fare collection (AFC) for commuter rail. By identifying “lessons learned” with AFC deployments, the report is also intended as a resource for commuter railroads considering adoption of AFC and/or joining multi-modal electronic payment systems. The findings may be of particular use for commuter rail systems that are still in the planning stages and have the opportunity to leapfrog older technologies. Six case studies are presented that provide some insight into commuter railroads’ experiences in adoption of AFC. KW - Automatic fare collection KW - Case studies KW - Electronic payment KW - Lessons learned KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ElectronicFareCollectionOptionsforCommuterRailroads.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/903997 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153462 AU - Burt, Matt AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Cluett, Chris AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Phase III (Final) Evaluation Report: National Evaluation of FY01 Earmark: Area Transportation Authority of North Central Pennsylvania – Regional GIS/ITS Initiative PY - 2009/08/31 SP - 89p AB - This report presents the results of the United States Department of Transportation evaluation of a federally funded earmark project implemented by the Area Transportation Authority of North Central Pennsylvania (ATA). The project implemented a suite of technologies including computer-assisted scheduling and dispatch (including automatic vehicle location and mobile data computers), maintenance management and invoicing systems. Intended benefits of the project consisted of enhanced productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction. The evaluation examined impacts in each of these areas as well as ATA staff perspectives on benefits, challenges and lessons learned. Overall, the deployment has been successful. Of the 19 specific hypothesized benefits that were tested through the evaluation, 10 of them were fully supported, six were partially supported, and three were not supported. Benefit highlights include a 28 percent reduction in dispatchers’ time on the radio with drivers; reduction of the lag time for identifying vehicle preventative maintenance from two weeks to less than one day; a 43 percent reduction in the time required to prepare monthly invoices; and a 68 percent reduction in the number of in-service vehicle breakdowns. The evaluation results confirm the value of these sorts of advanced technologies for transit systems, especially rural operators providing demand response service. The results also corroborate similar studies showing that successful technology deployments can take many years to complete and demand a high degree of competency, preparation, and follow-through on the part of the deploying agency. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Dispatching KW - Geographic information systems KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Pennsylvania KW - Rural transit KW - Scheduling UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/31000/31500/31593/14493.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/31000/31500/31593/14493_files/14493.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914942 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01143763 AU - Cook, Kenneth R AU - Tyson-Wood, Wendy AU - Thomas, Edward L AU - Kulatilake, A Siranjan AU - New England Professionals, LLC AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Transit Methodology Using Six Sigma for Heavy Rail Vehicle Maintenance Programs PY - 2009/08/31/Final Report SP - 138p AB - This research central purpose was to develop a methodology for determining how substantial public resources should be invested so that rail transit operations can be improved relative to capital and operating efficiencies. However, the goal was to use a proven methodology tool (Six Sigma) for increasing productivity and apply it in a transit environment to improve and sustain capital and operating efficiencies. Application of the transit methodology using Six Sigma was accomplished by conducting a Case Study of Miami-Dade Transit Process Improvement and the Six Sigma Initiative, with emphasis on rail car maintenance. KW - Case studies KW - Economic efficiency KW - Methodology KW - Miami-Dade Transit KW - Operating efficiency KW - Productivity KW - Rapid transit KW - Rapid transit cars KW - Six sigma KW - Vehicle maintenance UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Transit_MethodologySixSigmaHeavyRailVehicleMaintenancePrograms.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/904119 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462437 TI - Communication with Vulnerable Populations: A Transportation and Emergency Management Toolkit AB - The natural disasters encountered by the coastal states in 2005 increased national awareness of the role that public transportation has in planning, response, and recovery with regard to weather-related threats. State departments of transportation and their public transportation divisions were required to communicate and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies with which they may have had little or no prior exposure. Emergency operation practices for natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and blizzards vary from state to state. In addition to varying on a state level, there may also be institutional differences in how operations and communications are handled among the highway divisions compared to public transportation and rail divisions. Two separate reviews of how transit agencies prepare for emergencies with a focus on vulnerable populations (i.e., transit-dependent, disabled, poor, low English proficiency, racial and ethnic minorities, etc.) were conducted by the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Office of Civil Rights and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. FTA's 12-month review culminated in the release of Transportation Equity in Emergencies: A Review of the Practices of State Departments of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Transit Agencies in 20 Metropolitan Areas. COMTO's expedited 2-month review--completed with a white paper entitled Emergency Preparedness and Response for Vulnerable Populations--was the focal point of a June 2007 discussion during its 2007 National Meeting & Training Conference. Both reports summarized existing preparedness and recovery policies and processes regarding vulnerable populations. What is abundantly clear in both reviews is that vulnerable populations--residents who have no other means of transportation when an evacuation is called for--must rely on public assistance. With no discernable means of communications to this specific population, there is a gap of awareness regarding the role of public transit agencies versus the public emergency response operations and the impact on the communities they serve. This gap was evident during the evacuation of New Orleans residents during Hurricane Katrina. It was evident in the 12-month review conducted by the FTA as well as in the review conducted by COMTO, and it is apparent that this gap still has not been fully addressed. The objective of this research is to identify and disseminate best internal and external planning, response, and recovery policies and practices pertaining to weather-related emergencies with an emphasis on specific outreach to vulnerable populations. KW - Communication systems KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Emergency response time KW - Floods KW - Hurricanes KW - Natural disasters KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2611 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230658 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486806 TI - BUSolutions FY09 Advanced Transit Research AB - This project is a continuation of the BUSolutions project with a new direction to include a Series Hydraulic Hybrid powertrain. It is a joint effort of Altair Engineering, Inc. and Automation Alley to provide a transit bus that significantly increases fuel economy while reducing weight, operating, and maintenance costs, thereby addressing America's energy and emissions challenges as well as the needs of U.S. urban transit authorities. The basic bus chassis, body, and other subsystems are continued from the previous BUSolutions projects MI-26-7006, MI-26-7010, MI-04-7001, and MI-26-7012. KW - Environmental impacts KW - Exhaust gases KW - Fuel economy KW - Operating costs KW - Pollutants KW - Power trains KW - Transit buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256592 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488601 TI - Formula Grants Benchmarking Project AB - No summary provided. KW - Benchmarks KW - Formula grants KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257578 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489164 TI - Synthetic Diesel Mass Transit Demonstration AB - The objective of this cooperative agreement is to support the efforts of the VSE Corporation to continue the Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel fuel transit demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel fuel contains virtually zero levels of sulfur and aromatics, a major advantage in terms of exhaust emission reduction potential. VSE projects aim to demonstrate the operating performance, benefits, and market acceptance of Ultra-Clean Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuels in transit bus fleets. KW - Air quality management KW - Diesel buses KW - Diesel engine exhaust gases KW - Environmental impacts KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit KW - Synthetic fuels KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258158 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488636 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center AB - The objective of this amendment is to continue to support the effort of Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (Portage Area RTA) to advance development of a travel management coordination center (TMCC) as part of the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) initiative. Portage Area RTA is one of the four TMCC Phased Implementation project sites. The expected result of this phase of the initiative is twofold: (1) development of a TMCC module to coordinate transportation solutions within the context of all participating agencies, and (2) development of a TMCC interface that will interconnect existing scheduling software packages. The MSAA Initiative aims to improve transportation services and simplify access to employment, healthcare, education, and other community activities by application of advanced ITS technologies. KW - Coordination KW - Highway traffic control KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Portage (Michigan) KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) KW - Traffic control centers UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257613 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486039 TI - Dual Variable Output Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus Validation Testing and Demonstration (Proterra Bus) Project AB - Under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program, the Center for Transportation and the Environment is conducting the Dual Variable Output Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus Validation Testing and Demonstration (Proterra Bus) project. This project is demonstrating an innovative fuel cell system, using two 16kW fuel cell stacks packaged into a single 32kW operating system. The dual variable output configuration operates the two cell stacks in parallel during times of high load demand, and individually when less power is required, automatically alternating stack usage under normal conditions. The expected result could extend combined fuel cell stack life up to 75 percent. The battery dominant hybrid-electric bus is an innovative composite design developed by Proterra, LLC (formerly Mobile Energy Solutions). This design adopts modular elements allowing bus components to be updated quickly and easily. The bus uses advanced lithium-titanate batteries. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Lithium batteries KW - Public transit UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255660 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463288 TI - Quick Response for Special Needs. Task 77. Support for APTA/FTA Transit Train Control Assessment AB - This task is providing technical support for an American Public Transportation Association/Federal Transit Administration transit train control assessment. KW - Assessments KW - Automatic train control KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit operations KW - Technical support KW - Transit safety KW - Transit traffic UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231514 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466776 TI - Rail Capacity Improvement Study for Heavy Rail Transit Operations AB - New technologies such as moving block Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) may offer more cost-effective and timely solutions than traditional plant upgrades for certain scenarios. The objective of this study is to offer a combination of considerations and evaluation tools pertaining to relevant means of capacity improvements (technology, operations, route, and vehicle upgrades), conventional and emerging. Guidance regarding the economics is offered to help balance the mix to minimize cost of achieving the level of capacity improvements required. To meet this objective, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., has evaluated various aspects of the present capacity limitations vs. ridership for two large rail transit systems in the United States to determine capacity constraints and to identify areas where improved capacity might be needed. KW - Automatic train control KW - Communications based train control – cbtc KW - Moving block control KW - Railroad capacity KW - Ridership KW - Technological innovations KW - Upgrades (Railroads) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235011 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461827 TI - Advanced Technology Bus Rapid Transit AB - This third amendment provides for the purchase of the first of two advanced technology vehicles for the Southeast Area Transit Authority advanced technology bus rapid transit (BRT) project. The advanced technology BRT project team will collect, analyze, and compare performance data of the new vehicles alongside data on existing vehicles to obtain information on operating cost, performance and reliability comparisons of advanced vehicles operating under a range of seasonal conditions. This data will aid transit planners and operators in making better vehicle selections and in finding the best use of these vehicles. KW - Advanced vehicle technologies program KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus transit KW - Operating costs KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230047 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461747 TI - American Cities Foundation Project TRANSIT AB - This amendment supports the ongoing effort of the American Cities Foundation Project TRANSIT to connect neglected citizens of Philadelphia to careers and business opportunities available within the transportation industry. By working with the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Streets Department, Project TRANSIT was able to reach over four hundred fifty (450) 11th and 12th grade students with information about careers in public transportation. One hundred forty (140) students participated in job-readiness training preparatory to placement into internship positions with the Streets Department of Philadelphia in transportation-related roles. KW - High school students KW - Job opportunities KW - Jobs KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Students KW - Transportation KW - Transportation careers UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229967 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162073 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Gold Line corridor project, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Adams and Jefferson counties : environmental impact statement PY - 2009/08//Volumes held: Draft(3v), Final(3v), Final AppendixC, Final AppendixFsup KW - Colorado KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923057 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150523 AU - Kennedy, B P AU - Gonzales-Estay, M AU - Hogan, F X AU - AECOM - Transportation AU - Welchert & Britz AU - Let's Be Frank Productions AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Innovative Uses of Digital Video, Denver Regional Transportation District PY - 2009/08//Final Report SP - 61p AB - The project delivers a national tool and template for public participation in transportation planning using digital video and assesses the effectiveness and limitations of video. The project delivers videos providing a citizens guide to NEPA, a citizen's guide to the regional transportation planning process and a case study of public involvement. Digital video can be an effective media for information transfer between practitioners and the public, can help improve citizen understanding and improve the effectiveness of the citizen's role in public involvement programs. Video should no longer be considered a luxurious extra, but a component of an overall outreach program that can be highly effective if integrated into a program of education, outreach and communication. Digital video has a focused role as one tool among many to address information transfer between practitioners and the public. The report presents supporting research and a technology transfer discussion focusing on video planning and production steps and provides recommendations for using the project videos, for adapting the project videos for refined purposes and creating new videos on similar and different topics. KW - Denver (Colorado) KW - Digital video KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Regional Transportation District (Denver, Colorado) KW - Technology transfer KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912778 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01143768 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Report to Congress on FY 2008 and FY 2009 FTA Research Projects PY - 2009/08 SP - 62p AB - The House Committee on Appropriations requested the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to prepare a report on all FTA-sponsored research projects from fiscal years (FY) 2008 and 2009. As a majority of projects received funding in both years, the report does not separate FY 2008 and FY 2009 projects, but is instead organized around the FTA’s Strategic Research Goals. The report describes the funding history, identifies whether the project was congressionally directed or selected at the FTA’s discretion, and provides information on the national relevance of the research, relevance to the transit industry and community, and expected final products and delivery dates. This report includes only projects funded out of the National Research and Technology Program. KW - Appropriations KW - Financing KW - National Research and Technology Program KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/2009FTAResearchReportToCongress.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/904160 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489150 TI - LRV Collision Safety Improvements AB - The objective is to develop a novel segmented bumper design with different energy absorbing characteristics for frontal and corner impacts. This retrofit design will also utilize an improved geometric profile making the front-end less aggressive to automobiles and pedestrians and reduce the light rail vehicle (LRV) derailment potential in these impacts. The intent of this research project is to develop an "active" bumper system that can be retrofitted into existing fleet of LRVs that will minimize injuries and fatalities resulting from impacts with automobiles and pedestrians, but still prevent derailment of the LRVs. KW - Automobiles KW - Bumpers KW - Crashes KW - Derailments KW - Energy absorption KW - Fatalities KW - Injuries KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Pedestrians UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258144 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01138110 AU - Bailey, J Ronald AU - Hairr, Mark E AU - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative PY - 2009/07/30/Final Report SP - 53p AB - This report documents the results of the research project completed by the Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga under Federal Transit Administration Cooperative Agreement TN-26-7032. This research has led to the design and implementation of a system for generating, compressing, storing and dispensing hydrogen in sufficient quantities to support testing of hydrogen fueled transit vehicles. This report provides background information on alternative fuels and compares various methods for producing hydrogen including nuclear energy, coal gasification, electrolysis and natural gas reformation. A simulation model was completed during the research project to relate energy consumption to power and energy storage requirements for transit vehicle operations. It includes economic analysis for comparison of alternatives and a description of a rigorous decision making process that was used to select the various technologies used in the final configuration of a hydrogen fueling system that was optimized to support research on the use of hydrogen for transit operations. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Decision making KW - Economic analysis KW - Energy consumption KW - Hydrogen fueling stations KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Hydrogen production KW - Hydrogen storage KW - Simulation KW - Transit buses KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/EastTennesseeHydrogenInitiativeChattanooga.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30900/30964/CETE_TN-26-7032_Final_Report_7-30-09_Version_1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/898468 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489149 TI - Passenger Monitoring/Front Line Employment AB - No summary provided. KW - Employees KW - Monitoring KW - Passenger transportation KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258143 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488613 TI - PTP Program - Guide the Ride AB - No summary provided. KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257590 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486796 TI - National Fuel Cell Bus Program: Proterra Fuel Cell Bus AB - This agreement supports part of the development of the Proterra Fuel Cell Bus, including testing and demonstration. The hydrogen bus survey is complete and has been well received by government and industry. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Demonstration projects KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Surveys KW - Transit buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256582 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488602 TI - Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) Before and After Cost Study AB - The performing organization will conduct an in-depth study of the effectiveness of implementing a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system at a US transit agency. Using the MUNI/Market Street Tunnel CBTC application for the study also allows examining the effectiveness of phased implementation, which in this case started with limited take-over of the conventional control system and eventually phased into fully automated control under CBTC. KW - Automatic train control KW - Automation KW - Before and after studies KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Communications Based Train Control KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257579 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464016 TI - Quick Response for Special Needs. Task 75. Guiding the Selection and Application of Wayside Energy Storage Technologies for Rail Transit and Electric Utilities AB - Rail transit is experiencing increased ridership as a byproduct of the recent rise in price of gasoline that is further taxing the nation's rail systems. At the same time, the price of electricity that powers rail transit systems is rising because of the nationwide rapid growth in electrical demand and the limited capacity of a strained electrical grid. Further, existing rail power substations may be inadequately equipped to support running heavier trains with more passengers; operating higher performance trains; and operating more frequent trains on shorter headways. There is a way out of this dilemma for rail transit systems in the form of trackside energy storage systems, which would recycle regenerated energy from braking, reduce voltage sag between existing substations, and reduce peak power demands thereby reducing electric utility costs. Trackside energy storage units in the form of advanced batteries, electrochemical capacitors and flywheels have come a long way in recent years and some of which have been successfully applied in Europe and Japan. Energy storage in general, other than a few scattered past trials, is very new to US transit agencies. The average transit agency is overwhelmed by the need to amass knowledge on new storage technology quickly, and to learn how to efficiently perform engineering analyses needed to define the design and operation of energy storage technologies. They also need to understand the current state of energy storage technology, the role of utilities as potential partners, and the expected direction of new research and its affect on transit operations. KW - Demand KW - Electric utilities KW - Energy consumption KW - Energy storage systems KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Wayside signals UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2917 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232244 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489194 TI - Transportation Logistics and Security Pilot Project AB - The Northern Kentucky University Office of Economic Initiatives, in partnership with the Transportation Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), will research, develop, and implement technology-based solutions for the purpose of enhancing the transportation authority's effectiveness and operational efficiency in the areas of logistics and security. Northern Kentucky University will study the use of wireless communication technology as a foundation for the Transportation Logistic and Security pilot project that address the needs of TANK. For this project, logistics is defined as the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow of mass transit bus services through available routes. Security is defined as encompassing not only community protection related to Emergency First Response and Local Disaster Preparedness, but also to passenger safety. This research is a four-year endeavor. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Emergency response time KW - First responders KW - Kentucky KW - Logistics KW - Passenger safety KW - Public transit KW - Safety and security KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Wireless communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258205 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463289 TI - Quick Response for Special Needs. Task 76. Support for a Transit Wireless Communications Joint Council AB - This task is providing support for a Transit Wireless Communications Joint Council so-sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association. KW - American Public Transportation Association KW - Information dissemination KW - Passenger transportation KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Wireless communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231515 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462014 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-23. Practices in the Development and Deployment of Downtown Circulators AB - Several downtown areas have developed and deployed a "downtown circulator"-style bus operation. There does not appear to be significant literature documenting these programs--their challenges, barriers to implementation, and successful and sustainable strategies for making downtown circulators work. To the extent that information does exist, it lies in the private sector which often bids to operate such a service and so puts public agencies, business improvement districts, etc. seeking such services at an information/negotiation disadvantage. A synthesis is needed to provide information on the development and deployment of downtown circulator systems in order to aid city officials, non-governmental organizations, and the public in deciding whether and how to proceed when such a service is proposed. A literature review, survey of appropriate stakeholders, and detailed case studies will be accomplished to document the state of the practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information. KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Case studies KW - Central business districts KW - Information systems KW - Public transit KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2772 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230234 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462013 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-24. Rail Security: Video Surveillance Uses By Rail Transit Agencies AB - TCRP Synthesis 80, Transit Security Update, reported that video surveillance has been widely used by transit agencies to protect their systems and infrastructure, is believed to deter both crime and terrorism, and enhances transit customer perception of security. Newer systems are being implemented to enhance monitoring, surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and to provide incident management and response capabilities, through the installation of cameras and motion and perimeter sensors. This report will investigate the implementation, use, and other issues associated with rail ROW surveillance and on-board vehicle security cameras. A literature review, survey of transit agencies, and case studies will provide this information in a user-friendly document for use by US transit agencies currently operating/planning rail services. This topic is also applicable to transit bus. KW - Light rail transit KW - Public transit KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Safety and security KW - Security KW - Surveillance KW - Terrorism KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Video cameras UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2773 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230233 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462012 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-25. Use of Mobile Device Technology for Real-Time Transit Information AB - The synthesis will investigate the use of personal mobile or music devices to notify transit customers of an approaching next vehicle. Since each stop/station in a transit network has a unique identifier, current and potential transit customers could sign up with their local transit agency to have a "your vehicle will arrive in X minutes/seconds, it's time to leave" message delivered The customer will be able to establish a "notification" profile/subscription with the following information: selection of exact stop/station, vehicle route(s), time window for the notifications (for example alerts only in a 30-minute period in for the outbound peak). A literature review, survey of transit agencies, and case studies will provide this information in a user-friendly document for use by US transit agencies. KW - Case studies KW - Cellular telephones KW - Customer service KW - Notification KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2774 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230232 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462011 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-18. Strollers, Carts and Other Large Items on Buses and Trains AB - With a growing ridership, transit agencies face the increasing challenge of managing customers with strollers, carts, luggage and other large items currently allowed aboard buses and trains. Strollers can be particularly bulky and can block bus and train aisles and doorways. Competition already exists between the elderly, the disabled, and customers with strollers who use the priority seating area on both buses and trains. In addition to safety concerns, there are capacity problems when large items limit space for standing customers, as well as potential customer service and public perception challenges. A synthesis of transit practice is needed to report what, if any, dangers these large items pose to other customers; if children are safe in their strollers while on buses and trains; if children would be safer in strollers or on an adult's lap; and what other risks these items present on a transit system. Finally, it is of interest to identify any transit agency public outreach or information campaigns aimed at addressing large items such as strollers, carts, bikes and luggage. A literature review and survey of transit agencies will be provided to report on the permissibility of items such as strollers, carts, bikes and large luggage on bus and rail systems, including any restrictions such as requiring the folding of strollers and carts, size limitations, and rush hour or other time restrictions. The synthesis will also include information about safety-related incidents and injuries and customer complaints and related claims over time. KW - Aged KW - Baggage KW - Bus transportation KW - Light rail transit KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Strollers KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2775 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230231 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462010 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-14. Practices to Protect Bus Operators from Passenger Assault AB - Bus operators face a daunting task in today's urban environment. They maneuver a large vehicle safely through congested streets, watching for patrons, answering customer questions, all the while maintaining a schedule - each task with its own challenge. Bus operators are increasingly facing another challenge, a challenge to their personal safety. Increasingly, bus operators are being accosted by the people they serve. Transit providers are searching for ways to keep their operators safe, while maintaining a sense of customer service. Some agencies are building "boxes" around the operator station, while others are equipping operators with pepper spray. At the 2008 meeting of the APTA Bus Safety Committee, interest was expressed in having information, regarding agencies' reactions to the pattern of increased violence again bus operators, gathered systematically. The purpose of this synthesis is to document the state of the practice. A literature review and national survey of transit agencies will be conducted to document current and planned transit agencies' practices in providing for the personal safety of bus operators. A table summarizing the various techniques being used or considered to improve operator safety can be prepared. Five case studies will provide more details on the various techniques reported. The case studies will include planning factors and approaches, costs and implementation data, measured results, bus operator feedback, identification of any administrative or legal issues, and lessons learned. KW - Assault and battery KW - Bus drivers KW - Bus transit operations KW - Case studies KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit operators UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2776 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230230 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462009 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-11. Transit Asset Condition Reporting AB - The value of the transit infrastructure in the United States is estimated to be $402.7 billion in 2004, not including the value of assets that belong to rural and special service operators. The US DOT has found that 15% of bus vehicles and 34% of the rail fleet in urban areas exceeded their useful life, 31% of urban bus maintenance facilities and 8% of rail maintenance facilities were in substandard or poor condition, and 51% of urban rail passenger stations were in substandard or poor condition. Currently, there are no standards for rating transit asset conditions and little guidance in the area of transit asset management. A state of the practice synthesis is needed to report what transit assist condition rating systems are being used in the field, as well as what current asset management systems are in use. As local communities continue to see increased demand for transit services while managing scarce resources to support these needs, the management of transit assets will become even more important to maximize the effectiveness of Federal and local investments in transit. A literature review and survey of transit agencies would report how they are communicating the condition of their assets on a national scale and document what asset management systems are currently in use, highlighting innovations, lessons learned, and gaps in information to aid in the implementation or upgrade of transit asset condition reporting and management systems. KW - Asset management KW - Asset valuation KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Condition surveys KW - Railroad transportation KW - Ratings UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2777 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230229 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462008 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-13. Public Participation Strategies for Transit AB - As part of the metropolitan planning process, regulations require outreach to "representatives of users of public transportation," among other stakeholder groups. In light of this requirement and the recent increase in transit ridership, guidance is needed to address the experiences of states, MPOs, and transit agencies in successfully engaging transit passengers in decision-making. A synthesis will document the existing strategies and implementation techniques used by agencies to involve passengers in planning, programming, facility design, and operations. Examples may be drawn from long-range and strategic planning efforts undertaken by transit authorities and/or the planning and development of specific capital projects. Methods for involving passengers in service planning and delivery will also be included. This synthesis can be accomplished through a review of key literature sources and a survey of state, metropolitan and local transportation/transit agencies, as well as three to five case studies, detailing innovative practices. It will describe a variety of strategies and techniques for involving transit users, ranging from survey responses to representation on decision-making bodies such as citizen advisory committees. Both rural and urban agency information will be documented and include methods used for engaging specific groups of passengers, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and non-English speakers. Of particular interest are the programs and practices that motivate participation in public processes, and those that are reported as cost-effective, such as those utilizing inexpensive materials and limited staff time. The synthesis will also document lessons learned and identify areas for future study. KW - Decision making KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit users KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2778 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230228 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488634 TI - Montachusett Regional Transit Authority AB - This amendment enables the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to continue development of all travel management coordination center (TMCC) as part of the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) initiative, as one of the four TMCC Phased Implementation project sites. The expected results from this phase of the imitative is partial deployment of a TMCC, which includes development of three components of the original TMCC concept of operations identified under Phase I for this site, namely: (1) a web-based trip reservation and booking system, (2) a trip-based portal with the capabilities to pose trip/download trips, and (3) a feasibility study for a centralized billing system. KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Traffic control centers KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257611 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150555 AU - Stoddard, A T AU - LSC Transportation Consultants, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - North Country Public Transportation Participation Pilot Project PY - 2009/07//Research Report SP - 366p AB - North Country Transit (NCT) is located in rural northern New Hampshire. As part of the statewide initiative to develop coordinated transportation programs, NCT approached the human services agencies in the region. NCT found that most of the agencies were not interested in coordinating transportation services and did not see any benefit from coordination. Many of the agencies saw coordination as a threat to their transportation programs. As a result, an educational program was developed to present the benefits of coordination strategies to the transportation providers, funding agencies, elected officials, and the public. This report describes the process which was used to develop the education programs and the results which were achieved. The educational programs are included as guides to be used by other agencies which may desire to promote the benefits of coordinating transportation services. Background material, PowerPoint slides, and the presentation are included in the educational programs developed for agencies and for the public. KW - Coordination KW - Lessons learned KW - New Hampshire KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912780 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150506 AU - Khademian, A AU - Kikuchi, S AU - Offenbacker, B AU - Coelus, P AU - Sanchez, T AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - Waterford Incorporated AU - University of Utah, Salt Lake City AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Enhancing Public Participation in Regional Public Transportation Planning PY - 2009/07//Final Report SP - 140p AB - Public participation in public transportation planning requires an active and ongoing relationship between the public and transportation planners, and a regional, or network wide approach. This report examines innovations by metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) across the country to enhance public participation for public transportation planning through efforts to enhance diversity in regional planning efforts, to improve knowledge gathering and sharing with the public across the region, and to improve incentives for public participation. Results of a survey of 384 MPOs and three case studies are presented. MPOs often excel in efforts to educate the public and to include the public in MPO governance, but innovations in long term planning and project specific efforts are limited. Moving to more advanced levels of public participation will require improved knowledge gathering and management techniques and a more robust understanding of the incentives for participation. The report presents a knowledge management exercise and an incentives diagnostic for MPOs to facilitate that effort. KW - Case studies KW - Data collection KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel surveys UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912774 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135761 AU - Rabb, James AU - Vandor, Steven AU - Intellicheck Mobilisa, Incorporated AU - Washington State Ferries AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Washington State Ferries Wireless Connection High-Speed Data Project PY - 2009/07//Final Report SP - 48p AB - The Washington State Ferries (WSF) High Speed Data Project is a Research & Development project to study the feasibility of providing technologies capable of very high data transmission rates for wireless networks in a mobile marine environment. WSF is installing a high speed network infrastructure onboard vessel in an effort to improve ferry security and system monitoring. WSF wishes to explore ways of increasing transmission rates, facilitate a larger number of real-time camera views and improve overall performance. Intellicheck Mobilisa has established the viability of that system. The initial project test location selection resulted in using the Fauntleroy/Vashon Island/Southworth Ferry route. A demonstration of promising technologies was performed in June 2007 at the Fauntleroy terminal, utilizing the MV Klahowya. Technological concepts resulted in the decision being made to perform the final evaluation at the same terminal utilizing the same ferry. During final evaluation testing, several issues developed, including interference from a WSF WI-FI installation, power issues on the MV Klahowya, and power issues at the terminal resulting from a generator installation. The decision was made to move the final evaluation to the Port Townsend/Keystone ferry route, where it was successfully conducted in March 2008. KW - Demonstration projects KW - Ferries KW - High speed data system KW - Prototype tests KW - Security KW - Ship-to-shore communications KW - Video cameras KW - Washington State Ferries KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/WashingtonStateFerriesDataConnectionProject.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/896076 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490038 TI - Small Urban & Rural Transit Center AB - The Small Urban & Rural Transit Center (SURTC), part of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University, increases the mobility of small urban and rural residents through improved public transportation. With funding provided by SAFETEA-LU, SURTC has established its research, education, training and outreach programs on a national scale while maintaining a focus on transit agencies and transit needs in small urban and rural areas. The expansion of programs was guided by input from an advisory board made up of regional and national transit professionals who identified key needs of small transit programs. SURTC programs now address transit needs of Native Americans, alternative fuel use in transit fleets, use of technology by transit agencies, transit workforce development, transit operations, transit management, business planning, coordination, safety, security, risk management, transit needs for those aging in place, and other issues and challenges faced by transit agencies as they try to address the needs of their riders and communities. KW - Mobility KW - Needs assessment KW - Public transit KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Small cities KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259585 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486792 TI - Nuvera Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus/Lightweight Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus AB - This agreement provides funding to the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC) to organize and manage two projects under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program (NFCBP). The NFCBP's goal is to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell bus technologies and related infrastructure. Under this agreement, NAVC will coordinate two fuel cell technology development and demonstration projects: (1) Massachusetts Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Bus Fleet with Nuvera; and (2) Lightweight Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus with GE project. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Light vehicles KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses KW - Vehicle fleets UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256578 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462056 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-12. Relationships Between Street Cars and the Built Environment AB - The purpose of this synthesis is to document experience with selected streetcar and trolley projects and their relationship with the built environment. (Streetcars and trolleys defined by APTA under the light rail mode are lightweight passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually two-car, trains) on fixed rails in right-of-way that is not separated from other traffic for much of the way and typically driven electrically with power, drawn from an overhead electric line via a trolley or pantograph.) Local potential for changes in land use are often used as justification for investment in streetcar and trolley systems. However, the ability of these systems to spur growth and revitalization has not been adequately documented. There are questions regarding the direct role of such systems on the built environment versus other factors which may be also be important. In documenting experiences, this study will examine selected built US streetcar and trolley systems in order to trace their evolution, define significant factors, and identify commonalities among levels of success in impacting the built environment. KW - Built environment KW - Light rail transit KW - Public transit KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Streetcars KW - Sustainable development KW - Trolley cars UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2566 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230276 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488611 TI - ITS Operational Test AB - Operational tests are needed to demonstrate and evaluate innovative approaches to integrating APTS technologies and available Information Technology (IT) systems and to better coordinate subsidized transportation services in rural areas among multiple transit operators. This test will allowing operators to use transit management software via a web application to manage the transit system's daily administrative activities, schedule trips, and to use Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping functions to route trips. The system will allow each of the seven transit operators to view trips or routes being made by each of the other operators, and will offer opportunities for coordination of trips and sharing of passengers. KW - Geographic information systems KW - Information technology KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mapping KW - Operational test and evaluation KW - Routes and routing KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257588 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489146 TI - Energy Storage Demonstration AB - The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of installing a wayside energy storage system that will: (1) capture and re-use regenerative brake energy; (2) reduce the peak current demand and voltages; (3) evaluate several suitable energy storage technologies and implement/demonstrate the technology (ies); and (4) determine return on investment (ROI). KW - Energy storage systems KW - Peak demand KW - Regenerative braking KW - Return on investment KW - Technological innovations KW - Wayside energy storage devices UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258140 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490040 TI - Transit Vehicle Exhaust Emissions AB - West Virginia University (WVU) has established an emissions research program, which provides public transit agencies, engine and vehicle manufacturers, transit industry associations, government regulatory agencies and other transit industry constituents with information concerning the exhaust emissions of existing and new technology transit vehicles. There are four general task areas: (1) Provide Technical Assistance to Pennsylvania Transportation Institute to Establish an Emissions Testing Program; (2) Measure Emissions of New Transit Buses; (3) Develop Emissions Resources for Transit Agency Managers; and (4) Coordinate with the Constituents of the Bus Testing Program. KW - Exhaust gases KW - Pollutants KW - Technical assistance KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259587 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489207 TI - Safe Commuter/Light Rail in Shared Track AB - Develop specific designs and supporting simulation of a demonstration project on New Jersey Transit's River Line to allow comingled (shared track) operation over the same right-of-way for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) compliant and lighter weight (non-compliant) vehicles. Research shall include the necessary design modifications, simulation, and common operating doctrine report. KW - Light rail transit KW - New Jersey KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad tracks KW - Railroad transportation KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Shared track KW - Simulation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258226 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464162 TI - Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) Before and After Cost Study AB - Lea & Elliott will conduct an in-depth study of the cost effectiveness of implementing a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) system at a selected US public transit agency. Using the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) Market Street (Metro) Tunnel CBTC application for the study also allows examining the effectiveness of a phased implementation, which in this case started with a limited take-over of the conventional train control system and eventually phased into fully automated control under CBTC. KW - Automatic train control KW - Before and after studies KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Research projects KW - San Francisco (California) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/CBTC_before-after_cost_effectiveness_study_-_Report_FTA-TX-26-7005_2010_01_-_101025_final_draft1_(3).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232390 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01142042 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Green Building Action Plan: Report to Congress PY - 2009/06/04 SP - 34p AB - The explanatory statement accompanying the fiscal year 2009 Omnibus appropriation’s act directed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to submit a transit facility green building action plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. As directed, this plan includes an analysis of green rating systems that would be suitable for transit projects; an overview of certified green building transit projects; an inventory of relevant assistance that could be provided to transit agencies; and planned FTA actions, timelines and resources to encourage green building in FTA programs. Green buildings make efficient and effective use of resources – energy, water, raw materials, and land – and provide a healthy environment for working, learning and living. By applying green building practices to new construction and refurbishment of existing facilities, transit agencies can conserve resources through lower construction, operations, and maintenance expenditures. KW - Building materials KW - Construction of specific facilities KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental protection KW - Green infrastructure KW - Public transit UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30900/30934/FTA-TRI20-2009.1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/902332 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489197 TI - Subway Train Location Overlay System AB - The objective of this project is to support the efforts of Edge Velocity and the Massachusetts Bay transit Authority (MBTA) to improve rail safety, security and communications for trains in subway environments. Edge Velocity will develop a subway train location overlay system that will accurately locate trains in subterranean environments. Off-the-shelf and legacy technologies will be used to develop secured proprietary technologies to meet the requirements to communicate train location. MBTA will provide the subway environment for testing this technology. KW - Automatic train location KW - Communication systems KW - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority KW - Railroad safety KW - Security KW - Subterranean KW - Subways KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258208 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489195 TI - Rail Wayside Energy Storage System Demonstration Program AB - This project supports the efforts of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to examine and demonstrate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of installing a rail wayside energy storage system that will: (1) capture and re-use regenerative brake energy; (2) reduce peak period load and voltage sag; (3) evaluate and demonstrate appropriate storage technologies; and (4) determine "return on investment". KW - Energy storage systems KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Regenerative braking KW - Return on investment KW - Voltage KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority KW - Wayside signals UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258206 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01507237 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Central Corridor project, Ramsey County : environmental impact statement PY - 2009/06//Volumes held: Draft, Dsup(2v), Final(6v)(Fv.6(fol)),Fsum KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Minnesota UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1291561 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472081 AU - Ala, Nima AU - Stanigzai, Mohammad Ajmal AU - Azizinamini, Atorod AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Development of Field Data for Effective Implementation of Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Procedure PY - 2009/06 SP - 197p AB - This report provides summary of the work that was carried out to assess the merits of the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design approach and attempts to calibrate the procedure for application in Nebraska. Mechanistic Empirical (M-E) design of pavements is a new approach to pavement design. The method consists of two components; Mechanistic and Empirical. The Mechanistic part of the procedure tries to predict the response of the pavement to various loading during a very short time period. The empirical part tries to sum up the damages inflected to the pavement during the short time steps that the pavement is subjected to and attempts to predict the accumulated damage as function of time. This project consisted of two parts. First a parametric study was carried out to identify the parameters that are important and level of sophistication that is needed at the input level. The next step was to develop a field instrumentation plan and start collecting data and then continue with the calibration process. KW - Calibration KW - Field studies KW - Implementation KW - Instrumentation KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Parametric analysis KW - Pavement design UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Design/Final%20Report%20P300.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1239504 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01141831 AU - Ramasubramanian, T AU - Hunter (Broward) AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Widely Available 3-D Visualization Tools in Support of Public Participation PY - 2009/06 SP - 104p AB - There is a persistent need for improved tools and techniques to facilitate public involvement at all phases of transportation decision making. Transportation agencies are still seeking more affordable, accessible, and effective means of communicating with a wide range of stakeholders. The court documents a survey of a wide variety of transportation agencies on their use of interactive 3-D visualization for public involvement using an electronic survey. Supplemental qualitative data was generated through telephone interviews with selected variety participants. It concludes with three case studies illustrating applications of interactive 3-D visualization to support public involvement in transportation decision making. The report concludes that the use of interactive 3-D mapping, although pervasive in transportation planning and design, is at the early stages of application as a public involvement tool. Most agencies use the tools for the purpose of informing stakeholders, illustrating the location of proposed projects, or plans or programs of projects in a regional or study area context, but not for engaging them in a specific dialogue in a meeting, workshop, or on-line chat forum. KW - Decision making KW - Geographic information systems KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Traffic control KW - Transportation planning KW - Visualization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/901800 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139461 AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Rural Transit Service for the State of North Dakota PY - 2009/06//Final Report SP - 31p AB - This document, the final report for the Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Rural Transit Service for the State of North Dakota project, describes the motivation for, development and operation of, and lessons learned from an Internet-based trip planning system. The system was developed as an addition to an existing human service website, NDinfo.org. The new transportation module consisted of a searchable online database of transportation services available within North Dakota. The transportation module was available to online users from November 29, 2004, until the spring of 2006. In the summer of 2006, project resources were transferred to the Small Urban & Rural Transit Center (SURTC), a program of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, at North Dakota State University. Under contract with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, SURTC redesigned the transportation module which remains operational. The final report is intended to meet a number of objectives. In addition to describing the effort and outcomes for reasons of accountability, the document is also meant to be an educational tool to provide information for those involved in Internet-based trip planning systems development as well as the broader Intelligent Transportation Systems and transit communities. The final report includes background information; a description of the project process and outcomes; and the evaluation framework, methods, and findings. The report should be of value to a wide range of transit industry professionals including federal and state program managers, transit agencies, and those involved in advanced public transportation systems engineering especially in small urban and rural communities. KW - Advanced public transportation systems KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Internet KW - North Dakota KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Small towns KW - Trip planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Implementation_of_Advanced_Technologies_in_Rural_Transit_Service_for_the_State_of_North_Dakota.pdf UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP214.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/899754 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01129890 AU - Cevallos, Fabian AU - Yuan, Quan AU - Wang, Xiaobo AU - Skinner, Jon AU - Gan, Albert AU - Florida International University, Miami AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Feasibility Study on the Use of Personal GPS Devices in Paratransit PY - 2009/05/18/Final Report SP - 67p AB - The use of personal mobile Global Positioning System (GPS) devices offers a potentially powerful use for paratransit. The conventional pickup procedure requires reservations via telephone or through the Internet for the paratransit driver to meet passengers. In this case, the potential problem is that a missed pickup may occur due to the ambiguity of the address information or the inability to find a specific location. However, with the availability of existing mobile GPS devices, passengers and vehicles can be located instantly, thereby facilitating the pickup process. This research project explores the feasibility of using personal mobile GPS devices to help develop more efficient paratransit services. Four different GPS-tracking devices were examined, and a prototype was developed. Using the prototype, the vehicle operator and passengers are able to know each other’s location through the help of an agency dispatcher. With this additional information, it is expected that the number of missed pickups will be reduced. Surveys were also distributed to collect opinions and concerns from different agencies. Results indicated that a majority of transit agencies showed interest in adopting GPS devices to improve paratransit services. KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Global Positioning System KW - Paratransit services KW - Pickup (Passengers) KW - Prototypes UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/TRANSPO_Feasibility_GPS_Paratransit_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/889986 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01480470 AU - Houck, Ryan AU - LYNX - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - LYNX Community Advocacy & Service Engagement (CASE) Project Final Report PY - 2009/05/14 SP - 55p AB - This report is a final assessment of the Community Advocacy & Service Engagement (CASE) project, a LYNX (Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority)-Federal Transit Administration research project designed to study transit education and public engagement methods in Central Florida. In the Orlando area, as in other parts of the country, transit is viewed as a transportation mode of last resort. The research conducted through the CASE project examines the viability of volunteer “coalitions” in changing misconceptions about transit and advocating for the improvement of transit in certain markets. CASE was a five-phase project that used a diverse body of public opinion information to identify common misconceptions (termed “information deficits”) about transit and then set out to correct these misconceptions through town hall forums. KW - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority KW - LYNX Transit (Orlando, Florida) KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public information programs KW - Public opinion KW - Public transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0017.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55503/FTA_Report_No._0017.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248974 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486011 TI - Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus Project -- 2 AB - No summary provided. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Hydrogen fueling stations KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Shuttle buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255632 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488622 TI - Low-income pops in visualization AB - No summary provided. KW - Low income groups KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Visualization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257599 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488620 TI - 2008-FTA-PTPP-3-Sarasota AB - No summary provided. KW - Planning methods KW - Public transit KW - Sarasota (Florida) KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257597 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486038 TI - The Center for Transportation and the Environment AB - The objective of this cooperative agreement is to support the efforts of The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) to maintain and promote the Southern Fuel Cell Coalition (SFCC). The SFCC brings together public and private entities to address a broad range of issues and challenges associated with transportation fuel cell applications and flywheel technology and the infrastructure needed for the continued advancement of these technologies. The primary focus of the SFCC is on medium-and heavy-duty vehicle applications as well as the infrastructure necessary to support these vehicles. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Clean fuels KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fuel cells KW - Heavy duty vehicles KW - Infrastructure KW - Public transit KW - Research projects UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255659 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461918 TI - Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium AB - This project supports the continuing efforts of the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium (Consortium) to provide an education and training resource network comprised of public and private organizations--focused on the development and employment of the transit industry's workforce that is proficient in the standards, practices, and procedures for incumbent and new workers. It is a marriage of the transit industry with educational institutions in order to make use of local educational expertise for transit providers. The Consortium was created and incorporated in January 2004 in response to the industry's need for a trained technical/mechanical labor force. KW - Education and training KW - Public private partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Southern California KW - Training programs KW - Transit personnel KW - Transportation careers UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230138 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461551 TI - Transit Cooperative Research Program --18th Year AB - The objective of this cooperative agreement is to support the efforts of the Transportation research Board (TRB) of the National Academies in the management of the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP). Now in its 18th year of operation and sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, TCRP is a continuing program of operator-oriented, problem-solving research that examines short-term high-priority topics of common interest to the transit industry. TCRP focuses on issues significant to the transit industry, with emphasis on developing near-term research solutions to a variety of transit problems involving facilities, vehicles, equipment, service concepts, operations, policy, planning, human resources, maintenance, and administrative practices. The National Academies is specifically authorized by 49 U.S.C Section 5313(a)(2) to implement the TCRP activities through a federal grant or cooperative agreement. KW - Accessibility KW - Cooperative agreements KW - Mobility KW - Problem solving KW - Public transit KW - Research KW - Technology transfer KW - Transit Cooperative Research Program KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1229770 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01362975 AU - Wood, Jeffrey S AU - Zimmerman, Mariia AU - Poticha, Shelley AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Destinations Matter: Building Transit Success PY - 2009/05 SP - 39p AB - Accurate estimates of ridership and potential economic benefits are an important element in effective planning. Predictive models are used to estimate ridership and it is essential that the models take into account factors that increase or decrease ridership. This paper examines the performance of eight recent transit projects and analyzes why ridership differs from the model's predictions. An important consideration is the linking of regional destinations along transportation corridors which appears to be critical to achieving predicted ridership and economic benefits. KW - Activity centers KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Employment KW - Forecasting KW - New Starts Program KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - Ridership KW - Transportation corridors KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/ctodwp_destinations_matter.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1126660 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01325167 AU - Redington, Mike AU - Rutyna, Eve AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Shanahan, Felicity AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Drug and Alcohol Testing Results 2007 Annual Report PY - 2009/05//Final Report SP - 96p AB - This is the 13th annual report of the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. This report summarizes the reporting requirements for calendar year 2007, the requirements of the overall drug and alcohol testing program (49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655), the results from the data reported for 2007, and the random drug and alcohol violation rates (the percentage of persons selected for a random test who produced a positive specimen or refused to take the test) for calendar years 1995 through 2007. This report provides a brief overview of the drug and alcohol testing requirements for both safety-sensitive employers and employees. The official random rates for 2007 are provided, as well as the official random rate trends over the last 13 years. The results of alcohol and drug tests are provided by test type, employee category, and region. The positive testing rates for drugs and alcohol are also provided for each test type, employee category, and region. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Data collection KW - Drug tests KW - Highway safety KW - Moving violations KW - Random testing KW - Traffic safety KW - Traffic violations UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/35000/35000/35040/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-09-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1086077 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135633 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 49 CFR Part 40 - Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug And Alcohol Testing Programs PY - 2009/05 SP - n.p. AB - Under Department of Transportation regulations, employees in the aviation, rail, motor carrier, mass transit, maritime and pipeline industries who either fail or refuse to take a drug test must successfully complete a drug treatment program and pass a series of urine tests as a condition of performing any safety-sensitive duties. To prevent cheating, the Department modified its regulations in 2008 to require that such tests be conducted under direct observation. Petitioners, a railway company and several transportation unions, challenged the revised regulation, arguing that it violates both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fourth Amendment. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Drug tests KW - Laws and legislation KW - Transportation safety KW - Workplaces UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/DrugAndAlcohol/Regulations/Regulations/default.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/892782 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135628 AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Florida Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Resource Guide for Transit and Transit-Related Programs PY - 2009/05 SP - 46p AB - This resource guide to transit programs in Florida includes information about local, state and federal funding programs that provide financial resources for transit operations, planning, marketing, special programs and projects, as well as other activities. Other resources such as training and technical assistance programs are also identified. KW - Financing KW - Florida KW - Guides to information KW - Public transit UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/892088 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01132432 AU - Rickard, Alex AU - Eastern Carolina Council AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Operational Test for the Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Rural Transit Service PY - 2009/05//Final Report SP - 37p AB - The purpose of this project was to assess the feasibility of implementing transit management software in the eastern region of North Carolina with the goals of increasing efficiency, lowering operating costs, improving customer service, and encouraging trip coordination between transit agencies. RouteMatch TS of RouteMatch Software, Inc. was selected as the transit management software for this project. This report provides information from a performance evaluation and two completed surveys. The first survey focused on the hosting environment and satisfaction with the Eastern Carolina Council staffing, while the second focused on the RouteMatch TS software and customer satisfaction with RouteMatch Software, Inc. Follow-up interviews were conducted with each of the transit agency managers to further explore issues identified through the surveys. There are two long-term recommendations for this group. The first is to expand the client bases of these agencies, thus increasing the demand for out-of-county trips and thereby providing more opportunities for coordination. The second is to recruit agencies to this effort that would exploit the natural geography and highway system of the region. The document serves as the final evaluation for transit management software. KW - Coordination KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Interviewing KW - North Carolina KW - Recommendations KW - RouteMatch (Software) KW - Rural transit KW - Software KW - Surveys KW - Transit management systems KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/OperationalTest_Implementation_of_Advanced_Technologies_Rural_Transit_Service_(FinalReport).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/892233 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486800 TI - Wayside Charging & Hydrogen Hybrid AB - This objective of this project is to develop wayside charging of a battery dominant hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) hybrid transit bus. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hybrid buses KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Internal combustion engines KW - Transit buses KW - Wayside detection UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256586 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461887 TI - National Technical Assistance Center for Parks and Public Lands AB - The objective of this project is to create a national technical assistance center that provides federal land managers with easy and expedient access to technical support, training and information on alternative transportation issues and resources. KW - Information technology KW - National parks KW - Public land KW - Research projects KW - Technical assistance KW - Technical support KW - Training programs UR - http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4w2651.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230107 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486807 TI - Transportation Fuel Cell Research AB - Northern Illinois University (NIU) in collaboration with the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) will conduct comprehensive research to further advance fuel cell technology and to develop educational/awareness programs for preparing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this emerging technology. This effort focuses on the development of improved, less expensive materials (electrolytes, fuel and air electro catalysts and electrodes, and interconnect/bipolar plates), as well as balance-of-plants components for fuel, air, heat, and water management at the scales needed in automotive and other applications. The proposed research effort is designed to develop, characterize, and test nano-catalysts for efficient reduction of oxygen and oxidation of hydrogen at the electrode surfaces; to synthesize and characterize new solid electrolyte materials; to better understand the transport properties of ions across the membranes; and to design new fuel cells through both simulation and experimental approaches. In the educational element of this effort, NIU will offer an undergraduate/graduate course in fuel cells. The proposed course will be developed and will offer a biweekly seminar for upper class undergraduate and graduate students to produce properly trained scientists and engineers. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Education and training KW - Electrolytes KW - Fuel cells KW - Hydrogen KW - Oxygen KW - Pollutants KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256593 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492341 TI - Measuring Highway Benefits of Major Transit Improvements AB - In order to meet the legislative requirement to measure the mobility benefits of transit improvements, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must develop a methodology to calculate the highway-travel benefits from major transit improvements. To succeed, the resulting methodology must be able to produce estimates of transit-related highway-travel benefits that are technically defensible and nationally consistent. Further, implementation of the methodology must be possible within five years so that it can contribute to the evaluation of proposed New Starts projects within a reasonable time frame. KW - Improvements KW - Methodology KW - Mobility KW - New Starts Program KW - Project management KW - Transit improvement projects KW - User benefits UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261474 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462122 TI - Google Transit Data Tool for Small Transit Agencies AB - This project will develop a tool to enter, export and host the transit data needed to participate in Google Transit, for small transit agencies to input their transit data. While mid to large size transit agencies often have the resources to provide Google Transit data feeds in accordance with the Google Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), many small transit agencies do not have the required resources to enter, export, and host the required transit data feed or do not have their data in the required format. This tool will be made available in the form of a Web application and released under an open source software license. That will provide for the resulting tool to be open and transferable. The tool is expected to be made available in two configurations. The transit users can choose which configuration best fits their needs and circumstances:(1) hosted configuration, which minimizes the equipment requirements for the transit agency user to a personal computer with Internet access; (2) local Web application installation, by the transit agency user. This Web application could be downloaded from the project Web site. The Web application architecture will be innovative as it is platform-independent (MS Windows, Linux, or others), as well as independent of which database management system (SQL Server, MySQL, or others) is used.In this configuration option, hosting of GTFS data feeds would be provided by the transit agency. This project will include Web application implementation and transit agency user application testing.Once the software design has been verified and validated, the transit agency user application will be hosted at the contractors site. The Web application will be designed to allow transit agency participants access to the user application.The product data feed out will also be available for others to use on another organizations server.The Web application will be available to others. Web-based trip planners are used in providing passenger information, which help gain and retain transit passengers. Even though Google does not charge transit agencies for the Google Transit Web-based trip planner, there is still effort and cost for transit agencies to provide GTFS data feeds to Google. Databases required to provide GTFS data feeds are typically out of reach for many small transit agencies, due to costs, training needs, or the complexity of the solution. The project results are expected to reduce the cost and effort for providing GTFS data feeds. There are numerous small transit agencies that can benefit from such a tool.Google Transit has received dozens of requests from such agencies.Small transit agencies would benefit from the proposed hosted Web application in the form of a tool to enter, export and host the transit data needed to participate in Google Transit in a way that is commensurate with small transit agency environments. The entry requirement for an interested transit agency to use the proposed Web application will be a personal computer with Internet access. The relevant transit data will be entered and managed by the transit agency user with the Web application. In a final step, the export and hosting of the transit data in accordance with the GTFS allows Google to collect the transit data for use in Google Transit. With this package, a small transit agency would have everything to make their schedule and route information available on Google Transit, Google Maps, and Google Earth.Should other online mapping organizations decide to include transit information in their products, it would be possible for them to use the GTFS feed. KW - Computers KW - Data collection KW - Data communications KW - Google (Firm) KW - Google Earth KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Software KW - Software packages KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2695 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230343 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462121 TI - TCIP Traveler Information Pilot Project AB - This project will install and field test a TCIP-based passenger information and vehicle tracking system. This project will include testing of the system at LYNX, the transit agency in Orlando, Florida, and will demonstrate TCIP interfaces in a transit agency environment. Transit Communications Interface Profiles (TCIP) is an APTA standard that provides a means to define and implement interfaces for data exchange among transit business systems. The TCIP standard was released by APTA in the latter part of 2006. To date, such TCIP interfaces have not been implemented. This project will convert proprietary vehicle tracking data to TCIP, merge the tracking data from a bus being tracked with a TCIP-based AVL solution, and use the data from both sources to provide information to passengers via an electronic sign installed at the LYNX central station. The sign will receive bus location information for display to passengers via a TCIP interface. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Lynxs (Firm) KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Tracking systems KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Vehicle tracking UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2696 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230342 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462120 TI - Flexible Carpooling to Transit Stations AB - This project will investigate a flexible carpooling service intended to increase the amount of carpooling to transit stations. Increases in carpooling to transit stations could enable increases in transit ridership and improve the effectiveness of investments in parking at transit stations. Parking at transit stations often has a high capital cost and limited opportunity for expansion because of the high value of the land around many transit stations. Transit ridership is often constrained by the amount of parking at transit stations. Traditional carpooling involves pre-arrangement and commitment to being in a particular regular carpool at a particular time.  Flexible carpooling to and from transit stations will be investigated to see if it could address some of the limits of traditional carpooling to transit stations. The flexible carpooling approach operates n a similar way as the casual carpools (San Francisco, CA) and slug-lines (Washington, DC/Northern Virginia, and Houston, TX).  These operate like a taxi stand for carpoolers, with lines of people or lines of cars, and the front people getting into the front cars to go to a predetermined destination. There is no pre-commitment, and each day each participant can decide to ride, drive, or not show up, without having to inform the rest of the participants. The flexible carpooling approach to be analyzed in this project would create a more formal system (than the casual carpooling examples), with membership, pre-screening, and tracking technology, while retaining the characteristic of no pre-arrangement. To increase the utilization of parking at a given transit station, it will be necessary to first understand the usage of that parking. This project will include: surveying travel patterns of users of selected parking facilities at transit stations owned or operated by Seattle area transit agencies, including Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, and Washington State Department of Transportation; surveying the conditions in potential flexible carpooling origin areas; choosing the optimum route for a field operating trial based on the surveys; defining a prototype flexible carpooling service; specifying a future proposed field operating trial, including budget estimates. KW - Casual carpooling KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Parking facilities KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Travel patterns UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2697 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230341 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01126875 AU - Kearney, T Scott AU - Hidalgo and DeVries, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation and Documentation of the Use of Incentives & Disincentives Regarding the Procurement of Standardized Transit Buses PY - 2009/04/02/Final Report SP - 51p AB - This report focuses on the potential use of financial incentives and disincentives in an effort to induce public transit agencies to procure transit buses using a standard set of technical and commercial specifications. The project examined what effect, if any, additional financial incentives or, conversely, financial disincentives would have on public transit agency bus procurements. The result of this project will provide the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with data it can use to determine the viability of potential funding incentives or disincentives. The primary audience for this report is the FTA, state and local transportation officials, transit bus manufacturers, and advocates of public transportation. Some of what is reported herein may already be familiar territory for many transportation professionals, but it is hoped that this report will be a useful resource when policymakers debate how to fund public transportation. KW - Disincentives KW - Financing KW - Incentives KW - Policy KW - Procurement KW - Specifications KW - Transit buses KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/887705 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490068 TI - Transit Communications Interface Profiles (TCIP) Traveler Information Pilot Project AB - The purpose of this Transit IDEA project is to install and field test a system that uses Transit Communications Interface Profiles (TCIP) to track transit vehicles, and to provide information to transit customers. The use of TCIP will allow these systems to be built and delivered more cost effectively, and will facilitate the interoperation of systems provided by different suppliers. This project will include testing of the system at LYNX, the transit agency in Orlando, Florida, and will demonstrate TCIP interfaces in a transit agency environment. TCIP is an American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standard that provides a means to define and implement interfaces for data exchange among transit business systems. The TCIP standard was released by APTA in the latter part of 2006. To date, such TCIP interfaces have not been implemented. This project will convert proprietary vehicle tracking data to TCIP, merge the tracking data from a bus being tracked with a TCIP-based automatic vehicle location (AVL) solution, and use the data from both sources to provide information to passengers via an electronic sign installed at the LYNX central station. The sign will receive bus location information for display to passengers via a TCIP interface. After the system is installed at LYNX, it will be evaluated and the results will be published in a final report. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Communication systems KW - Interfaces KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public transit KW - Tracking systems KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259615 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488638 TI - Transit Greenhouse Gas Management Compendium AB - This project supports the efforts of the Georgia Tech Research Corporation to developing a compendium of strategies and best practices for reducing transit agency emissions of greenhouse gases. A key feature of the Compendium will be its ability to help a transit agency develop and compare its current greenhouse gases (GHG) estimates against potential or proposed system improvements. The compendium will serve as a central information point, as well as a useful handbook to transit managers in planning and decision-making. Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) will partner with Georgia Tech. The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance will also be an active participant. KW - Best practices KW - Compendium KW - Greenhouse gas emission offsets KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Handbooks KW - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257615 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488637 TI - Wireless Communications with Passengers in Subterranean Environment AB - Communications in subterranean environments represent a severe challenge for transit agencies around the globe. This project supports the efforts of Drakontas LLC, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), and Drexel University to develop and deploy a wireless communications system for passengers in subterranean environments. Passengers stuck on trains in transit tunnels face uncertain issues when attempting to evacuate during emergency situations. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate various wireless technologies to assess their support of establishing real-time data communications among a transit agency's control center, a train operator, and train passengers, such that passengers receive timely and accurate information during transit events. The research will identify and evaluate potential solutions to improve wireless data communications in subterranean locations, leveraging previous work conducted by the team in this area, as well as knowledge of other best practices in transportation systems worldwide. The project will also demonstrate working prototypes of an enhanced passenger communications system guided by the results of the evaluation. KW - Hazards and emergency operations KW - Passengers KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Subterranean KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Tunnels KW - Underground structures KW - Wireless communication systems UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257614 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462147 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-08. Bus Transit Fare Collection Practices AB - Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 26: Bus Transit Fare Collection Practices documents fixed route bus fare collection practices at selected transit agencies. Survey responses about fare policy, fare collection equipment, fare disputes, and fare evasion issues, as well as customer information and the impact of financial assistance are offered.

KW - Bus transit KW - Fare collection KW - Fare evasion KW - Research projects UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1691 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230368 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462146 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-09. Passenger Counting Technologies and Procedures AB - Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 29: Passenger Counting Technologies and Procedures summarizes information from selected transit agencies about benefits and problems associated with each passenger counting technology, as reported by current users. It also presents advice for agencies considering each technology.

KW - Bus transit KW - Passenger counting KW - Procedures KW - Research projects KW - Technology UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1692 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230367 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462145 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-09A. Accessibility of Automated Fare Vending and Collection for Customers with Disabilities AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Research Results Digest 32: Accessibility of Automated Fare Vending and Collection for Customers with Disabilities identifies issues of accessibility to automated fare collection and vending machines by transit customers, examines the extent to which these issues arise, and describes solutions that have been implemented or identified as promising.

KW - Accessibility KW - Automated toll collection KW - Fare collection KW - Research projects KW - Ticket vending machines KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1693 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230366 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462144 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-10. Data Collection for Bus Planning and Monitoring AB -

Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 34: Data Analysis for Bus Planning and Monitoring reviews the state of the practice in how data are analyzed. It addresses methods used to analyze data and what computer systems are used to store and process data. It also covers accuracy issues, including measurement error, and other problems, including error in estimates.

KW - Bus transit KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Error analysis KW - Research projects KW - State of the practice UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1694 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230365 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462137 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SD-02. Rail Transit Tunnel and Underground Structures Inspection Policy and Procedures AB - Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 23: Inspection Policy and Procedures for Rail Transit Tunnels and Underground Structures describes the current state of the practice for specific management policies and procedures and engineering/physical techniques used to inspect rail transit tunnels and underground structures. It discusses the available data on, different approaches of, and potential data inadequacies for agency rail transit tunnel inspection policies and procedures and inspection techniques. KW - Policy making KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Railroad tunnels KW - Research projects KW - State of the practice KW - Subways KW - Tunnels KW - Underground structures UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1705 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230358 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462136 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SE-01. Transit Bus Service Line and Cleaning Functions AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 12: Transit Bus Service Line and Cleaning Functions provides a variety of approaches to transit bus service line and cleaning functions so transit agencies can evaluate the effectiveness of their own operations. KW - Bus transfer facilities KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Buses KW - Cleaning KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1706 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230357 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462135 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-01. Bus Occupant Safety AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 18: Bus Occupant Safety offers information on the current practices of transit agencies to reduce injuries to bus occupants during collisions and injuries to passengers while boarding, riding, and leaving the bus. KW - Boarding and alighting KW - Bus transit operations KW - Bus transportation KW - Passenger safety KW - Research projects KW - Vehicle occupants UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1707 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230356 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462134 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-02. Employee Incentive Programs to Improve Transit Performance AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 3: Employee Incentive Programs to Improve Transit Performance provides an overview of current practice in employee incentive programs. Information on incentive programs that provide a one-time payment or recognition for a particular job accomplishment are presented as gleaned from survey responses from a varied group of public transit agencies. The synthesis contains observations on establishing incentive programs in public transit agencies, information on the types of incentive programs in transit organizations, and describes samples of programs in use, as well as offering general perceptions from survey recipients. KW - Improvements KW - Incentives KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit services KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1708 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230355 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462133 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-03. Methods for Reducing Violence and Improving Transit Security AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 21: Improving Transit Security examines the nature and extent of transit crime, effective strategies to combat problem situations, and case studies of specific control practices deemed successful by transit agency professionals (with no distinctions drawn between bus and rail modes) are discussed. KW - Bus transit KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Violent crimes UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1709 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230354 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462132 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-04. Monitoring Maintenance Performance AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 22: Monitoring Bus Maintenance Performance describes current practices related to maintenance performance. The objective is to identify how maintenance performance measures drive day-to-day and strategic decisions. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Maintenance practices KW - Monitoring KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1710 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230353 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462131 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-05. Emergency Preparedness for Transit Counter Terrorism AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 27: Emergency Preparedness for Transit Terrorism provides a useful perspective on mass transit preparedness, offering information on the current practices of selected transit agencies to prevent and respond to terrorism and acts of extreme violence. This synthesis contrasts transit perspectives to those of general service police through a review of the relevant literature KW - Countermeasures KW - Counterterrorism KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Terrorism KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1711 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230352 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462130 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-06. Practices in Ensuring Employee Availability AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 33: Practices in Assuring Employee Availability presents state of the practice information about the various actions transit agencies (and other employers) have taken to help ensure the availability of quality employees in an increasingly competitive employment environment. It focuses on the practices and policies transit agencies have put in place to help minimize absenteeism at their agencies, from which other agencies may find useful applications KW - Absenteeism KW - Availability KW - Employees KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1712 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230351 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462129 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-05. Managing Transit Construction Contract Claims AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 28: Managing Transit Construction Contract Claims offers information from selected transit agencies about the underlying causes of construction disputes and practices in use today to identify and resolve them before they become formal claims. The synthesis focuses on avoidance and resolution of disputes, examines ways of settling disputes at their inception, and considers the experiences of the transit industry in the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques. KW - Construction claims KW - Construction management KW - Disputes KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1717 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230350 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462128 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-06. Paratransit Contracting and Service Delivery Methods AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 31: Paratransit Contracting and Service Delivery Methods offers information from selected transit agencies about the operational practices used to provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services and identifies factors perceived by transit personnel to have influenced the selection of service delivery methodology. It focuses on the state of the practice in paratransit contracting and service delivery methods to comply with ADA paratransit provisions. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Contracting KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1718 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230349 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462127 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SG-08. Information Technology Update for Transit AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 35: Information Technology Update for Transit is an update of TCRP Synthesis 5: Management Information Systems, and documents the transit industry's state of the practice in information and communication technologies against a contemporary background of business practice. It is organized into the basic architectural pieces that constitute an IT plan in order to provide the essential framework for the planning process. Additionally, organizational issues and policies and market trends affecting investment in and deployment of Management Information System (MIS) technology are documented. KW - Information technology KW - Management information systems KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1719 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230348 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462126 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-01. Transit-Focused Development AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 20: Transit-Focused Development offers information on a variety of municipalities' and transit agencies' attitudes toward the built environment around rail stations. Policy and implementation issues, completed and unimplemented projects are discussed. KW - Built environment KW - Policy making KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Sustainable development KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1720 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230347 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01369900 AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - South Western Regional Planning Agency TI - Danbury Branch Improvement Program. Task 7. Existing Conditions: Rail Infrastructure. FTA Alternatives Analysis/Draft Environmental Impact Statement PY - 2009/04//Draft Final Report SP - 255p AB - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has initiated a feasibility study to examine the needs of and identify potential improvements to the New Haven Line's commuter rail branch line service between Norwalk and Danbury. A Congressional earmark has provided the funding for the study, which has been divided into two phases. Phase I of the study has been completed and included the identification, review, and evaluation of a range of preliminary improvement alternatives to the branch, including electrification, addition of passing sidings, extension of service to New Milford, and track realignment modifications. The Danbury Branch Electrification Study area corridor consists of 24.2 miles of existing rail line between Norwalk and Danbury which is owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and about 14 miles of existing rail line between Danbury and New Milford, which is owned by the Danbury Terminal Railroad. The following three (3) reports represent the Phase II efforts in documenting existing conditions within the study corridor: Existing Conditions - Environmental; Existing Conditions - Transportation Operations; Existing Conditions - Rail Infrastructure. This report documents the existing conditions of the Rail Infrastructure. It summarizes existing conditions between Norwalk and New Milford as determined from a review of existing documents and from Phase II research and field investigations. Expansion of the study limits north of New Milford to Pittsfield, Massachusetts was recently added to the study scope. Conditions of the rail infrastructure North of New Milford will be added as an addendum. KW - Condition surveys KW - Connecticut KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Improvements KW - Infrastructure KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad facilities UR - http://www.danburybranchstudy.com/documents/Rail%20Infrastructure%20Report%20-%20Existing%20Conditions/01%20-%20Report%20Text_Task%207-%20Rail%20Infrastructure%20Existing%20Conditions%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138936 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01146343 AU - Thole, Cheryl AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Flynn, Jennifer AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The EmX Franklin Corridor BRT Project Evaluation PY - 2009/04//Final Report SP - 94p AB - Lane Transit District began BRT service on its Franklin Corridor EmX in January 14, 2007. The four mile long route connects downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield, the two main hubs for LTD’s system. The corridor, which has the greatest ridership of all LTD routes, also serves the University of Oregon (UO) and Sacred Heart Medical Center, which are two large markets for LTD’s services. The EmX operates in dedicated lanes along mixed traffic as well as on separated running ways and was developed with eight stops located at major destinations. Each stop has a covered shelter or kiosk and is fully ADA accessible. Seating, trash receptacles, lights, maps of LTD bus service are some of the amenities provided at each shelter. Currently there is no charge to ride the EmX. The EmX operates every day on a headway based schedule. Headways are 10 minutes, an upgrade from the former Route 11 standard bus service that served stations every 15-30 minutes. Evening and weekend headways are 15 - 20 minutes. Four EmX buses operate along the corridor during operating hours. The Rapid employs several forms of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to help in the operations and image of the system. The systems include the use of Transit Signal Priority (TSP) along the route, the Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL), Automated Passenger Counters (APC), and computer automated dispatching (CAD). KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Dispatching KW - Evaluation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Oregon KW - Passenger counting KW - Traffic signal preemption UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/assistance/research/research_10726.html UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/EmX_FranklinCorridor_BRTProjectEvaluation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/905487 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139855 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Wilmington Area Planning Council New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland: A Performance-Based Approach to Integrating Congestion Management into the Metropolitan Planning Process PY - 2009/04 SP - 6p AB - The Wilmington Area Planning Council takes an objectives-driven, performance-based approach to its metropolitan transportation planning, including paying special attention to integrating its Congestion Management Process into its planning efforts. The agency benefits even more because of its close working relationship with the region’s primary public transportation provider – making transit a true partner in the regional planning process. In keeping with this partnership, the agency uses detailed transit data as one of the performance measures it uses to define congestion and relies upon a toolbox of solutions that includes transit options. The agency closely monitors the transportation system and tracks project effectiveness, reporting annually. To date, crash data has been incorporated into its congested corridor identification process, and future steps include enhancing coordination with regional partners and improving the assessment of the true costs and benefits of transportation improvements. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Transportation Improvement Programs KW - Transportation planning KW - Wilmington (Delaware) UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09045/fhwahop09045.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900149 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139821 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Capital District Transportation Committee Albany, New York: Placing the Congestion Management Process in the Context of Metropolitan Transportation Planning Goals and Objectives PY - 2009/04 SP - 5p AB - The Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) uses a broad and integrated approach for transportation planning in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy (New York) metropolitan area. This approach encompasses issues critical to the future of the Capital District, such as land use planning, development patterns, and general quality of life and economic development issues. These concerns are reflected in the agency’s Congestion Management Process (CMP). While congestion is an important issue, the public views many other issues as more important to its quality of life. To reflect this perspective, the metropolitan transportation plan focuses transportation investments to encourage urban reinvestment, mixed use, transit-oriented development, and context sensitive design. Likewise, performance measures balance congestion mitigation with a wide range of other measures. Moreover, by linking the CMP and planning process – in terms of input, data, performance measures, and regional objectives – the CDTC is able to engage a variety of groups in the regional decisionmaking process. Thus, the CDTC is able to ensure that broader regional goals, and the greater public interest, are met. KW - Albany (New York) KW - Congestion management systems KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Sustainable development KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09043/fhwahop09043.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900143 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139791 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Metropolitan Transportation Commission San Francisco Bay Area: Developing Regional Objectives and Performance Measures to Improve System Operations PY - 2009/04 SP - 6p AB - The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) uses an objectives-driven, performance-based approach in its transportation planning for the San Francisco Bay Area. This approach focuses attention on transportation investments of highest priority. The agency assesses not only project-level performance, but also wide-ranging regional performance in relation to ambitious targets set by the agency. Projectlevel analysis using metrics defined for regional objectives results in a quantitative assessment of a project’s costs and benefits. To date, management and operations strategies, such as the agency’s Freeway Performance Initiative, have proven the most cost-effective. This type of freeway and arterial coordination can yield major benefits, though numerous challenges remain including data inconsistencies and reaching consensus on appropriate analysis tools. The agency recognizes that a range of strategies is needed to improve traffic in one of the Nation’s most congested areas. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Freeway operations KW - Public transit KW - Regional development KW - Regional transportation KW - San Francisco Bay Area KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09047/fhwahop09047.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900147 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139787 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The Denver Region Traffic Signal System Improvement Program: Planning for Management and Operations PY - 2009/04 SP - 5p AB - The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) works with over 30 local jurisdictions on the Traffic Signal System Improvement Program (TSSIP), a combination of management and operations strategies designed to time and coordinate traffic signals in the Denver region. The program is updated regularly through a collaborative planning process involving representatives from the region’s operating agencies. Each agency identifies critical needs yet understands that the focus of the program is improving signals at regionally significant arterials. The traffic signal program is identified as one of six action strategies in DRCOG’s 2035 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan to support the region’s policy of effective management and operations. It serves as a key component of DRCOG’s congestion mitigation program and funding is programmed for TSSIP through the transportation improvement program (TIP). The program has already improved operations at more than a thousand traffic signals in the region — reducing travel times, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions. Future plans include transit signal priority, expanded signal timing, and development of regional performance measures. KW - Denver Metropolitan Area KW - Highway traffic control KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic control centers KW - Traffic signal control systems KW - Transportation Improvement Programs KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel time UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09046/fhwahop09046.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900145 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139749 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Philadelphia Metropolitan Region: Planning for Congestion Management and Tracking Progress PY - 2009/04 SP - 5p AB - The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission uses a systematic process for managing traffic congestion and monitoring transportation system performance in the Philadelphia metropolitan region. Guided by an advisory team of stakeholders, the agency identifies congested corridors and sub-corridors in the region. It then determines the most appropriate multimodal strategies available to mitigate congestion and enhance mobility of people and goods. The agency tracks its progress in meeting its long-range goals through performance indicators, which it uses to evaluate what is working well in terms of minimizing congestion as well as to identify improvements the agency can make. Planned future enhancements to its process include increased focus on systems management and operations to better measure reliability, and strengthening its use of performance measures. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission KW - Monitoring KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Tracking systems KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Traffic surveillance KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09044/fhwahop09044.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900146 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139735 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Regional Concept for Transportation Operations Fosters Planning For Operations in the Tucson Metropolitan Area: Operator-Focused Planning For Operations PY - 2009/04 SP - 7p AB - The Tucson metropolitan region embarked on developing a regional concept for transportation operations (RCTO) in 2005 as part of a Federal Highway Administration demonstration initiative to advance regional collaboration for operations. The RCTO is a management tool that operators and planners use to strategically plan for improving operations in their region. Through the development of the RCTO, the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) led a group of operations participants in identifying specific objectives and performance measures for arterial management, traveler information, and work zone management. These objectives guided Tucson’s selection of management and operations strategies and the approaches for implementation. The RCTO group identified specific operations projects to be included in the PAG transportation improvement program (TIP) and funded through a half-cent transportation sales tax, which passed in 2006. KW - Highway operations KW - Regional transportation KW - Sales tax KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation Improvement Programs KW - Transportation planning KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Tucson Metropolitan Area KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09048/fhwahop09048.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900148 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135599 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Profiles of 511 Traveler Information Services Update 2009 PY - 2009/04 SP - 79p AB - This report was prepared by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation to increase public awareness, access, and knowledge of the transit content within existing 511 traveler information services. This fourth edition provides descriptive profiles of each of the forty-three 511 traveler information services in operation within the United States, as of May 2009. It also includes a listing of the Forty-Three 511 Systems: Areas of Commonality and Uniqueness—highlighting areas of information these systems share and identifying those pieces of traveler information unique to specific systems. Information was obtained directly from each 511 call-in telephone number, which can be accessed by any traveler. 511 traveler information service is an easy way to obtain travel information anywhere in the country; it helps travelers make better decisions on travel routes and modes Highlights are as follows: January 2009 usage statistics for 511 telephone services in North America reported to the 511 Deployment Coalition totaled 3,892,860 telephone calls. Forty-five (45) 511 services are available to the traveling public operating in 35 states and 2 Canadian provinces. 511 service was available to more than 150 million Americans (53%) and almost 1 million Canadians (3%). Over 133 million calls nationwide since its inception. All 43 U.S. systems have co-branded websites. Twenty –four (24) systems provide public transit information [Arizona, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky, Central Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Northeast Florida, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Sacramento/Northern California, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida, St. Louis Gateway, Tampa Bay, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, Wisconsin]. KW - 511 (National Travel Information Number) KW - Canada KW - Highway travel KW - Public transit KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/assistance/research/research_10001.html UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30800/30833/2009_-_511_PROFILES_FINAL_TEXT.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/892797 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01128378 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Modernization Study: Report to Congress PY - 2009/04 SP - 60p AB - This report assesses the level of capital investment required to attain and maintain a state of good repair (SGR) for the Nation’s seven largest rail transit operators. The study estimates the total value of the existing backlog of over-age assets at these agencies. It also considers reinvestment needs within the context of past levels of Federal funding support as well as potential changes to the current Federal program. In summary, the Rail Modernization Study finds that more than one-third of agencies’ assets are either in marginal or poor condition, indicating that these assets are near or have already exceeded their expected useful life. Assuming assets are permitted to remain in service beyond their expected useful life for a limited time (a realistic assumption based on current agency practices), there is an estimated SGR backlog of roughly $50 billion (2008 dollars) for the agencies under consideration. The study also finds that, between 1991 and 2009, although the actual dollar amount of capital funding from Federal sources to the seven agencies increased, their share of Fixed Guideway Modernization funds—to “old rail cities” in particular—actually declined as new fixed guideway systems, such as busways and HOV lanes, entered the program. In addition, the study examined the seven agencies’ current utilization of asset management practices. Such practices are intended to help organizations with large infrastructure holdings to more efficiently manage their reinvestment needs. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) found that, while all seven agencies maintain comprehensive asset inventories for capital planning purposes, other asset management practices are lacking. Based on the report’s analysis, the Rail Modernization Study offers four options that Congress and FTA may wish to consider: (1) Modification to the existing fixed guideway modernization fund formula; (2) Implementation of a temporary funding source designed to eliminate the existing SGR backlog; (3) Technical support for asset management; and (4) Capital asset reporting. KW - Asset management KW - Capital investments KW - Chicago Transit Authority KW - Federal aid KW - Light rail transit KW - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority KW - Modernization KW - New Jersey Transit KW - New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Rapid transit KW - San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District KW - Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority KW - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Rail_Mod_Final_Report_4-27-09.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/888857 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486706 TI - Nanostructured Catalysts for Fuel Cells AB - The Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies (CAVT) at The University of Alabama (UA) is developing new nanostructured catalysts specifically for hydrogen production and fuel cells. The research is conducted with sophisticated equipment. The bulk of the funding requested will be used to purchase equipment for catalysis research. KW - Catalysts KW - Fuel cells KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Nanostructured materials KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256432 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489226 TI - Public Private Partnerships Pilot AB - No summary provided. KW - Pilot studies KW - Public private partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258245 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489219 TI - Planning and Environmental Oversight AB - No summary provided. KW - Environmental protection KW - Oversight KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258238 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01494908 TI - Comparative Emissions Database AB - The Comparative Emissions DataBase (CEDB) web interface was created by Aerodyne Research, Inc. (ARI) under the direction and funding of the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration. The objective of this web tool is to facilitate application of the extensive data available in the CEDB, for comparing the potential environmental impact (especially for climate change) of moving passengers and freight via various transportation modes. The CEDB incorporates data from various sources - including measurements by ARI using novel high resolution instruments invented at ARI, as well as other research data available in the scientific literature - and covers air, road, rail and marine transportation modes. Other data sources include certification sources (e.g. EPA certification data). KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Climate change KW - Databases KW - Environmental impact analysis KW - Environmental impacts KW - Pollutants KW - Transportation modes UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1264142 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489222 TI - FTA's Urban Maglev Program AB - This project will provide program management support in monitoring the activities of California University of Pennsylvania and their team, General Atomics. In addition, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) will conduct research on the use of carbon-fiber reinforced materials. KW - Carbon fibers KW - Fiber reinforced materials KW - Magnetic levitation vehicles KW - Monitoring KW - Railroad trains KW - Railroad travel KW - Urban transit UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258241 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01526341 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Recommended Best Practices for States Conducting Three-Year Safety Review PY - 2009/03//Revision 1 SP - 54p AB - On April 29, 2005, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published its revised 49 CFR Part 659, Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight final rule in the Federal Register. The revised rule, which went into effect on May 1, 2006, contains provisions that direct each State Safety Oversight (SSO) agency to conduct an on-site review, at least once every three years, at each rail transit agency (RTA) in its jurisdiction. The purpose of this review is to assess the RTA’s implementation of its System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and to determine whether it is effective and whether it should be updated. FTA developed this recommended best practice to help SSO agencies perform more thorough reviews of the RTAs in their jurisdictions. This resource provides verification activities to assess the RTA’s effective implementation of each required SSPP element. This document also offers recommendations for making findings and requiring corrective action. KW - Best practices KW - Implementation KW - Rail transit KW - Recommendations KW - State Safety Oversight program KW - System safety KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/SSO_Three_Year_Review_RBP_3-26-09-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1308700 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488633 TI - Rail Transit Passenger Protection AB - This cooperative agreement supports the research objective of Wichita State University to identify the injury mechanisms to light rail vehicle (LRV) passengers, and to propose future areas of research that will lay the foundations necessary to generate transit rail vehicle interior design guidelines that enhance the level of safety to passengers during collisions. Statistically, light rail systems have higher injury rates on a per passenger-mile basis than heavy rail and commuter rail, because light rail transit systems in most cities operate on city streets with at-grade crossings. Occupant safety is dependent on the configuration and severity of the accident, as well as the degree of crashworthiness engineered in the overall vehicle design. KW - Crash injuries KW - Crashes KW - Injury rates KW - Light rail transit KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Passenger safety KW - Passenger transportation KW - Public transit KW - Transit line configuration KW - Vehicle design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257610 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01142077 AU - Curtin, Sandra E AU - Jerram, Lisa C AU - Justice, Lauren C AU - Center for Transportation and the Environment AU - Breakthrough Technologies Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Report on Hydrogen Bus Demonstrations Worldwide, 2002-2007 PY - 2009/03//Final Report SP - 57p AB - Between 2002 and 2007 more than 20 cities in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and Australia have demonstrated buses powered by fuel cells or hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, as well as a variety of fueling and related technologies. The project team used a method of in-depth targeted interviews to gather insight from key participants in these hydrogen bus demonstration projects. The resulting report analyzes lessons learned from the demonstrations, identifies key remaining challenges for introduction of the technology, and suggests potential roles for government in supporting commercialization of fuel cell buses. KW - Buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Surveys KW - Transit riders UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30600/30690/Fuel_Cell_Bus_Report_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/902401 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01132447 AU - Adair, Kim AU - Allen, Todd AU - Paducah Area Transit System AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Demonstration of Enhanced Human Service Transportation Models: Phase 1 - System Development and Design: The Purchase Area Regional Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) PY - 2009/03//Final Report SP - 62p AB - This report provides a comprehensive review of the policy, operational, and technical design and development of the Purchase Area Transportation Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for western Kentucky. The Purchase Area TMCC will facilitate simplified consumer access to transportation and human service information and referral services in the eight county region. This report specifically addresses information documented in the planning and development of the TMCC and in preparation of the Federal Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) project deliverables, including the technical Concept of Operations; System Requirements; Review of the region’s ITS Architecture; System Design; and Project Implementation Schedule. KW - Access KW - Concept of operations KW - Human service transportation KW - Information services KW - Kentucky KW - Mobility Services for All Americans Initiative KW - Regional ITS architecture KW - System design KW - System requirements KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30800/30863/Paducah_MSAA_Final_Report_-_Revised_FINAL_03_23_09.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/892815 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01129905 AU - Hoopengardner, Roger AU - Keever, David AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Low-Speed Urban Maglev Research Program – Lessons Learned PY - 2009/03//Final Report SP - 55p AB - In 1999, the Federal Transit Administration initiated the Low-Speed Urban Magnetic Levitation (UML) Program to develop magnetic levitation technology that offers a cost effective, reliable, and environmentally sound transit option for urban mass transportation in the United States. Maglev is an innovative approach for transportation in which trains are supported by magnetic forces without any wheels contacting the rail surfaces. Maglev promises several attractive benefits including the ability to operate in challenging terrain with steep grades, tight turns, all weather operation, low maintenance, rapid acceleration, quiet operation, and superior ride quality, among others. This UML program is nearing completion and government program executives and managers desire a program review with an emphasis on lessons learned. The lessons learned in this report have been captured through a multi-faceted assessment of general project impressions, project execution, project conclusions and deliverables, project team performance, stakeholder participation, risk management, and project communications. The assessments are drawn from project documentation, discussions with the performing teams, and direct experience with the five UML projects. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Lessons learned KW - Magnetic levitation KW - Magnetic levitation vehicles KW - Program review KW - Research KW - Technological innovations KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_LowSpeedMaglev_LessonsLearned.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30800/30802/fta_dc_267260.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/890144 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01129297 AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Flynn, Jennifer AU - McCourt, Mark AU - Reyes, Taylor AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Redhill Group, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Quantifying the Importance of Image and Perception to Bus Rapid Transit PY - 2009/03 SP - 103p AB - This study was designed to quantify the importance of image and perception to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), by identifying the different underlying tangible and intangible factors that drive any perceived differences between BRT and other forms of rapid transit. “Tangible” service attributes refer to those that are functional and objectively quantifiable, whereas attributes that are abstract, subjective, and more difficult to measure and quantify are termed “intangible.” Los Angeles was chosen as the study location because it features a wide range of rapid transit modes, including “BRT-Lite” (Metro Rapid), “Full-Service” BRT (Metro Orange Line), Light Rail Transit (Gold Line and Blue Line) and Heavy Rail Transit (Red Line). A series of focus groups was conducted in late 2007, followed in 2008 with an attitudinal survey of 2,400 transit users and non-users in the Los Angeles area. Survey data analysis showed that statistically significant differences existed in the overall ratings achieved by the alternative transit modes, which were separated into four different tiers (ordered in terms of lowest to highest overall rating): Tier 1: Local bus service; Tier 2: Metro Rapid and Blue Line LRT; Tier 3: Orange Line and the Gold Line; Tier 4: Red Line HRT. These overall ratings were compared against the level of investment associated with each mode, defined in terms of capital cost per mile. Given that the investment level associated with the Metro Rapid is much closer to that of the local bus than to any of the other modes, it was concluded that the Metro Rapid performs remarkably well in terms of overall rating achieved per dollar of investment, and therefore represents a very cost effective form of BRT. The Orange Line BRT also performed well in terms of overall rating achieved per dollar of investment, though not to the dramatic level associated with the Metro Rapid. It was found that intangible service attributes have a significant influence on modal perceptions - the Gold Line LRT and Orange Line BRT both achieved higher overall ratings than the Blue Line LRT due to higher ratings on key intangible attributes like safety while riding, safety while at the station, and other riders that use the service. It was hypothesized that these differences in intangible attribute ratings were related to the issue of urban context, and it appears that the urban area through which a rapid transit service runs has a larger impact on overall perceptions than whether it is based on bus or rail technology. Overall, these findings showed that BRT (even in its lower investment forms) can compete with rail-based transit (at least in the perception of the general public) in return for lower capital cost investments. The question of whether these perceptions translate into similar levels of ridership attraction is a topic for further research. KW - Attitudes KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Focus groups KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Market research KW - Public image KW - Surveys KW - Transit riders KW - Traveler perception UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/NBRTI%20-%20BRT%20Image%20Study%20-%20March%202009_Final%20Draft.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/889573 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01127174 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Sutherland, Pamela AU - Eldredge, Donald AU - Battelle AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Sensitive Security Information (SSI): Designation, Markings, and Control: Resource Document for Transit Agencies PY - 2009/03 SP - 31p AB - This document includes resource information for identification and handling of information pertaining to transit systems and transit operations whose dissemination should be controlled and protected for security reasons through the use of designating this information as Sensitive Security Information (SSI). The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has based the guidance in this document on the regulations in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 15 and 1520. Its purpose is to help transit agencies prevent the unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of SSI while preserving the public’s “right to know” about transit systems and operations. KW - Guidelines KW - Information dissemination KW - Information management KW - Security KW - Sensitive security information KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States Code. Title 49. Part 15 KW - United States Code. Title 49. Part 1520 UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Final_FTA_SSI_%28072009%29_revised.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/887844 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01127133 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Recommended Best Practices for States Conducting Three-Year Safety Reviews PY - 2009/03//Revision 1 SP - 54p AB - On April 29, 2005, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published its revised 49 CFR Part 659, Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight final rule in the Federal Register. The revised rule, which went into effect on May 1, 2006, contains provisions that direct each State Safety Oversight (SSO) agency to conduct an on-site review, at least once every three (3) years, at each rail transit agency (RTA) in its jurisdiction. The purpose of this review is to assess the RTA’s implementation of its System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and to determine whether it is effective and whether it should be updated. FTA developed this recommended best practice to help SSO agencies perform more thorough reviews of the RTAs in their jurisdictions. This resource provides verification activities to assess the RTA’s effective implementation of each required SSPP element. This document also offers recommendations for making findings and requiring corrective action. In using this document, SSO agencies select the activities that will be most beneficial to effective implementation of their programs, and are encouraged to look beyond the typical document review and interview formats that have historically been employed to conduct Three-Year Safety Reviews. FTA believes that through the verification activities and processes provided in this document, SSO agencies can greatly strengthen the effectiveness of their oversight programs. This document also serves to demonstrate FTA’s ongoing commitment to providing SSO agencies and RTAs with the technical assistance and resources required to fully implement and administer effective SSO programs and the requirements of Part 659. KW - Best practices KW - Guideways KW - Oversight KW - Rail transit KW - Safety KW - Safety oversight systems KW - States KW - System safety KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit safety KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States Code. Title 49. Part 659 UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/safety/Best_Practices_Three_Year_Reviews/pdf/SSO%20Three%20Year%20Review%20RBP%203-26-09-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/887787 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01124558 AU - Curtin, Sandra E AU - Jerram, Lisa Callaghan AU - Justice, Lauren C AU - Center for Transportation and the Environment AU - Breakthrough Technologies Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Report on Worldwide Hydrogen Bus Demonstrations, 2002-2007 PY - 2009/03//Final Report SP - 57p AB - Between 2002 and 2007 more than 20 cities in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and Australia have demonstrated buses powered by fuel cells or hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, as well as a variety of fueling and related technologies. The project team used a method of in-depth targeted interviews to gather insight from key participants in these hydrogen bus demonstration projects. The resulting report analyzes lessons learned from the demonstrations, identifies key remaining challenges for introduction of the technology, and suggests potential roles for government in supporting commercialization of fuel cell buses. KW - Australia KW - China KW - Commercialization KW - Demonstration projects KW - Europe KW - Fuel cells KW - Government funding KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Interviewing KW - Japan KW - Lessons learned KW - Surveys KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ReportOnWorldwideHydrogenBusDemonstrations_2002to2007.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30600/30690/Fuel_Cell_Bus_Report_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/885822 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488600 TI - National Research Program AB - This project is designed to identify the scope of the problem of suicides that occur on commuter and subway transportation systems' rights of way in the United States. The project aims to quantify the number of suicide deaths on the commuter rail and subway systems, to develop a plan for conducting a Causal Analysis of the psychological and physical characteristics of railway-related suicides; to conduct preliminary Causal Analysis research; and to lay the groundwork for a longer-term, more in-depth project that will include development and pilot testing of proposed prevention measures. KW - Causal factors KW - Fatalities KW - Pilot studies KW - Prevention KW - Rail transit stations KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Subway stations KW - Suicide UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257577 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489278 TI - Enhanced Human Services Transportation Model AB - No summary provided. KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Human service transportation KW - Human services KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258295 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489227 TI - MSAA TMCC Demonstration - Phase II: Camden County AB - No summary provided. KW - Coordination KW - Demonstration projects KW - Mobility KW - Mobility Services for All Americans Initiative KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258246 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486711 TI - Missouri Biodiesel Mass Transit Demonstration AB - The Biodiesel demonstration project will be carried out with participation of the Missouri Soybean Association, the National Biodiesel Board, Metro St. Louis, MO and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. Transit Authorities will operate transit buses using biodiesel fuel over a one-year period during which data on bus operating characteristics will be collected. The overall goal of this project is to facilitate biodiesel use by urban transit agencies. The program is designed to address four tasks: (1) long-term durability engine tests; (2) implementation of "field use" of B20 transit vehicles for a period of one year; (3) identification of methods to reduce logistic and transportation costs associated with the use of biodiesel by transit agencies; and (4) identification of policies or regulations that can be met utilizing biodiesel. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Bus transit operations KW - Logistics KW - Operating costs KW - Policy analysis KW - Urban transit UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256437 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462433 TI - Fuel Purchasing Strategies for Public Transit Agencies AB - Transit agencies in America have experienced an increase in fuel prices of approximately 166% over the past four years. This continued trend is limiting their ability to provide the essential services that are required to serve passengers. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop purchasing strategies that will permit the agencies to deal effectively with the changes in the fuel market. The increase in fuel prices has affected the way that transit agencies conduct business. This increase has negatively impacted their budget and limited their resources for expansion. Consequently this has delayed their ability to perform service improvements, and capital improvements. The increase in fuel prices has a direct impact on their fuel budget as well as an indirect impact on the purchase of all petroleum- based products. Additionally, it increases the cost of all purchases that have transportation components associated with them. As a result of the increase in fuel, residents across America are depending more on public transportation. This dependency increases the demand for service which creates an increasing need for transit service expansion. As these demands increase, the cost of transportation increases, and the cost of maintaining an infrastructure increases simultaneously. The ability for a transit agency to increase revenues is limited. A main revenue source is fares, and without the ability of expanding services or frequency due to budget constraints, this source is restricted. Other options are to increase fares and reduce service. This is not a positive solution for a market that is demanding an increase of service. Another concern from rising gasoline prices is that there has been a decline by the general population in driving, and thus a decline in fuel purchasing and sales taxes revenues that are per-gallon based and that are dedicated to transit. The end result is that there will be less revenue for the transit property, further straining the limited revenues to meet the rise in passenger volume and expectations. Therefore, it is critical for transit agencies to implement different strategies such as using future contracts, derivates, swap strategies, spot market, joint purchasing, etc.). Strategies should take into account the size of the agencies and which strategies work best for agencies of different sizes, with different funding sources, and have limitations imposed by federal, state and local governments. The objective of this research is to develop and evaluate different fuel purchasing strategies that will benefit public transportation agencies as fuel prices continue to increase, hindering their ability to perform their basic function of transporting passengers and inhibiting their ability to expand service in a market that is expanding. 
 
KW - Fuel consumption KW - Fuel storage KW - Fuels KW - Operating revenues KW - Public transit KW - Purchasing KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2615 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230654 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489266 TI - Florida Center for Intermodal Transportation Safety & Security AB - This project supports the continuing efforts of the State University System of Florida in the establishment of the Center for Intermodal Transportation Safety & Security. The Center is designed to address the potential threats of terrorism affecting the safety and general economic welfare of Florida's population and its transportation-based infrastructure. A real-time simulation system will be established for creating computer-based digital visualizations of transit systems, railroads, seaports, and airports for the purpose of planning, engineering, management and security activities, using 3-D and 4-D modeling and simulation. The Center's primary mission is to support initiatives by the state to protect and encourage the economic vitality of Florida by preventing both terrorism and transportation gridlock. KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Florida KW - Infrastructure KW - Intermodal terminals KW - Real time information KW - Safety and security KW - Terrorism UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258283 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489234 TI - Mobility Services for All Americans: Travel Management Coordination Center--Phase 2 Project Management Plan AB - The objective of this project is to enable the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG) to assist in the development and deployment of a Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) as part of the United We Ride (UWR) and Mobility Services for All Americana (MSAA) Initiative--Phase 2. The expected results from this phase of the initiative is to have three replicable and scalable TMCCs that will demonstrate enhanced human service transportation across a variety of operational environments and scenarios. KW - Human service transportation KW - Mobility KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Traffic control centers KW - Travel demand management KW - United We Ride UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258253 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489208 TI - Center for Advanced Transportation Initiatives AB - This cooperative agreement supports Rutgers University's transportation research, education, and workforce training programs. Under this effort, the Center for Advanced Transportation Initiatives will advance four objectives: (1) Further expand and enhance the university's transportation-related research and educational portfolio; (2) Advance regional awareness of transportation issues and opportunities; (3) Address local and regional transportation challenges that are in line with the federal government's priorities; and (4) Address high-risk/high reward type projects of interest to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). KW - Cooperative agreements KW - Education and training methods KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Research KW - Research projects KW - Risk analysis UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258227 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464252 TI - Quick Response for Special Needs. Task 12. Ramp Incident Data from Selected Large and Medium Hub Airports AB -

This task intends to survey a statistically meaningful volume of large and medium hub airports to collect data on ramp incidents from both the airport and airlines. This effort is intended to result in a database (Access or Excel) that will be made available to the airport industry. No separate report on the data will be developed.

 

KW - Airport operations KW - Airport ramp accidents KW - Airport ramp operations KW - Airport terminals KW - Airports KW - Databases KW - Hubs KW - Incident detection KW - Research projects UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2691 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232481 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461974 TI - Florid'a Center for Intermodal Transportation Safety & Security AB - This project supports the continuing efforts of the State University System of Florida in the establishment of the Center for Intermodal Transportation Safety & Security. The Center is designed to address the potential threats of terrorism affecting the safety and general economic welfare of Florida's population and its transportation-based infrastructure. A real-time simulation system will be established for creating computer-based digital visualizations of transit systems, railroads, seaports, and airports for the purpose of planning, engineering, management and security activities, using 3-D and 4-D modeling and simulation. The Center's primary mission is to support initiatives by the state to protect and encourage the economic vitality of Florida by preventing both terrorism and transportation gridlock. KW - Air transportation KW - Florida KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Real time information KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Simulation KW - Transportation safety KW - Water transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230194 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456909 AU - Tadros, Maher K AU - Morcous, George AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Application of Ultra-High Performance Concrete to Bridge Girders PY - 2009/02//Final Report SP - 86p AB - Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a new class of concrete that has superior performance characteristics compared to conventional concrete. The enhanced strength and durability properties of UHPC are mainly due to optimized particle gradation that produces a very tightly packed mix, extremely low water to powder ratio, and use of steel fibers. The unique strength and durability properties of UHPC make it an attractive material for precast prestressed bridge girder construction. However, commercial UHPC mixes currently available in the U.S. market cost about 10 times the cost of conventional concrete mixes, in addition to the need for special mixing and curing procedures that are not convenient to most precasters. The general objective of this project is to promote the use of UHPC in bridge construction. The specific objectives include: 1) review the various UHPC mixes developed in North America, Europe, and Japan and compare them in terms of economics and performance characteristics; 2) develop non-proprietary UHPC mix that are optimized in terms of the total cost of production while providing a final compressive strength of at least 18 ksi; 3) evaluate the mechanical properties of the developed mixes; and 4) investigate the application of the developed mixes to standard precast prestressed concrete bridge I-girders. The developed mixes consist of type III cement, fine sand, class C fly ash, silica fume, high range water reducer, and water. Steel fibers are eliminated due to their high cost and Grade 80 ksi welded wire reinforcement (WWR) is used instead to substitute for the loss in the tensile/shear capacity. The results of the laboratory tests and the full-scale girder tests indicated that the developed mixes are attainable using practical and affordable mixing and curing procedures and their mechanical properties are superior to those of the mixes currently used in Nebraska. KW - Bridge construction KW - Concrete bridges KW - Costs KW - Girders KW - Laboratory tests KW - Mechanical loads KW - Nebraska KW - Precast concrete KW - Prefabricated bridges KW - Ultra high performance concrete UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224014 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01129628 AU - Hinebaugh, Dennis AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit For Decision-Making PY - 2009/02 SP - 412p AB - The Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit for Decision-Making (CBRT) report was prepared to provide transportation planners and decision makers with basic information and data to support the development and evaluation of bus rapid transit concepts as one of many options during alternatives analyses and subsequent project planning. This report provides information on BRT systems in a single, easy to use reference tool for transportation planners in selecting from the large array of BRT elements and integrating them into comprehensive systems. The CBRT report explores BRT through a progression of three different perspectives. First, seven major elements of BRT are presented along with their respective features and attributes. Second, the BRT elements are related to attributes of system performance. Finally, the benefits of BRT systems are discussed. This order of the discussion suggests the relationship between BRT elements, system performance and system benefits. BRT systems are constructed by choosing and integrating among BRT elements. The integration of elements improves system performance and improves the experience for customers. Improvements to system performance (in combination with features of BRT elements) generate benefits to transit agencies and communities. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Decision making KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/CBRT_2009_Update.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/889597 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01159849 AU - Hairr, Mark E AU - Bailey, J Ronald AU - University of Tennessee, Chattanooga AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Advanced Technologies for Transportation Research Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga PY - 2009/01/30/Final Report SP - 106p AB - This report documents the results of the research program completed by the Advanced Technologies for Transportation Research Program (ATTRP) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) under Federal Transit Administration Cooperative Agreement TN-26-7031-01. Research activities included providing technical assistance to a wide range of organizations; preparation of technical reports on advanced transit vehicle technologies and energy storage systems for three agencies; participation in leadership roles in the industry through service on the FTA Electric Drive Strategic Plan Steering Committee and acting as Editor-in-Chief for the World Electric Vehicle Journal Volume 2; support of the industry through the dissemination of research results at conferences, seminars and symposia; recommissioning and upgrading a unique and valuable resource in the Advanced Vehicle Test Facility (AVTF) located in Chattanooga, Tennessee; completion of a comprehensive campus transit plan for UTC; deployment of a Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) system in conjunction with the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA); preparation of a DMS Dual Power Engineering Analysis; and development, testing and demonstration of a Data Acquisition System (DAS) for electric and hybrid-electric buses. KW - Advanced Vehicle Test Facility (Chattanooga, Tennessee) KW - Campus transportation KW - Data collection KW - Diesel electric buses KW - Electric buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Energy storage systems KW - Information dissemination KW - Research KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit vehicles KW - University of Tennessee KW - Variable message signs UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ATTRP_TN-26-7031-01_Final_Report_1-30-09_REV.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/920343 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139284 AU - Bassham, Lynnda AU - Luttrull, Dana AU - Lower Savannah Council of Governments AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - United We Ride/Mobility Services for All Americans Joint Demonstration Phase One – System Planning and Design PY - 2009/01/19/Final Report SP - 56p AB - This report details a review of the process of designing a travel management coordination center in the Lower Savannah Region (Aiken), South Carolina. Lower Savannah Council of Governments of Aiken was awarded a planning grant as one of eight sites selected nationally for a USDOT Mobility Services for All Americans demonstration project to develop a system design process and design document for a regional Travel Management and Coordination Center (TMCC). The system design was to emphasize the important role transportation coordination among human service agencies and providers would play, as well as the important role played by Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The Lower Savannah Regional TMCC model provides the consumer with access not only to improved transportation options, but also access to comprehensive human service program information, referral and assistance by merging the functions of a TMCC with an existing Aging & Disability Resource Center. KW - Coordination KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Regional transportation KW - Social service agencies KW - System design KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/LSCOG_PhaseI_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/898918 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492346 TI - Identify Practical Lessons Learned from Public-Private Partnership Initiatives in Foreign Countries AB - Funding is provided to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to modify an existing contract for the purpose of conducting a review of foreign public-private partnerships (PPPs) to identify advantages and disadvantages of PPPs for transit projects. FTA will review certain existing and new transit system PPPs implemented in other countries around the world. The contractor will prepare a detailed report describing each of the PPPs that it reviewed. The report will include descriptions of the projects, the overall governance structures of the PPPs, the partnership structures of the PPPs, significant issues that emerged during the course of the PPPs, and the factors that made the PPPs a success. The report will be an educational resource for transit agencies in the United States considering similar approaches. KW - Countries KW - Foreign KW - Implementation KW - Infrastructure KW - Lessons learned KW - Project management KW - Public private partnerships KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261479 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489283 TI - Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus AB - This project will: (1) Deploy a Wayside Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) Charging System at the University of Kansas; (2) Demonstrate Hydrogen-Powered, Battery-Centric, Hybrid Shuttle Bus in Partnership with CARTA, UTK and KAT;  (3) Assist with Capital Equipment for Emory University Electric Vehicle Program; and (4) Provide Support for a Dedicated Hybrid Transit Vehicle Technician to Ensure Sustainability of the Sevierville Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program. KW - Buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Wayside electrical distribution UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/research UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258300 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486820 TI - Biodiesel Hybrid/Electric Bus Research Program AB - This cooperative agreement supports the efforts of the University of Alabama to develop a Biodiesel Hybrid/Electric Bus Research Program at its Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies. The project activities include: (1) Establishment of an emissions testing facility capable of making detailed measurements of engine performance, fuel economy, and pollutant emissions at conditions typical of urban and suburban transit routes; (2) Acquiring a broad data set of performance and emissions of diesel engines fueled with conventional and Biodiesel fuels at speed and load conditions typical of urban and suburban transit routes, either for a conventional diesel-only powertrain or diesel-electric motor hybrid electric powertrain; and (3) Development of a detailed computational simulation of a hybrid electric powertrain that will allow the integration of the experimental data so that highly accurate predictions of hybrid bus performance and emissions can be made. The main benefits of this biodiesel/electric bus will be to the environment and to the transit rider, namely substantial savings in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a smoother, more comfortable ride. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Bus transportation KW - Buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Research projects UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256606 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462073 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center AB - The objective of this project is to support the efforts of Camden County Workforce Investment Board (Board) to develop a replicable and scalable Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC), as part of the United We Ride and Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) Initiative---Phase II. With its background in human service outreach, strong stakeholder involvement, and utilizing intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies, the Board will develop a more fully coordinated system of transportation that would create efficiencies for both riders and providers-the TMCC. Thus, the TMCC will increase access for all transportation disadvantaged customers to all local and regional modes of transportation, ranging from State transit agency (NJ Transit) to community and faith-based organizations, and local municipal and county operators. KW - Camden (New Jersey) KW - Coordination KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobility KW - Mode choice KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Transit operators KW - Travel Management Coordination Center KW - United We Ride UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230293 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01616968 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - American Public Transportation Association TI - Workshop Report - Executive Summary, First French-American Workshop, Public Transportation & Innovative Financing PY - 2009///Final Report SP - 242p AB - The Federal Transit Administration of the United States Department of Transportation, the French Trade Office of the French Embassy in the United States, and the French Ministry for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development, and Land Planning held a workshop on how to use private investment and innovative financing to develop effective mass transit systems from July 6th to July 8th, 2008. This first France/USA Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) conference took place in Lyon and St. Etienne, France. Sessions at the two-day workshop explored the methods of the new PPP wave through examples. They addressed financial engineering, contract management, risk allocation, and tasks to assign to private partners, discussing PPP projects current and past in France and the U.S. The goal was to prepare all participants to expand the traditional role of the private marketplace to achieve a better value for taxpayers. It helped transit managers better understand how PPPs can be an effective mechanism to provide new transit services in an era when demand exceeds the financial capacity of local and state governments and the federal government. The forum deepened understanding of both what the private sector can provide and what the public expects of transit managers. Workshop presentations are summarized in this report. KW - Contract administration KW - Financing KW - France KW - Investments KW - Public private partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Risk management KW - Transportation planning KW - United States KW - Workshops UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/DOC_06480.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1428264 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01335394 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - International Public Transportation Program Strategic Plan PY - 2009 SP - 40p AB - The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA's) International Program plays a vital role in providing the international outreach necessary to support America’s movement toward a new public transportation future for the 21st century. Authorized by the June 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the FTA International Public Transportation Program (IPTP) helps the U.S. transit industry access international markets and furthers the improvement of U.S. transit by highlighting international innovations. The IPTP supports the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) strategic international goals of promoting international access and involvement for U.S. transportation industries, sharing data and technology, promoting harmonization of transportation standards, and providing technical assistance. The premier goal of the IPTP is to make the U.S. transit industry more globally competitive. Determined by the current needs of the transit industry both in the U.S. and abroad, the priorities of the nation and the Administration, new developments in technology, and the FTA and U.S. DOT strategic goals, the activities of the program are supported by four strategic areas: Trade Promotion, Technology Transfer, Human Capacity Building, and International Accessibility Outreach. KW - Accessibility KW - Barrier free design KW - Competition KW - Globalization KW - International Public Transportation Program (Federal Transit Administration) KW - International trade KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Technological innovations KW - Technology transfer KW - Training KW - Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century KW - U.S. Department of Transportation KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/IPTPStrategicPlan.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1098700 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01162215 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee, alternatives analysis : environmental impact statement PY - 2009///Volumes held: Draft KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Wisconsin UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/923201 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01155098 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Rail Safety Statistics Report PY - 2009 SP - 38p AB - This paper presents an analysis of safety data reported by state safety oversight agencies and rail transit agencies for the years 2003 – 2008. In calendar year 2008, the rail transit industry provided over 18.5 billion passenger miles, a 5% increase from 2007 service numbers. Growth in ridership at the rail transit agencies in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) State Safety Oversight Program far outpaces other modes of transportation. In spite of this high level of passenger service, rail transit remains among the safest modes of transportation in the United States. Yet accidents do occur on rail transit systems and their impacts are tragic. During calendar year 2008, 992 accidents occurred that met FTA accident reporting thresholds. These accidents resulted in 37 fatalities and 677 injuries (excluding suicide and trespasser fatalities). By standardizing safety data, 2008 numbers can be compared to the averages of the previous five years. An examination of this data provided the following results: (1) The accident rate increased 61%; (2) The fatality rate increased 5%; (3) The injury rate increased 25%. KW - Crash data KW - Fatalities KW - Injuries KW - Rail transit KW - Statistics KW - Transit crashes KW - Transit safety UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/RailSafety/Rail_Safety_Statistics_Report_2009-FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/915782 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153604 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking PY - 2009 SP - 36p AB - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) created this guide to help you understand how transportation decisions are made at the local, State, and national levels and how you can take advantage of the opportunities provided to contribute your ideas. Topics covered include the following: how the decision making starts; the basics of transportation decision making; the government and transportation decision making; transportation plans and programs; putting the plans in place; funding transportation projects; communities and the environment in transportation planning; your role in the planning process; the goals of project development and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process; documenting decisions; and your role in project development. KW - Communities KW - Decision making KW - Documentation KW - Financing KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 KW - Project development KW - Project development process KW - Public participation KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation projects UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/decisionmaking/decisionmaking.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914941 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150554 AU - Thole, C AU - Cain, A AU - Flynn, J AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - EmX Franklin Corridor: BRT Project Evaluation PY - 2009 SP - 94p AB - Since 1996 Lane Transit District (LTD) actively pursued the development of a bus rapid transit (BRT) system. As part of the update process of TransPlan, a 20-year government plan to spend $1.53 billion on the transportation system of the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, BRT became an important piece in the analysis of how to meet statewide transportation goals, and in 1998 it was determined that the BRT system would be provided for the Eugene/Springfield area. The EmX (Emerald Express), as the BRT system was named, would operate along the Franklin Corridor and was planned to be comparable to light rail system by providing comparable speed, convenience, and comfort. Final adoption of the project was made by the LTD Board, Eugene and Springfield City Councils, and the Lane County Commission. KW - Accessibility KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Highway operations KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Oregon KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Ridership KW - Traffic control KW - Transportation system management UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/EmX_FranklinCorridor_BRTProjectEvaluation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912588 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01142493 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Highlights of the Federal Transit Administration's Impact on Public Transportation in the United States PY - 2009 SP - 24p AB - The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA's) capital investments in rail, bus, and other public transportation systems over the last 25 years have been vitally important to the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, small- and mid-sized cities, and rural communities that previously lacked any transit options. These systems create links among home, school, work, recreational areas, and other important destinations. KW - Bus transportation KW - Capital investments KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FtaImpactBookZ.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/902727 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139240 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Guide the Ride – Smart Moves Regional Transit Vision: Public Transportation Participation Pilot Program PY - 2009///Final Evaluation Report SP - n.p. AB - The Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Planning & Environment released this final evaluation report. The evaluation goal was to analyze the effectiveness and value of public engagement activities (associated with Smart Moves Regional Transit Vision) as measured by “levels of involvement, content, and costs associated with each activity.” The Smart Moves project sought to advance the state of the art in public participation by testing the effectiveness of plugging into an existing regional citizen engagement network and Website to solicit input on public transportation issues. Guide the Ride participation process was designed not only to involve Kansas City area citizens but also to provide opportunities for coordination between area cities and major transit agencies like the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), Unified Government Transit, and Johnson County Transit. The participation efforts provided input for the Mid-America Regional Council’s (MARC) update of the region’s vision for public transportation called Smart Moves: Regional Transit Vision. KW - Kansas City (Missouri) KW - Pilot studies KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/898916 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01138274 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Annual Report on Funding Recommendations, Fiscal Year 2010. New Starts, Small Starts, and Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program PY - 2009 SP - 354p AB - This Annual Report on Funding Recommendations, issued by the Secretary of Transportation to help inform the appropriations cycle for the upcoming fiscal year, provides information on projects included in the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) discretionary New Starts and Small Starts programs. These programs are part of the Major Capital Investment Grant Program provisions of 49 USC 5309, most recently reauthorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in August 2005.1 New Starts projects are those requesting $75 million or more in New Starts funds, or anticipating a total capital cost of $250 million or more (49 USC 5309(d)). Small Starts projects are those requesting less than $75 million in Small Starts funds and anticipating a total capital cost of less than $250 million (49 USC 5309(e)). KW - Capital investments KW - Economic analysis KW - Financial analysis KW - Guideways KW - National parks KW - Public transit KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Urban transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/898263 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489217 TI - Low Cost Carbon Fiber Technology AB - Low Cost Carbon Fiber Research that was conducted at the University of Tennessee Space Institute has established a pitch based carbon fiber research program funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to address the high cost of carbon fiber composite materials. The objective of this program is to develop low cost carbon fiber using pitch as the raw material for a variety of commercial applications. A number of technologies that are currently using other synthetic fibers can use high strength, lightweight and low cost carbon fibers to reduce weight, improve performance, and generate new applications. Low cost carbon fiber will be in a position to provide enormous advantages to a number of technologies such as, lightweight automobiles, buses, trains, aircrafts, ships and applications including lightweight body panels and load bearing structures and many other transportation systems components, will result in weight and energy savings. KW - Aircraft KW - Buses KW - Carbon fibers KW - Energy conservation KW - Light vehicles KW - Lightweight materials KW - Low cost KW - Railroad trains KW - Ships KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258236 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01127013 AU - Rephio, J AU - Miller, Sheryl AU - Haas, Robert AU - Saporta, Harry AU - Stock, Dan AU - Miller, D AU - Feast, L AU - Brown, Bruce AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Side Object Detection System Evaluation: Final Evaluation Report PY - 2008/12/15/Final Evaluation Report SP - 179p AB - Nearly 46% of bus accidents across the United States each year occur on the left or right side of the bus. These collisions result in property damage, and they can negatively impact on revenue operations and public perception. The first commercially available side collision warning system for transit buses entered the market in 2004. The system is designed to help bus operators navigate tight maneuvers at speeds below 15 mph and with lane changes at speeds greater than 15 mph. This report presents the findings of a federally sponsored, independent evaluation of the system. The evaluation aimed to address three key goals: (1) to assess operator usability and acceptance of the technology; (2) to assess the return on investment of the technology; and (3) to identify lessons learned and other information that would be useful to agencies considering deployment of this technology or similar technologies. The evaluation team worked with three participating agencies to gather a wide range of data through interviews, surveys, focus groups, interviews, site visits and observations, collision records, and cost data. The findings indicated that operators were optimistic about the potential of a side-impact collision warning device and that the side object detection system (SODS) was useful in certain situations and that it had in fact prevented collisions, in particular those that involved detecting an object in the operator’s blind spot. However, operators did not find the system usable in its current design, particularly with regard to the quality and frequency of visual and audible alerts. Additionally, the return on investment analysis indicated that the early-adopters of this technology are not likely to experience a return on investment within 12 years, the typical life of a bus. However, agencies investing in this type of technology in the future may not face the same institutional challenges as the early-adopters or may have different collision characteristics, and thus may see a sooner return on their investment. These institutional issues can be significant if not properly accounted for prior to system deployment. All transit agency stakeholders—operations, maintenance, training, safety, and claims—must have a clear understanding of the technology capabilities and its limitations. Inconsistency in system installation resulted in varying operational characteristics among the different bus models and influenced operators’ perceptions of system reliability. Additionally incomplete training and system activation prior to all affected operators being trained led many operators to incorrectly understand the technology, system operation, and system limitations. Similarly, incomplete maintenance staff training led to improper troubleshooting and testing of the technology. Agencies considering SODS or similar safety devices for their transit fleet should first consider the lessons learned experienced by these agencies. KW - Acceptance KW - Case studies KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Institutional issues KW - Lessons learned KW - Return on investment KW - Side crashes KW - Side object detection systems KW - Transit buses UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30700/30704/14461.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/887762 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462615 TI - A Practical Guide for Recruiting Minorities for Chief Executive Officers at Public Transportation Agencies AB -
In annual reviews of the makeup of executives within the nation's public transportation agencies, people of color do not emerge as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of many organizations. A review of the demographic profile of the ridership using public transportation reveals that, in urban areas, 57% of transit riders using rail as a mode of transportation describe themselves as African -American, Latinos or Asian, and 60% of transit riders using roadway modes describe themselves as African-American, Latinos, or Asian, (See The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), "A Profile of Public Transportation Passenger Demographics and Travel Characteristics Reported on On-Board Surveys," Washington, DC, May, 2007.) Of the $10 billion in public transportation fares collected annually, more than half of those fares are paid by minorities. According to the 2000 Census data, in six out of eight of the largest metropolitan areas, minorities are the collective majority. Yet, in the top 20 public transportation agencies, only four are lead by minority CEOs. The percentage of CEOs decreases as you expand beyond the top 20 public transportation agencies. It is well established that a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization that reflects the demographics of the public served increases the public's confidence in the transportation agency. When these realities are coupled with the results of reviews about increased diversity in the workplace creating greater productivity, efficiency, and positive impact on the business environment, the business case for more diverse leadership is clear.

It is well documented that CEOs and their governing boards set the corporate agenda. CEOs provide the leadership to achieve diversity and inclusion goals for any organization and drive results that recognize the business imperative of reaching diverse consumers, clients, and employees. Public transportation governing boards are responsible for appointing the chief executive. The qualities and skills the board will look for in a CEO will vary in each situation, depending on the strategic direction. The board typically chooses to use an independent executive search firm to recruit the CEO. Governing boards and recruitment consultants express difficulty in finding qualified minorities for CEO positions. Research is needed to alleviate the challenges faced by public transportation governing boards and recruiters who are striving to obtain a diverse workforce, beginning with the executive ranks. The objectives of this research are to (1) assess the transit industry's recruitment processes for CEOs; (2) develop a business case that documents the benefits of minorities in public transportation leadership positions; (3) develop strategies to recruit minorities for CEO positions; and (4) develop tool(s) and guidelines to assist governing boards of public transportation agencies in the recruiting of minority CEOs. The panel is primarily interested in research related to recruitment of minorities into CEO positions at public transportation agencies and secondarily at other executive C level positions. The audience for this research is intended to include members of public transportation governing boards, executive search firms, directors of human resources, and other key transit officials.
KW - Chief executive officers KW - Minorities KW - Public transit KW - Recruiting KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2362 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230836 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122978 AU - Environmental Protection Agency AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Guidance for the Use of Latest Planning Assumptions in Transportation Conformity Determinations: Revision to January 18, 2001 Guidance Memorandum PY - 2008/12 SP - 23p AB - The Clean Air Act requires that transportation investments be based on the most recent information that is available in order to protect public health over the long-term. As such, conformity determinations must be based upon the most recent planning assumptions in force at the time the conformity analysis begins (40 CFR 93.110(a)). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) encourage state and local agencies to review and update their planning assumptions regularly. Areas are strongly encouraged to review and update planning assumptions at least every five years, especially population, employment, and vehicle registration assumptions. Areas with network-based travel models should review their assumptions and data used in model validation through the consultation process, and newer assumptions and data must be used whenever available. Conformity determinations that are based on assumptions that are older than five years should include written justification for not reviewing and updating assumptions at least every five years. For areas where updates are appropriate, the conformity determination should include an anticipated schedule for updating assumptions for future conformity determinations. Air quality and transportation agencies should use the consultation process to ensure that the latest available planning assumptions are used in conformity determinations and state implementation plan (SIP) development. KW - Air quality KW - Clean Air Act KW - Conformity KW - Employment KW - Population KW - Registrations KW - State implementation plans KW - Transportation departments KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/conformity/lpa_guid08.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884564 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486787 TI - Improving New Starts Forecast AB - No summary provided. KW - Forecasting KW - Improvements KW - Start-up UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256573 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488641 TI - Fire Safety Materials Testing AB - The objective of this project is to develop fire safety standards for performance and testing of interior materials for transit vehicles; and to update the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 1984 Recommended Fire Safety Practices for Rail Transit Materials Selection. This research will identify and evaluate the latest fire safety technology to update guidelines for rail transit vehicle fire safety practices, including development of fire safety standards for the performance and testing of interior materials. Use of these guidelines in the selection of materials for transit vehicles is intended to reduce fire incidents, costly property damage and casualties. This 2002 project supports the update of the 1984 guidelines, Recommended Practices for Rail Transit Vehicle Materials Selection, containing tests and performance criteria for seat components (e.g., upholstery, cushions, shrouds, and frames), panels (e.g., walls and ceilings, partitions, windscreens, windows, and light diffusers) and thermal and acoustical insulation, floor structure and covering, elastomers, exterior end caps, and interior and exterior box covers. KW - Fire KW - Fire resistance KW - Fire resistant materials KW - Performance evaluations KW - Rail transit KW - Safety KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257618 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462671 TI - Operation of Light Rail Transit through Ungated Crossings at Speeds over 35 MPH AB - Current practice as defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Part X requires use of crossing gates for operation of light rail transit (LRT) trains through intersections at speeds of greater than 35 mph. Where LRT operates on-street or immediately adjacent to a street, there are segments where the parallel roadway traffic operates through the same intersections at significantly higher speeds. This puts public transport at a disadvantage in attracting ridership and in providing efficient utilization of investments. This project will address the next steps identified as a result of the successful conclusion of TCRP Project J-6/Task 65. The objective of this research is to identify the safety and operational factors involved in traffic control using crossing gates versus traffic signals, possibly in conjunction with supplemental safety measures, and to define traffic control treatments that would potentially allow for faster than 35-mph operation without use of crossing gates. Finally, with the active participation of a sponsoring agency, the ultimate objective is to test higher-speed operation using identified traffic control provisions and to recommend potential revisions to MUTCD Part X. KW - Intersections KW - Light rail transit KW - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Safety UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2356 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230893 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01144531 AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Burt, Matt AU - Shao, Gang AU - Balke, Kevin AU - Turnbull, Katie AU - Ungemah, David AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Schreffler, Eric AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Urban Partnership Agreement and Congestion Reduction Demonstration: National Evaluation Framework PY - 2008/11/21 SP - 73p AB - This report provides an analytical framework for evaluating six deployments under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) and Congestion Reduction Demonstration (CRD) Programs. The six UPA/CRD sites are Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minnesota, San Francisco, and Seattle. Those sites are seeking to reduce congestion by employing strategies consisting of combinations of tolling, transit, telecommuting/TDM, and technology, also known as the 4 Ts. The national evaluation framework identifies the major questions to be answered through the evaluation; the approach to be used to address those questions; and risks to the evaluation and how they will be mitigated. Four objective questions posed by U.S. DOT serve as a starting point for the evaluation framework: how much congestion was reduced; what contributed to the reduction and what were the associated impacts; what lessons were learned about nontechnical factors for success; and what were the overall cost and benefit of the congestion reduction strategies. The four objective questions were translated into twelve evaluation analyses, which in turn consist of hypotheses and questions, measures of effectiveness (MOEs), and data required for the MOEs. This document explains each of the twelve analyses and discusses the major data requirements and data collection methods that will be needed. Next steps include development of site-specific evaluation plans and test plans. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Congestion pricing KW - Evaluation KW - Partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Telecommuting KW - Tolls KW - Travel demand management KW - Urban transit KW - Urban transportation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30700/30764/14446.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/904385 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462631 TI - Methodology for Determining the Economic Development Impacts of Transit Investments AB - The importance of economic development linked to transit investments is well recognized, and that importance is reflected in the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) project approval process.  As a result of recent legislation, Congress requires FTA to evaluate the economic development benefits (among other criteria) of proposed transit projects to determine their merits and impacts. To comply with this requirement, a methodology is needed that project sponsors can use to generate reliable estimates of development impacts and associated benefits for New Starts, Small Starts, and major investments in more mature transit systems.  While much work has been done describing the relationship between transit system investment and economic development, it is not clear how an approach to prepare a reliable forecast of economic development benefits of transit projects can be applied systematically to all proposed projects. In preparing project evaluations, FTA and others have traditionally identified and measured mobility benefits.  Economic benefits can be more inclusive, however, and defining and measuring a broader class of benefits has been the subject of numerous studies.  Adding broader economic development impact measures--in the form of land prices, occupancy rates, development densities, relocated jobs and residences, or similar measures--to those associated with mobility and accessibility can increase the risk of double-counting.  Therefore, the challenge in all of these efforts is to identify where double counting might occur and eliminate it to the extent possible. 

KW - Accessibility KW - Capital investments KW - Economic development KW - Investments KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2364 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230852 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486825 TI - Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium AB - Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC) currently coordinates two fuel cell bus technology development and demonstration projects (1) with UTC Power and CT Transit, and (2) with NYPA and Ballard. NAVC also manages three smaller projects the National Fuel Cell Bus Working Group and the International Fuel Cell Bus Working Group. The objective of this research project is to provide additional support to the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC) to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell bus technologies and related infrastructure under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) National Fuel Cell Bus Program-through the management of five project efforts. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Bus transportation KW - Buses by motive power KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256611 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01526430 AU - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Dots & Dashes: Piecing Together Transit’s Future PY - 2008/11 SP - 33p AB - Dots & Dashes is an interactive board game that is used at public planning meetings to engage stakeholders in long range transit planning. Groups of three to six people use game pieces with monetary values to choose the priorities of transit projects. The intent of this project was to bring a "bottom-up" style of public engagement to Delaware Valley residents and stakeholders for their long range public transit planning project. The project was funded by Federal Transit Administration's (FTA’s) Public Transportation Participation Program (PTP). A board game was developed to both review group preferences as well as teach its participants about negotiations and constraints within the planning process. KW - Delaware Valley KW - Education KW - Long range planning KW - Public transit KW - Stakeholders UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0044.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1308236 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01479823 AU - Olivares, Gerardo AU - Wichita State University AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Crashworthiness Evaluation of Mass Transit Buses PY - 2008/11 SP - 33p AB - Mass transit bus systems are an integral part of the national transportation network, serving more than 20.6 billion passenger-miles per year with a relatively low fatality rate. Bus occupant injuries are evenly distributed among crashes on all sides of the bus, while fatalities primarily result from frontal crashes. The three primary objectives of this crashworthiness research were to (1) characterize the structural response of mass transit buses, (2) characterize the occupant kinematics and injury mechanisms in mass transit bus interiors, and (3) develop interior design concepts and crashworthiness design procedures for mass transit buses. For better understanding of how injuries and damage result from bus crashes, this research used computational and virtual reality methods to model crash effects on buses and their occupants and full-size sled tests with “crash dummies” of varying sizes to verify the simulation results. The research found that primary mechanisms of injury to occupants are passenger-to-passenger collision and passenger-to-seat-structure impact. The research suggested design guidelines that should reduce occupant injuries and fatalities during side, frontal, and rear-impact collisions of transit buses with various vehicle types. KW - Crashworthiness KW - Fatalities KW - Frontal crashes KW - Injuries KW - Occupant protection devices KW - Side crashes KW - Sled tests KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0021.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55507/FTA_Report_No._0021.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248175 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472432 AU - Mielke, Jon AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Assessing Impacts of Rising Fuel Prices on Rural Native Americans PY - 2008/11 SP - 39p AB - Rising fuel prices have a greater relative impact on rural residents, based on the premise that rural incomes are lower than urban incomes and that rural residents travel more miles via personal vehicle each year than city dwellers. Given the fact that many Indian reservations are extremely rural and have some of the lowest income levels in the nation, it seems logical to assume that Native Americans in rural areas may be among the most impacted by rising fuel prices. This paper tests this hypothesis. The New York Times reported on June 9, 2008, that rural residents are impacted more by rising gasoline prices than their urban counterparts. The reasons for the differential are lower rural income levels and longer commute distances. The article noted that while urban dwellers may spend 4% or less of their income on gasoline, some rural residents reportedly spend over 13% of their income on motor fuel (Krauss 2008). A primary source of the New York Times report was a “Pain At The Pump” study conducted by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), a fuel analysis firm based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. OPIS collects weekly fuel price data that is used and disseminated by the American Automobile Association (AAA). OPIS used state-level per capita vehicle miles traveled data compiled by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2004 county-level household income data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, and local fuel prices to determine what percentage of household incomes are spent on motor fuel (Atkins 2008). This study will review comparable, updated, and more specific data for rural counties that are comprised of at least 25% Native Americans. These counties will be compared with national averages, the states that the highly Native counties are located in, and select urban areas of the country. This comparison will also include some of the highly impacted counties identified in the OPIS report. KW - Economic impacts KW - Low income groups KW - Motor fuels KW - Native Americans KW - Prices KW - Rural areas KW - Trip length UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP208.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1243492 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01153476 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Before and After Studies of New Starts Projects: Report to Congress PY - 2008/11//Report to Congress SP - 10p AB - The 1993 Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) requires that Federal agencies improve the effectiveness of their programs and their accountability to the public by focusing on results, service quality, and customer satisfaction. The Act further requires that Federal agencies improve program management and congressional decision-making by assembling objective information about program results and achievement of statutory objectives. As part of its program to implement the GPRA, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) included in the Final Rule on Major Capital Investment Projects (New Starts, 49 CFR Part 611) (published on December 7, 2000, effective April 7, 2001) several provisions that integrated Before and After Studies into the New Starts project development process. Section 611.7(c)(4) of the Final Rule requires that the sponsor of a New Starts project develop, early in Final Design, a plan to identify the impacts of the project and to examine the accuracy of forecasts for the project. Section 611.7(d) (7) made agreement on the plan between FTA and the sponsor a condition of a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) (or by extension, a Project Construction Grant Agreement (PCGA)) for the project. An FFGA (or PCGA, by extension) executed after April 7, 2001 therefore included completion of the study according to the agreed-upon plan as a requirement of the New Starts grant for the project. Title III – Public Transportation of the “SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS” (SAFETEA-LU) amended Section 5309 (g)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, to codify the requirement for applicants for an FFGA to prepare Before and After Studies. In addition to meeting the legislative requirements, FTA intends for the Before and After Study to benefit the larger transit community through the dissemination of study results and findings. In that vein, the Before and After Study requirement has two other distinct and important purposes: (1) To expand insights into the costs and impacts of major transit investments. (2) To improve the technical methods and procedures used in the planning, design and construction of those transit projects. This is the third Before and After Studies Report to Congress. It discusses two draft Before and After Studies received by the FTA since the last report. Both project sponsors were required to complete a Before and After Study due to an amended FFGA; the original FFGA was signed prior to the Before and After Study requirement. KW - Before and after studies KW - Government funding KW - New Starts Program KW - Public transit KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/12907_9197.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/914894 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135505 AU - Reconnecting America's Center for Transit-Oriented Development AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Capturing the Value of Transit PY - 2008/11 SP - 38p AB - Over the past decade, it has become increasingly clear that the presence of transit can increase property values and result in valuable development opportunities. In this era of constrained transit funding and widespread demand for new and expanded transit systems, policy makers, transit planners and elected officials are increasingly interested in harnessing a portion of the value that transit confers to surrounding properties to fund transit infrastructure or related improvements in station areas. This idea, known as value capture, is much discussed in planning, transit, and local government circles. However, confusion abounds. Where does the value come from. What is the best way to measure it. And, most importantly, what is the best way to capture this value. This purpose of this report is to offer a more nuanced and meaningful understanding of value capture strategies, focusing specifically on the potential to capture increased property values for the purpose of funding transit. There is a growing awareness in the United States that public transit offers numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits, and the perceived value of these benefits is, to a certain extent, reflected in increased property values near transit stations. Americans are increasingly prioritizing the advantages provided by neighborhoods near transit, including economic savings to households, reduced carbon emissions, healthier lifestyles, fewer traffic accidents, and reduced suburban sprawl KW - Demographics KW - Economic development KW - Households KW - Property values KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Rapid transit KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/download/ctodvalcapture110508v2 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/891716 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135023 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Urban Ring Phase 2, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Medford, Somerville : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/11//Volumes held: Draft(2v) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Massachusetts UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895773 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01125368 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - National Association of State Fire Marshals TI - Recommended Fire Safety Practices for Rail Transit Materials Selection PY - 2008/11 SP - 233p AB - The FTA Office of Safety and Security has teamed with the National Association of State Fire Marshals to update the 1984 Recommended Fire Safety Practices for Rail Transit Materials Selection Manual. The manual researched the adequacy of existing railcar and bus fire safety standards and investigated potential improvements in test methods and criteria. These 2008 recommendations represent an upgrading of the 1984 guidelines of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Recommended Fire Safety Practices for Rail Transit Materials Selection, Federal Register, Volume 49, Number 158, Tuesday, August 14, 1984 that are currently in place. KW - Bus transit KW - Fire prevention KW - Fire resistant materials KW - Materials selection KW - Rail transit KW - Safety KW - Standards KW - Test procedures UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/firesafety/nasfm_rp/PDF/NASFM_Recommended_Practices.pdf UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/NASFM_Recommended_Practices.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/885693 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01459738 TI - International Transit Studies Program AB - BACKGROUND

Since 1994, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has sponsored an International Transit Studies Program (ITSP). The primary purpose of ITSP has been to broaden the professional development of U.S. transit professionals in management positions at transit agencies and non-operating agencies that play a major role in planning or financing public transit. The program gives these transit professionals opportunities to meet with transit agency staff in cities around the world where they learn first-hand how various modes of transit are planned, funded, and operated within communities of different sizes and types.

The program was established to enhance the knowledge and understanding of future leaders of the U.S. public transit industry. The program provides participants with the opportunity to visit transit systems abroad and obtain new insights and knowledge that are useful to their organizations, the industry, and their own transit career advancement and expands the network of domestic and international contacts that they can draw on in addressing public transit issues in the future. Mission participants are expected to share their international experience with their organizations and the U.S. transit industry as a whole. Each participant is required to prepare a trip report on an element of the mission. These trip reports are then consolidated into a mission report for TCRP publication and dissemination to the transit industry.

Each study mission is centered around a theme prevalent in public transportation in the United States Cities to be visited are selected on the basis of their ability to demonstrate new ideas or unique approaches to handling public transportation challenges reflected in the study mission's theme. Study missions normally are conducted in the spring and fall of each year. Study teams typically consist of 14 individuals--a transit general manager designated as team leader, 12 participants, and a representative of the ITSP contractor team responsible for the smooth operation of the mission. The team leader and participants for each mission are selected via an on open nomination processes. The TCRP Project J-03 oversight panel strives to balance mission membership by professional qualifications, discipline, geography, gender, and ethnicity. All travel expenses associated with the study mission are covered by the program. To date, 23 study missions have been held, and 2 additional study missions have been scheduled for the spring and fall of 2006. Past missions have visited Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

A total of $325,000 is made available annually to a contractor to operate the ITSP on behalf of the TCRP. The TCRP project panel is responsible for establishing general ITSP policies and procedures including team-leader and participant eligibility criteria, approving study mission locations, and selecting study mission team leaders and participants.

The ITSP contractor is responsible for (a) preparing recommendations for study mission locations, (b) administering the nomination and processes for selecting the team leader and participants of each mission, (c) organizing and conducting study missions, (d) disbursing payments for all travel and other expenses associated with the missions, and (e) preparing mission reports for TCRP publication based on the individual trip reports prepared by mission participants.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to continue the ITSP for up to 5 years, contingent on annual extensions based on acceptable performance. The initial contract period of the project will cover the fall 2006, spring 2007, and fall 2007 study missions. Up to $487,500 will be made available for this initial contract term. Given the lead time necessary to plan and prepare for the fall 2006 mission, it is expected that the initial contract resulting from this procurement will be executed on or about April 1, 2006, and will cover the period through December 31, 2007. Subsequent contract amendments will be executed on a calendar year basis for 2008 through 2011, providing $325,000 to cover the spring and fall missions in each year. The program should continue to focus primarily on professional development, with technology exchange as an important, but secondary objective.

The scope of work consists of two parts:

Part I--Organizing, conducting, and documenting the international transportation study missions.
Part II--Providing an ongoing institutional structure to house the ITSP.

At a minimum, the ITSP will include at least the following tasks. Part II is concerned with the administrative structure and the institutional home for the program. Proposers may add additional tasks if they believe that the task can further the objectives of the ITSP program and are feasible within the budget constraints. TCRP Project Panel J-3 will provide oversight for the program including approval of all study missions, team leaders, and participants.

PART I-- Organizing, Conducting, Documenting International Transportation Study Missions

A spring and fall study mission will be held each calendar year. Each mission will be 2 weeks in duration and will include 14 participants--a senior transit general manager designated as team leader, 12 participants, and a representative of the ITSP contractor team responsible for the smooth operation of the mission.
( I-1) In collaboration with a subgroup of the TCRP panel, recommend a theme, location, and preliminary itinerary for the study mission for project panel review and approval. (I-2) Develop a detailed mission schedule and itinerary. (I-3.) Administer the mission team-leader selection process. The team leader for each mission is selected through an open, competitive process. Contractor responsibilities for the administration of this selection process include preparation of an application package requesting team-leader candidates; distribution of the package to all transit system general managers in the United States, the TCRP Oversight and Project Selection (TOPS) Committee, and the TCRP Project J-3 panel, and other entities as directed by the TCRP staff and panel; and collection and packaging of applications received for project panel review. (I-4.) Administer the mission participant selection process. The participants for each mission are selected through an open, competitive process. Contractor responsibilities for the administration of this selection process include preparation of a nomination package requesting participant candidates; distribution of the package to all transit system general managers in the United States, state department of transportation chief executive officers, the TCRP Oversight and Project Selection (TOPS) Committee, the TCRP Project J-3 panel, and other entities as directed by the TCRP staff; collection and packaging of applications received for participant selection and panel review; and attendance at a participant-selection group meeting in Washington, D.C. Twelve participants and two alternates are selected. (I-5.) Prepare background materials for the mission and provide pre-trip support for mission participants. (I-6.) Conduct a pre-trip briefing session for the mission team. The briefing typically lasts 1 day and is held just before mission departure. (I-7.) Conduct the study mission. (I-9.) Prepare a mission report for publication by the TCRP. Each participant on the mission is expected to prepare a trip report on a specific aspect of the mission within 60 days after return form the trip. Typically, tri KW - Information dissemination KW - Information technology KW - International Transit Studies Program KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation professionals UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1169 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1227953 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462668 TI - Guidelines for Ferry Transportation Services--A National Overview AB - Congestion on America's roads and railways presents a serious national problem. In fact, in 2003, Americans lost 3.7 billion hours and 2.3 billion gallons of fuel sitting in traffic jams. Overall, congestion costs America an estimated $200 billion a year, and it continues to grow. In addition to significant existing congestion, we are facing exponential growth in trade and even more demand on our capacity to move freight and people through an already strained system. Future growth projections indicate that the problem will rapidly escalate. With limited land available and the extremely high cost associated with expanding or building our roads and rails, especially in the heavily populated areas that surround most U.S. cities, we need to rapidly develop alternatives to shift some of this growing burden off the roads and railways and on to less congested corridors such as America's navigable waterways or the marine highway. Today, there are many ferries operating throughout the U.S. moving passengers and freight off roadways and onto the water. The ferry is an alternative that can play a significant role in relieving congestion, improving the environment, and improving  quality of life. With increased economic and population growth in numerous geographical areas throughout the United States, a feasibility study that identifies specific opportunities for using ferries on waterways running parallel or in close proximity of a major highway or rail system to efficiently transport freight and passengers is urgently needed. This study should be broken down by geographical area (e.g., Northeast, Southeast, etc.) and identify cities or congestion bottlenecks within areas where ferry services would be a congestion mitigation alternative and solution for capacity constraints. The objective of this project is to produce a clear and concise report that illustrates best practices (best rate structure, best vessel/terminal arrangements, best vessel types, etc.); benefits (increased capacity, reduced congestion, environmental improvements, and improved quality of life, etc.); and impediments to the creation of a transit system. It will pinpoint opportunities in various geographical areas where ferry services may be a solution to our growing congestion problem. Thus ferry services must be explored to relieve the coming storm of freight and passengers. KW - Best practices KW - Ferry service KW - Ferry terminals KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Traffic congestion KW - Vessel operations KW - Water transportation UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2365 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230890 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488599 TI - Wayfinding Project AB - This project will study and evaluate the industry and traveler benefits associated with transit wayfinding/route information technologies and strategies. With the explosion in mobile-, vehicle-, and infrastructure-based information technologies over the past five years, industry has moved forward with providing products and services to consumers who demand instantaneous, easily accessible and easy-to-use information. The transportation systems and agencies have not kept pace with these changes and require Federal leadership, insight, and assistance on how to incorporate, integrate, and leverage the opportunities afforded by these technologies and services. KW - Benefits KW - Information technology KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Routes and routing KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Wayfinding UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257576 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462205 TI - Strategic Plan for Meeting Transit Industry Wireless Communications Needs AB - Increasing use of the wireless spectrum has resulted in situations in which inadvertent interferences and disruption of communications is common, which has caused re-examination of the rules and regulations that govern spectrum allocations. As a result of this re-examination, the FCC has issued a variety of rules that set dates for specific changes in wireless spectrum allocations. These changes include refarming and narrow-banding of some regions of the spectrum that are currently used by the transit industry. As a result, the spectrum currently used by some transit industry wireless communications will cease to be available for this use, while other regions of the spectrum that have not been used by the industry will become available as licensed, and in some cases, perhaps as unlicensed spectrum. The FCC public rulemaking process for developing and finalizing these changes is followed by varying degrees within the transit industry, raising concerns that some agencies may soon find themselves with no communications ability due to equipment obsolescence. Based on the TCRP Project J-06, Task 67 survey of transit industry wireless capabilities, awareness of spectrum changes decreases with fleet size. Roughly 25% of small transit agencies (i.e., the largest fleet-size sector in the transit industry) reported both use of radio bands that are undergoing changes, and lack of knowledge of the rule changes that affect the bands they use. This suggests that a significant number of transit agencies are not planning the necessary purchases to assure that they do not lose communications ability due to equipment obsolescence. To prevent loss of critical communication needs, the entire public transportation industry needs to be aware of ongoing changes in spectrum allocations. To assure its communications capabilities, the industry as a whole needs to be prepared to provide comments on future FCC-proposed rule changes, and have a timely plan for adapting to finalized rules. As such, industry communications capabilities will benefit from a strategic plan that is responsive to future changes over the entire communications spectrum used by the industry and its partners, and that promotes interoperability. The objective of this research is to develop a strategic plan for the transit industry to assure the industry's needs are considered in relevant rule changes, and to assist the industry in both implementing pending changes in spectrum allocations, and promoting communications interoperability. The research will identify and assess pending and proposed changes in wireless spectrum allocations in light of current and potential future usage of wireless spectrum by the transit industry and partner groups such as public safety. Stakeholders and their potential role in facilitating necessary transitions in the industry's spectrum usage are to be identified, and specific steps are to be developed to assure continuous attainment of the transit industry's wireless communications needs throughout the implementation of spectrum re-allocations KW - Communication systems KW - Public transit KW - Regulations KW - Research projects KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation KW - U.S. Federal Communications Commission KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2610 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230426 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01494909 TI - Climate Change Report to Congress AB - The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandated that the US Department of Transportation produce a report to Congress on transportation's impact on climate change and solutions for reducing this impact. The study also considered co-benefits of fuel savings and air quality improvement. Completed in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Global Change Research Program. KW - Air quality KW - Air quality management KW - Climate change KW - Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental protection KW - Fuel conservation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1264143 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489167 TI - Collision Safety Improvements for Light Rail Vehicles Operating in Shared Right of Way Street Environment AB - The objective of this research project is to develop a novel segmented bumper design with different energy absorbing characteristics for frontal and corner impacts of light rail vehicles (LRVs). This retrofit design will also utilize an improved geometric profile making the front-end less aggressive to automobiles and pedestrians and reduce the LRV derailment potential in these impacts. The research intent is to develop an "active" bumper system, that can be retrofitted into existing fleet of LRVs that will minimize injuries and fatalities resulting from impacts with automobiles and pedestrians, but still prevent damage in 5-mph collisions between two LRVs. KW - Bumpers KW - Crashes KW - Derailments KW - Energy absorption KW - Injuries KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Vehicle design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258161 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488639 TI - Evaluation of Transit Wayfinding/Route Information Technologies and Strategies AB - The objective of this intra-agency agreement is to support the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) research effort to develop and submit a report on transit industry and traveler benefits associated with transit wayfinding/route information technologies and strategies. The Volpe Center will conduct a market analysis of wayfinding/route information products and services, define different wayfinding needs of each user (traveler), and assess the value and benefits of these products and services. Brief tests and field studies will be conducted of the emerging technologies. Doing so will allow for the ultimate understanding of the gaps that exist in the technologies and services from a transit perspective, and define where the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) can take a leadership role. KW - Benefits KW - Public transit KW - Route specific information KW - Technological innovations KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Wayfinding UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257616 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486823 TI - Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus AB - The purpose of this amendment is to add a Task (6) that will provide partial support purchase of an electrolyzer for generating hydrogen for use in hydrogen-powered buses. It will be implemented by the Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment (CETE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration and several other partners. The electrolyzer is a more modest approach to hydrogen generation, storage, and dispensing than a large-scale hydrogen fueling station. A local match of $60,000 will be provided by the University. KW - Buses KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Research projects KW - Wayside electrical distribution UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256609 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462753 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-18. Passenger Counting Systems AB -

 

TCRP Synthesis 29, published in 1998, summarized information from selected transit agencies about benefits and problems associated with various passenger counting technologies, as reported by users.  It provided advice for agencies considering APC systems.  Much has changed since then.  An information update is needed. Better technology for counting boardings and alightings, improved reliability for location detection (e.g. GPS), together with improved processing technology have entered the passenger counting marketplace since the last synthesis. These improvements have occurred in APCs, fare collection systems, GIS, etc.  Over the past ten years, the usefulness of the data has become more important to the agency as a whole.  A synthesis documenting current analytical tools and technologies for measuring transit ridership and other subsidiary data is needed.  It will document the state-of-the-practice, focusing on successful examples of non-manual passenger counting systems. 

KW - Data collection KW - Fare collection KW - Geographic information systems KW - Passenger counting KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1677 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230976 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486824 TI - Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus Project AB - This project enables the DaVinci Center and project partners to conduct a research and demonstration project on hydrogen-fueled shuttle buses. The purpose of the Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus project is to educate the public through demonstration of hydrogen's use as a safe, clean, and effective transportation fuel. This will be accomplished through the operation of two hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) shuttle buses and an interactive exhibit program at the DaVinci Science Center. The program will highlight the content and background of transitioning to a hydrogen economy and the explanation of the technologies involved. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Demonstration projects KW - Energy transition modeling KW - Hydrogen fueling stations KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Internal combustion engines KW - Shuttle buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256610 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01143737 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit State of Good Repair: Beginning the Dialogue PY - 2008/10 SP - 55p AB - On August 13, 2008, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) convened a two-day workshop to consider the state of good repair (SGR) needs of the nation’s rail and bus transit rolling stock and infrastructure. Specific issues considered by the workshop included: How should state of good repair be defined and measured? What is the current condition of the nation’s transit capital assets? What level of investment is required to attain SGR, and how does this compare with existing funding? How are local agencies addressing their SGR needs? How can preventive maintenance, asset management and alternative financing approaches help agencies attain SGR? What should the federal role in SGR be? The papers prepared for the workshop address each of these questions, provide background on the current understanding of the underlying issues, and then encourage the reader to consider alternate approaches or solutions to these issues. This report updates each of the papers and presents key observations from the SGR workshop. KW - Alternative financing KW - Asset management KW - Bus transit KW - Federal government KW - Infrastructure KW - Maintenance KW - Needs assessment KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Rail transit KW - Rolling stock KW - State of good repair KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/SGR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/904002 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135014 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Berkeley/Albany ferry terminal study : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/10//Volumes held: Draft KW - California KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895764 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135009 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The T -- Southwest to Northwest Rail corridor : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/10//Volumes held: Draft(v.1, v.3, v.4) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Texas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895759 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01134796 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Access to the region's core in Hudson County, New Jersey and New York County, New York : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/10//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix, Supplement to the draft, Supplement to the draftapp, Final, Final Appendix(2v), Response to DEIS and SDEIS comments B1 KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895556 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01115525 AU - Renne, John L AU - Sanchez, Thomas W AU - Litman, Todd AU - University of New Orleans AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - National Study on Carless and Special Needs Evacuation Planning: A Literature Review PY - 2008/10 SP - 110p AB - The objective of this study was to research how state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transit agencies, and local governments are considering, in the context of their emergency preparedness planning, the unique needs of minority, low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited English proficient (LEP) persons, especially for households without vehicles (referred to as “carless” in this report). This study provides guidance to ensure that future evacuations efficiently and effectively accommodate disadvantaged populations, including people who for any reasons lack access to private automobile transportation. For this review the authors scanned several sources including state DOTs, MPOs, transit agencies, and local government emergency preparedness planning for information on the evacuation of carless residents, including minority, low-income, elderly, disabled and residents with limited mobility and health problems. The review includes scholarly, professional, and government sources, highlighting best practices, and identifying areas of weakness within the field of emergency preparedness with respect to the target population of this study. This review discusses different needs for different types of natural and human-induced disasters. It also discusses the role for an integrated, multi-modal approach for evacuation planning so all levels of government can assist with evacuating people in the most efficient manner possible. This literature review serves to characterize the current state of thinking and practice on the subject of carless and special needs evacuation planning. KW - Aged KW - Best practices KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Evacuation KW - Literature reviews KW - Local government KW - Low income groups KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Minorities KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Planning KW - State departments of transportation KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://planning.uno.edu/docs/CarlessEvacuationPlanning.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/875406 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464612 TI - Developing, Enhancing, and Sustaining Tribal Transit Services AB - The integral relationship between access to transportation and quality of life is well known. Yet many citizens across the country struggle with access to health care, education, jobs, businesses, and entertainment. This is especially true of many Native American communities. Although Native Americans living in "Indian Country" (on or near Indian reservations or designated Indian statistical areas) experienced marked improvement in real per capita income growth during the decade of the 1990s relative to the rest of the U.S. population (33% vs. 11%), even as the Native American population grew by more than 20%, this predominantly rural segment of the U.S. population lags substantially in economic resources behind mainstream America. While 79% of the U.S. population (2000 Census) is classified as urban, this statistic is reversed for Native American communities with about three-fourths of the population classified as rural. Even with the substantial improvements in Native American community economies since 1990 (e.g., poverty rate and unemployment improvements ten times higher than the U.S. as a whole), Native Americans still fall into poverty and are unemployed at triple the rate of the U.S. population. Even with improvement of their economy, Native American families often still do not have the luxury of personal automobiles. In these cases, public transportation can literally be a life line for Native Americans to their jobs, school, health care, and other important aspects that define "quality of life". The objectives of this project are to develop (a) an information package that describes and illustrates the variety of tribal transit practices in the United States; (b) a Guidebook that provides practical materials and clear processes for tribes to develop plans for and access funds for tribal transit; and (c) strategies and materials for leveraging resources through alternative organizational models and alternative funding mechanisms in order to create and sustain effective mobility for the people. For the purpose of this study, tribal communities (or tribes) are defined to include both tribal governments and their members. KW - Accessibility KW - Indian reservations KW - Native Americans KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Tribal government KW - Tribal lands UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2363 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232843 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462569 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SE-05. Preventive Maintenance Intervals for Transit Buses AB - Transit bus preventive maintenance activities are performed at relatively common mileage intervals throughout the industry. In some cases the interval is manufacturer recommended. In others the interval is based on operating data from within the organization. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that in still more cases, the mileage interval was simply borrowed from a peer organization with little, or no, other basis than 'if it worked there, it should work here'. A survey of current practice on how fixed mileage intervals are determined at different agencies would be of value to the bus fleet maintenance community. This is timely given the diversity of fleets, especially with respect to: technology, alternative fuels, climate, and maintenance philosophy. Fixed mileage intervals are also a key input to developing fleet maintenance practices - the subject of the recently released TCRP Report # 109. KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Buses KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2533 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230790 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490070 TI - Vehicle Assist and Automation (VAA) Demonstration AB - This project will demonstrate the technical merits and feasibility of different Vehicle Assist and Automation (VAA) technology applications in bus revenue service, and to assess their costs and benefits. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the cooperative agreement recipient, is partnering with Alameda County (AC) Transit, Lane Transit District (LTD), the University of California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH), and several private sector companies. Specifically, Caltrans will test lateral guidance through toll booths and on a four-mile section of high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) lane leading to the tool plaza and on AC Transit's M line. Caltrans also plans to test lateral guidance on LTD's Franklin EmX bus rapid transit (BRT) transitway and precision docking at BRT bus stops. These applications will each use the following VAA technologies, individually and in combination: 1) magnetic marker sensing, and 2) Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) with inertial sensors. KW - Alameda (California) KW - Automatic vehicle monitoring KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Bus rapid transit KW - California Department of Transportation KW - Global Positioning System KW - Guidance systems (Motor vehicles) KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Magnetic markers KW - Technological innovations KW - Vehicle assist and automation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259617 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486009 TI - East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative - Knoxville AB - The primary objective of the project is to conduct research that will directly relate to the potential development of technologies that will enhance the ability to utilize hydrogen-based technologies for fueling of vehicles, including light duty as well as heavier duty vehicles utilized in transit operations. Many issues still remain with respect to all aspects of hydrogen, including storage, safety issues, on-board fuel cell/engine technology, as well as hydrogen infrastructure (centralized versus decentralized production of hydrogen and hydrogen delivery). The three tasks undertaken with the assistance of this Cooperative Agreement will directly apply to these issues. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Energy storage systems KW - Fuel cells KW - Heavy duty vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Light duty vehicles KW - Technological innovations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255630 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489202 TI - Prototype Vehicle Domestic Manufacture AB - Federal Transit Administration (FTA) senior management were briefed by Portland Streetcar Inc., Oregon IronWorks, Rockwell Automation and District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DC DOT) on August 27, 2009, staff on the prototype streetcar. The group proposed another prototype railcar that would be capable of operating wirelessly. This prototype would be equipped with a domestic propulsion system produced by Rockwell Automation and on-board energy storage such as deep cycle batteries. The purpose of this project is to purchase and deploy an enhanced battery system for the domestically manufactured prototype streetcar that would enable operation without overhead wires for 1.5 kilometers on the Portland Streetcar system in Portland, Oregon. The technology for batteries has improved and this application would have added benefits for cities that would need to operate streetcars for short distances without wires. KW - Energy storage systems KW - Prototypes KW - Public transit KW - Streetcars KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258221 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489147 TI - APTA Mobility Management (FY07) AB - No summary provided. KW - Management KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258141 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486715 TI - Delaware Auto Fuel Cell Vehicle Consortium -- Phase IV: Lithium Titanate Battery Cells AB - This project supports the development of the phase IV fuel cell bus, testing lithium titanate battery cells and building hydrogen stations in Dover and Wilmington, Delaware. KW - Buses KW - Delaware KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hydrogen KW - Lithium batteries UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256441 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462670 TI - Guidelines for Providing Access to Public Transportation Stations AB - Effective access is critical to the success of public transportation services. Many passengers access these services, in particular high-capacity public transportation services (e.g., heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit) by automobile and by feeder/circulator transit services. Some transit operators and local communities believe that feeder/circulator transit services are preferable and discourage access by private vehicles. Yet, many transit systems with new rail transit stations or transit lines built without parking provision, particularly in medium-density areas, have learned that, despite considerable feeder transit services, providing parking would build additional public transportation ridership. For some rail systems, limited station parking availability is seen as a major constraint to further ridership growth. The objective of this project is to develop a guidebook for planning and implementing effective approaches to access public transportation through the provision of parking for private vehicles and feeder/circulator transit services. The research should address past practices, best practices, cost and benefit tradeoffs, and the pros and cons of these potentially complimentary or competing methods of accessing public transportation.
KW - Accessibility KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Feeder services KW - Parking KW - Parking facilities KW - Public transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2358 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230892 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462669 TI - Addressing Critical Shortfalls: Recruitment, Development, and Retention of High-Quality Managers for Public Transportation Systems AB - In all industries, high-quality managers are critical to effective performance. Public transportation systems throughout the United States need to improve the recruitment, development, and retention of managers for fixed-route and paratransit services. New managers and new management capabilities are needed because public transportation systems are changing in many communities and because many mid- and upper-managers in transit systems are "Baby Boomers" who will retire during the next 10 years. Some of the current and anticipated changes being experienced by transit systems in large, medium, and small urban and rural communities include new and expanded services, new technologies in transit's operations, maintenance and administrative functions, new organizational structures, new funding strategies, and new work force characteristics. Consequently, transit systems need to recruit and develop managers with new skills and capabilities as vacancies are filled and as new management positions evolve. Traditionally, transit systems have tended to recruit and develop managers in-house through promote-from-within practices. Although this approach generally has been successful and should not be abandoned, the changes throughout transit systems noted above require innovative approaches to recruiting, developing, and retaining managers. Public transportation is not alone in facing the challenge of building a talented and committed workforce led by dedicated and competent managers. This project is needed to examine successful organizational development and human resource practices in public transportation and other industries to identify effective recruitment, development, and retention strategies that can be adopted by or adapted to fixed-route and paratransit systems. Drawing on the experience of innovative public transportation systems and other industries, the objective of this research is to recommend effective strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality managers for fixed-route and paratransit systems. The research results should serve large, medium, and small urban and rural public, private-for-profit, and private-nonprofit systems. KW - Paratransit services KW - Personnel retention KW - Public transit KW - Recruiting KW - Research projects KW - Senior managers KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2361 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230891 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489191 TI - Economic Development Benefits AB - No summary provided. KW - Benefits KW - Development KW - Economic benefits KW - Economics UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258202 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462708 TI - Transit Enterprise Architecture and Planning Framework AB - The objective of this project is to create a consistent, successful, tool(s) for Information Technology (IT) and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) implementations that support the delivery of (1) services for internal stakeholders (back office systems) and (2) external stakeholders (e.g., passenger, vendors). This project seeks to understand and create a multi-faceted tool that helps agencies successfully implement technologies by assisting them in building the business case and implementation strategies and in conducting evaluations. KW - Implementation KW - Information technology KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Passengers KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Systems engineering KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vendors UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2384 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230930 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486712 TI - BUSolutions FY2008 Advanced Transit Research AB - The objective of this Cooperative Agreement is to support the continued efforts of Automation Alley and its partner Altair Engineering to develop "BUSolutions" - an easily maintainable, next-generation bus, designed using state of the art engineering methods to achieve a significantly lower cost of ownership. BUSolutions combines state of the art design with conventional components, materials, and construction methods to enable it to operate in existing transit authorities with no changes to infrastructure or personnel skill set requirements. The FY2008 funding will allow the engineering phase of BUSolutions to progress towards completion. As a general measure, this funding cycle should take the bus design to completion state of over 75% and allow the build to begin in the following funding cycle. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Engineering KW - Financing KW - Next generation design KW - State of the art KW - Vehicle design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256438 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462494 TI - Portable Electronic Wheel Gauge AB - This project will develop and demonstrate an innovative, portable electronic wheel gauge (EWG) to accurately measure rail wheels. Objectives are to improve commuter rail passenger safety and improve ride quality in a low-cost, effective manner. This gauge will make use of cutting-edge 3-D imaging metrology and electromagnetic sensing technology. It will take all of its measurements--flange wear, height, and angle; rim height and distance from reference groove; and wheel diameter--in a matter of seconds, with a single application. The cost of wheel maintenance, including measurement, refinishing/truing, and replacement, is high in many rail operations. The costs of improperly maintained wheels include loss of traction and efficiency and wastage of power and fuel. If a wheel fails entirely derailments can occur. Current standard practice in wheel measurement is to use the steel finger gauge and its relatives, a design nearly 80 years old that is time consuming to use, and unable to measure some characteristics of wheels. International Electronic Machines (IEM)'s prior electronic wheel gauge uses old technology, is larger and cumbersome to use, and does not perform certain measurements which are important to rail transit. KW - Car wheels (Railroads) KW - Electronics KW - Maintenance of way KW - Measuring instruments KW - Portable equipment KW - Railroad tracks KW - Research projects KW - Wheels UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2252 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230715 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462493 TI - Biometric Notification Network for Transit Employees AB -
This project will develop and test a prototype biometric notification network for transit employees, contractors, and vendors. This system will enhance transit security by providing transit officials with real-time notification of biometric ID card use. The system being developed in this project will use one-to-one matching against biometric data stored on ID cards in internationally standardized noncontact format. This system will evaluate the use of an Internet signaling protocol called Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to instantly notify authorized personnel of transactions involving biometric data of individuals using fingerprint readers. This work will be coordinated closely with the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) program of the Transportation Security Administration. The methodology in this project will go beyond current initiatives like the TWIC. The primary innovation of the biometric notification network will be providing transit organizations with a biometric system that has built-in, real-time notification with presence capabilities. The proposed system improves existing ID systems by adding real-time, subscription-based notifications to allow transit security personnel to subscribe to certain events on the biometric notification network. For example, in the event a recently terminated employee attempts to pass a security checkpoint with an ID card, the system could be configured to immediately notify all or only specific security personnel via instant message, phone call, or email.
 KW - Biometrics KW - Emergency notification systems KW - Employees KW - Identification badges KW - Identification systems KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Research projects KW - Security KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2257 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230714 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462492 TI - Developing Regional Mobility Management Centers AB -
This project will identify methods of integrating transportation with other services, such as health care, by organizing, coordinating, scheduling, and dispatching transportation resources in ways that are mutually beneficial to all parties. One innovative aspect of this approach is in coordinating the activities of multiple disciplines, not just multiple transportation modes. This project will serve as the initial part of an overall plan to develop innovative low-cost management protocols and software that mobility management call centers can use to better organize, coordinate, schedule, dispatch, and monitor service programs that use transportation as one component of their service delivery strategy. Regional mobility management call centers can provide a strategic mix of cost-effective coordinated transportation services with low-cost, non-traditional services to persons who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. When combined with affordable transportation, such services can delay the need for institutional care or other high-cost publicly supported interventions. Such services (not normally provided in currently operating transportation brokerage systems) could include trip alternatives and home patient services. This effort includes direct participation and support from public and specialized transportation providers in Colorado (Seniors Resource Center), Florida (VOTRAN), Massachusetts (Montachusett Regional Transit Authority), New Jersey (Meadowlink Commuter Services), North Carolina (Mason Area Transit Services), Virginia (Fairfax County, and Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. serving southwest Virginia), and Washington (Hopelink, serving King County,
Washington).
 KW - Coordination KW - Dispatching KW - Management KW - Management information systems KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Regional development KW - Regional transportation KW - Research projects KW - Schedules and scheduling KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2259 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230713 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462490 TI - Detection of Radioactivity in Transit Stations--Phase 2 AB - The purpose of this project is to install, test, and evaluate a prototype system, using security cameras in rail rapid transit stations, to detect and identify radioactive materials. The prototype system will make use of transit security cameras, which are already installed in many subway stations, and integrate them with newly developed software, to detect dangerous, nearby radioactive materials. This Phase 2 project will build on the results of previous work done by the same firm in Transit IDEA Project 42, which demonstrated that digital cameras exhibit highly significant sensitivity to ionizing radiation and charged particles from radioactive materials. The radiological materials that terrorists might use in the construction of a "dirty bomb" emit energetic particles that could be detected by cameras. To identify and distinguish the "dirty bomb" signature, multiple cameras would be networked into local and remote computers. The detection of radiological sources will be performed using the patent pending software. The relatively inexpensive combination, using existing cameras in rail rapid transit stations and the software, could be rapidly deployed. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro Transit Police will participate in this project and have agreed to test the prototype system in one of their Metrorail stations. This partnership and participation will help guide the technology research and development so that the prototype system can be designed for a transit station environment. KW - Detection and identification KW - Public transit KW - Radioactivity KW - Rail transit stations KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2263 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230711 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462486 TI - Detection of Explosives and Weapons in Transit Systems AB -

This project will develop and test a small-size, low-cost, extremely low-power sensor-locator for detection of explosives and weapons in rail transit systems. Transportation systems pose a potential target for terrorist threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The tragic attacks on the transit systems of Madrid, Spain, in 2004; London, England, in 2005; and Mumbai, India, in 2006 are reminders of this.

KW - Detection and identification technologies KW - Explosives KW - Explosives detectors KW - Rail transit KW - Research projects KW - Security KW - Terrorism UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2430 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230707 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462485 TI - Independent Wheelchair Securement AB -

This project will develop and test a rear-facing wheelchair containment system for transit buses. It will include a prototype device to allow users of wheelchairs to safely and independently use rear-facing containment on large buses, in lieu of the current standard four-point tie-down wheelchair securement system. The device being developed in this project will include a backrest and a movable aisle-side containment structure. The operation would begin with the user backing into the securement space until the rear of the chair is in contact with the backrest. Activation of the aisle-side device would then provide the second side of containment; the bus wall would act as the third side. Results of the Transit IDEA Project 38 show that rear-facing wheelchair containment is feasible and desirable for bus transit operations. It provides an appropriate level of safety, allows wheelchair passengers full independence in riding the bus, and reduces the time required for bus driver assistance, which then substantially reduces in-vehicle dwell time. The current limitation is the absence of a good means for aisle-side containment. One alternative in use is a fixed stanchion. However, this stanchion severely limits wheelchair maneuvering space, and it requires that the passenger has the ability to hold the stanchion. The other alternative does without aisle-side containment. This necessarily limits the use of the rear-facing option to those passengers in stable power chairs or to passengers able to securely hold on to a wall-side handhold.

 KW - Bus transit KW - Public transit KW - Rear facing wheelchair securement KW - Research projects KW - Safety KW - Wheelchair restraints KW - Wheelchair securement KW - Wheelchairs UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2431 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230706 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01511550 AU - United States Federal Transit Administration TI - Purple Line, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, alternatives analysis : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/09//Volumes held: Draft (fol) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Maryland UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1295874 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478202 AU - National Academy of Public Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Volume 1: Identifying the Workforce to Respond to a National Imperative. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) SN - 1577441672 PY - 2008/09 SP - 184p AB - Transforming the nation’s air transportation system is a national imperative. The current system is one of the safest in the world, but it is experiencing unprecedented challenges: demand for air transportation is outpacing capacity; delays, cancellations, and diverted flights are increasing at alarming rates; and new and different types of aircraft are creating gridlock in the skies. Added to these challenges is an aging infrastructure, making the system’s reliance on ground-based radars operationally obsolete and increasingly inefficient. Greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns are arising from inefficient use of aircraft and airspace, and security concerns are growing. These problems cannot be addressed by upgrading or minimally changing the current system. A total transformation is needed. To address this national imperative, in 2003, Congress mandated creation of the inter-agency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lead the nation in transitioning to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)—a system that must safely accommodate what could be a triple increase in air traffic by the year 2025. NextGen is envisioned as a major redesign of the air transportation system that will take the nation into a new paradigm of aviation by replacing ground-based radar technology and voice communication with precision satellite navigation; digital, networked communications; an integrated weather system; increased security; and tailored individual flight paths. The JPDO is responsible for coordinating and integrating the efforts of private industry and the federal agencies that have a role in the NextGen transformation. In addition to the FAA, several other federal entities have key roles in the NextGen transformation, including the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security, and Commerce, as well as NASA and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. FAA has the largest role in this effort and is primarily responsible for developing and implementing the policies, systems and technology necessary to achieve the NextGen vision, while safely operating the current air transportation system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FAA must undertake this national challenge despite doubt created by its past efforts to modernize. While recent projects have been more successful, over the past 25 years FAA’s modernization projects have experienced substantial cost overruns, lengthy delays, and significant performance shortfalls. Due to its problem-plagued past, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has designated FAA’s modernization program a high-risk information technology investment since 1995. Consequently, FAA is under significant and increasing pressure to deliver a new air transportation system. KW - Air traffic KW - Communications satellites KW - Implementation KW - Labor force KW - Next Generation Air Transportation System KW - Satellite navigation systems KW - Technological innovations KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration UR - http://www.napawash.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08-10.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1247224 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135190 AU - Clark, Nigel N AU - Zhen, Feng AU - Wayner, W S AU - Lyons, Donald W AU - West Virginia University, Morgantown AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Additional Transit Bus Life Cycle Cost Scenarios Based on Current and Future Fuel Prices PY - 2008/09//Final Report SP - 30p AB - National average diesel and compressed natural gas fuel price increased to $4.71 per gallon and $14.41 per thousand cubic feet in July 2008. West Virginia University did a life cycle cost analysis for the Federal Transit Administration on diesel hybrid-electric bus technology, conventional diesel bus technology using ultra low sulfur diesel, conventional diesel bus technology using B20 biodiesel fuel, and compressed natural gas bus technology. The fuel price forecast in the previous analysis ($2.67 per gallon for diesel and $13.34 per thousand cubic feet estimated in 2008) was much lower than the current fuel price. The life cycle cost of the four technologies was recalculated according to the high fuel cost. The report addressed how fuel costs were estimated and presented the life cycle cost summary charts for the four different fuel price scenarios. KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Bus transportation KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Diesel buses KW - Diesel electric buses KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fuel prices KW - Life cycle analysis KW - Natural gas buses KW - Urban transportation UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/WVU_FTA_LCC_Second_Report_11-03-2008.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/894494 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01124328 AU - Ripplinger, David AU - Beck, Natalie AU - Hough, Jill Annette AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Urban-Rural Classification: Identifying a System Suitable for Transit PY - 2008/09 SP - 38p AB - A geographic classification system to guide transit policy in small urban and rural areas does not exist, nor does a classification system of rural transit services. As the need and resources available for small urban and rural transit services are increasing, these deficiencies are becoming ever more significant. The general case, where program development and resource allocation depends on appropriate classification, appears to apply to small urban and rural transit policy. In this paper existing urban-rural classifications are evaluated to determine their ability to appropriately delineate differences among geographic areas as they relate to personal mobility need and transportation service availability with emphasis placed on the definitional boundary between urban, small urban, and rural areas. In the absence of a suitable existing classification system, a new system is constructed, applied, and evaluated. KW - Population density KW - Public transit KW - Resource allocation KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Small cities KW - Small towns KW - Transportation policy UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP207.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/885728 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122737 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2007 Statistical Summaries: Federal Transit Administration Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2008/09 SP - n.p. AB - This report provides information about the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) major financial aid programs for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2007. The report covers the following programs: Urbanized Area Formula, Non-urbanized Area Formula, Rural Transit Assistance Program, Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, Capital, Interstate Substitution, Job Access and Reverse Commute, New Freedom, Over-the-Road Bus, Clean Fuels, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Statewide Transportation Planning, Consolidated Planning Grants, Emergency Supplemental funding, and State Infrastructure Banks. The data used in this report are compiled from the capital, operating, and planning assistance grants to transit authorities, states, planning agencies, and other units of local government and eligible recipients. KW - Federal assistance programs KW - Financing KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/data/grants_financing_8542.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884279 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01139261 AU - Fisher, Bruno AU - Bhatnagar, Himanshu AU - Kosta, Chuck AU - Montachusett Regional Transit Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - UWR/MSAA Demonstration of Coordinated Human Service Transportation Models: Phase I System Development and Design. M-ITS: MART’s Integration Traveler Services PY - 2008/08/31/Final Report SP - 45p AB - This paper presents the results of a sixteen month project for system development and design of a model for a Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) utilizing ITS capabilities. The system was designed as a tool to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and data, enabling seamless coordination of transportation across geographic regions, programs, funding entities, private/public/non-profit providers, care-givers and travel coordinators. This project involved discussions and meetings, extensive research, card-board modeling and numerous verification sessions during which stakeholders throughout Massachusetts and portions of New Hampshire defined and ratified system requirements, which were later organized into potential sub-systems representing ‘functional’ system components. The M-ITS core subsystems are: 1) Brokerage & Booking, 2) Scheduling & Dispatching, 3) Vehicle Tracking, 4) Operations Management, 5) Fare Payment and Billing Management and 6) a Trip Planner. The system design process resulted into a practical, scalable product that can be replicated in multiple scenarios without difficulty by any entity using mostly off-the-shelf components (with some customization) and deployed in its entirety over the given 12 months through six concurrent phases, provided funding is available for all the phases. KW - Coordination KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Massachusetts KW - New Hampshire KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Social service agencies KW - System design KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/UWR-FinalRpt.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/898921 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489151 TI - Incremental BRT: Assessing Performance AB - This project will assess the performance of various bus rapid transit (BRT) components as implemented by United States (US) and potentially Canadian transit agencies. It will collect data from transit agencies regarding the impact of BRT components on corridor ridership, operating costs, and other parameters. It will then assess the performance of these components and seek to provide transit agencies with information on the relative costs and benefits of investing in these components. KW - Benefits KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Canada KW - Data collection KW - Operating costs KW - Performance assessment KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258145 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486798 TI - USAF - MACK Project AB - CALSTART has been working with the United States Air Force (USAF) and Mack trucks North America to show that hybrid technology must be integrated with the rest of the power train and vehicle for successful commercialization of hybrids. KW - Commercialization KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Mack Trucks Incorporated KW - Power trains KW - Technological innovations KW - Trucks KW - United States Air Force UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256584 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489285 TI - Missouri Transportation Institute AB - The objective of this project is to enable the Missouri Transportation Institute to engage in alternative sources of energy to power transit vehicles. The Institute supports (1) implementation of an electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) demonstration project in partnership with the City of Kansas City and KokamAmerica, Incorporated and (2) expansion of the on-going research project that integrates hydrogen-powered shuttle buses into a rural transportation commuter service between the City of Rolla, Missouri and the Fort Leonard Wood military installation. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Electric vehicles KW - Environmental impacts KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Plug-in hybrid vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Shuttle buses KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258302 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01140953 AU - Jamison, Doug AU - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center (MORE-TMCC) Final Report PY - 2008/08//Final Report SP - 24p AB - The Final Technical Report for the Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center (MORE-TMCC) Phase 1 System Design presents a detailed review of the fifteen month process of designing a travel management coordination center. Its purpose is to provide the goals defined by the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) initiative for a TMCC and the methodology for reaching these goals. MSAA goals included increased accessibility of public transportation and more efficient use of federal resources and funds. MORE-TMCC was one of eight demonstration sites selected to develop a system that is driven by the local community, provides travelers with simplified points of access to transportation, supports coordinated operations and streamlines program management requirements and procedures. The methodology used and the lessons learned during the system design provide other agencies with best practices for the design of a similar system. KW - Accessibility KW - Financing KW - Mobility KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public transit KW - Strategic planning KW - Travel KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/MORE-TMCC_Final_Technical_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/900998 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01134759 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Denver Union Station : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/08//Volumes held: Draft, Final(2v) KW - Colorado KW - Environmental impact statements UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895519 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01125392 AU - Redington, Mike AU - Rutyna, Eve AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Shanahan, Felicity AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Drug and Alcohol Testing Results 2006 Annual Report PY - 2008/08//Final Report SP - 96p AB - This is the 12th annual report of the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. This report summarizes the reporting requirements for calendar year 2006, the requirements of the overall drug and alcohol testing program (49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655), the results from the data reported for 2006, and the random drug and alcohol violation rates (the percentage of persons selected for a random test who produced a positive specimen or refused to take the test) for calendar years 1995 through 2006. This report provides a brief overview of the drug and alcohol testing requirements for both safety-sensitive employers and employees. The official random rates for 2006 are provided, as well as the official random rate trends over the last 12 years. The results of alcohol and drug tests are provided by test type, employee category, and region. The positive testing rates for drugs and alcohol are also provided for each test type, employee category, and region. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Annual reports KW - Drug tests KW - Employees KW - Safety-sensitive positions (Transportation) KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/substance/damis06/pdf/damis2006.pdf UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/substance/damis06/pdf/damis2006.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/885688 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122594 AU - Atlanta Regional Commission AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Demonstration of Enhanced Transportation Models: Phase I System Development and Design, Final Technical Report PY - 2008/08//Final Technical Report SP - n.p. AB - The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) was one of eight communities in the United States that was selected to participate in the U.S. DOT Federal Transit Administration’s program entitled Demonstration of Enhanced Human Service Transportation Models: Phase 1 System Development and Design. This document is the final project report. The report summarizes the system development and design work conducted to support a Transportation Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for Human Service Transportation (HST) in the Atlantic region. It outlines the process undertaken, including stakeholder involvement process and a discussion of lessons learned for HST coordination and technology application. KW - Atlanta Metropolitan Area KW - Coordination KW - Development KW - Human service transportation KW - Lessons learned KW - Stakeholders KW - System design KW - Technology KW - Traffic control centers KW - Transportation models UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884186 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122377 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Housing and Urban Development TI - Better Coordination of Transportation and Housing Programs to Promote Affordable Housing Near Transit PY - 2008/08 SP - 20p AB - Transit-oriented development (TOD) is increasingly recognized as having the potential to improve the quality of life for American households, by creating vibrant, livable communities in proximity to transit. Improved access to transit can reduce transportation costs for working families and mitigate the negative impacts of automobile travel on the environment and the economy. The need for a mix of housing types that is affordable to a range of family incomes in proximity to transit is an important policy concern at all levels of government, including the federal government. Through its policies and investments, the federal government can help shape opportunities at the regional and local level to meet the growing demand for affordable housing near transit. Congress has directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to address this issue. The House Committee on Appropriations, in its Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Committee Report, stated that the Committee strongly believes that transportation, housing, and energy can no longer be viewed as completely separate spheres with little or no coordination throughout the different levels of government, and has directed FTA and HUD to better coordinate public transportation and housing policies and programs. Better planning and coordination on the federal, state and local levels can ensure that affordable housing is located closer to public transportation and employment centers. KW - Affordable housing KW - Community development KW - Coordination KW - Economic development KW - Housing KW - Mixed use development KW - Public transit KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation programs UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA-HUD_Action_Plan_--__Report_to_Congress_2008%281%29.pdf UR - http://www.huduser.org/Publications/pdf/better_coordination.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883845 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01118737 AU - Jamison, Doug AU - Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - MORE-TMCC: Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center PY - 2008/08//Final Technical Report SP - 24p AB - The Final Technical Report of the Model Orlando Regionally Efficient Travel Management Coordination Center (MORE-TMCC) Phase 1 System Design presents a detailed review of the fifteen month process of designing a travel management coordination center. Its purpose is to provide the goals defined by the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) initiative for a TMCC and the methodology for reaching these goals. MSAA goals included increased accessibility of public transportation and more efficient use of federal resources and funds. MORE-TMCC was one of eight demonstration sites selected to develop a system that is driven by the local community, provides travelers with simplified points of access to transportation, supports coordinated operations and streamlines program management requirements and procedures. The methodology used and the lessons learned during the system design provide other agencies with best practices for the design of a similar system. KW - Best practices KW - Coordination KW - Mobility KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - Traffic control centers KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/MORE-TMCC_Final_Technical_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/878514 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01109888 AU - Kantor, David AU - Moscoe, Gregg AU - Silver, Fred AU - WestStart-CALSTART AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2008 Bus Rapid Transit Vehicle Demand & Systems Analysis Update PY - 2008/08//Final Report SP - 38p AB - The objective of this report is to reflect the state of the U.S. market demand for “BRT-heavy” vehicles and systems, with a focus on “BRT-heavy” vehicles and systems. It is the third is a series of market demand analyses and as such, charts the trends in this evolving market. Via phone interviews and electronic surveys of transit planners, and also via published reports from the transit properties and industry publications, the report compiles data about the quantities of vehicles, delivery timing, and vehicle preferences such as vehicle type, length, propulsion, image, and appearance, as well as supporting technologies such as signal priority. An aggregate view is developed about the features in bus rapid transit (BRT) vehicles and systems implied by the community transit plans now and in the near future. Implications are drawn from the community interviews and analysis results. What emerges is a perspective on the vehicle features desired to support BRT plans, the quantities and timing of vehicles with these features, and a set of proximate topics that may be important for future industry dialog. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Consumer preferences KW - Demand KW - Literature reviews KW - Market assessment KW - Surveys KW - Vehicle design UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/2008_BRT_VDSA_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/869414 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486786 TI - MPO`s Role in the Decision Making Process AB - No summary provided. KW - Decision making KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256572 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486710 TI - Design and Build Greater than 30 Foot Rural Bus AB - As part of the Advanced Small Transit Vehicle Development Program, the objective of this project is to provide a vehicle responsive to the needs of rural providers around the country, Ride Solution will select the design for a new vehicle through a competitive solicitation. The winning bid will be selected against a series of performance specifications to ensure that the vehicles meet these specialized needs. Fabrication and testing of the new vehicles at Ride Solution will validate conclusively the low floor to be viable on dirt roads. KW - Competitive bidding KW - Fabrication KW - Low floor vehicles KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vehicle design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256436 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486709 TI - WVU Exhaust Emissions Testing Initiative -- 1 & 2 AB - West Virginia University (WVU) has established an emissions research program, which provides public transit agencies, engine and vehicle manufacturers, transit industry associations, government regulatory agencies and other transit industry constituents with information concerning the exhaust emissions of existing and new technology transit vehicles. There are four general task areas: (1) Provide Technical Assistance to Pennsylvania Transportation Institute to Establish an Emissions Testing Program; (2) Measure Emissions of New Transit Buses; (3) Develop Emissions Resources for Transit Agency Managers; and (4) Coordinate with the Constituents of the Bus Testing Program. KW - Coordination KW - Exhaust gases KW - Pollutants KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit buses KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256435 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01463301 TI - Establishing a National Transit Industry Rail Vehicle Technician Qualification Program: Building for Success AB - The development and implementation of new rail vehicle technologies in transit systems around the country have had profound effects. While these technologies have greatly benefited customers and agencies alike, they also have led to difficulties. The internal training capacity of the transit industry has had trouble keeping up with the pace of innovation, and it has become increasingly difficult to hire new external applicants with the specialized skills needed for the new equipment. Upgrading the skills of the workforce that maintains this new technology and developing a system that does this on an ongoing basis is of the utmost importance to the industry. A number of Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) and Transportation Research Board (TRB) reports have analyzed the transit skills crisis. A common thread in their recommendations for resolving this skills crisis is that management and labor should work together in creating a joint system for developing the skills needed in this industry. TCRP Report 29, Closing the Knowledge Gap for Transit Vehicle Maintenance Employees: A Systems Approach demonstrated that the onus is on the transit agencies themselves to find ways of closing the skills gap" and TCRP Report 96, Determining Training for New Technologies: A Decision Game and Facilitation Guide, indicates that "[a] successful program must involve partnering with the employees being trained and with labor unions whose members are affected. The best approach is for all the major players in the transit industry, labor and management, to work in partnership to develop new approaches to training and certification. The Community Transportation Center's 2007 research summary, People Make the Hardware Work: Transit Experts Call for Labor-Management Training Partnerships, contains excerpts from seven reports from TCRP, TRB and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on this subject. This joint approach is what has proven so successful in the development of national standards for transit maintenance training. KW - Labor force KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Technicians KW - Technological innovations KW - Training UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2359 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231527 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462747 TI - Establishing a National Transit Industry Rail Vehicle Technician Certification Program: Building for Success AB - The development and implementation of new rail vehicle technologies in transit systems around the country have had profound effects. While these technologies have greatly benefited customers and agencies alike, they also have led to difficulties.  The internal training capacity of the transit industry has had trouble keeping up with the pace of innovation, and it has become increasingly difficult to hire new external applicants with the specialized skills needed for the new equipment.  Upgrading the skills of the workforce that maintains this new technology and developing a system that does this on an ongoing basis is of the utmost importance to the industry.   

KW - Certification KW - Labor force KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Technicians KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2359 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230970 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462746 TI - Extending and Deepening National Transit Training Standards AB - The transit industry is experiencing a period of resurgence and growth. As ridership continues to grow, transit agencies are deploying new technologies to serve passengers that expect highly responsive, environmentally appealing and safe transit services. As newer and more convenient transit systems are deployed, agencies are faced with the need to operate and maintain equipment that is becoming more complex. This calls for a workforce that is constantly being trained and retrained on new equipment, even at a time when many existing workers are fast approaching retirements and when the industry has to recruit new workers in highly competitive labor markets. These opportunities and challenges are made more complicated by the fact that many of today's younger and less experienced workers have little understanding of the new technical requirements of transportation systems as few schools provide this type of training. As a result, transit agencies are finding that they must continuously train their maintenance mechanics and technicians to develop the needed skills. Most recently, transit managers and labor representatives are working in partnerships to address the growing skills shortages affecting transit by identifying training requirements and developing national standards for bus and rail maintenance occupations. The Community Transportation Center (CTC) has served as a key facilitator for the labor-management partnerships in developing these standards. To date, working in concert with APTA, joint labor-management national training standards have been developed for 8 of the 11 key areas of bus maintenance corresponding to ASE testing for bus maintenance certification. Working closely with APTA and the major transit unions, the CTC is also facilitating the development of training standards for four transit rail maintenance occupations. Training modules for each of these areas are scheduled be completed in late 2007 and throughout 2008. This proposal is to take transit maintenance standards to the next level by developing activities that further the implementation of standards within the transit maintenance community. Each of the proposed activities is intended to foster the application of national maintenance training standards as examples of best practices.

 

KW - Labor force KW - Maintenance practices KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Training KW - Training programs KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2360 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230968 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462712 TI - Understanding Airspace, Objects, and Their Effects on Airports AB - The traditional process to evaluate obstructions is complex and does not necessarily capture the cumulative effect of objects on an airport's operational airspace. This evaluation is conventionally accomplished through the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 77 that starts with the filing of a FAA Form 7460-1. While Part 77 provides a straightforward means of identifying obstructions, there are other objects that could affect the airport's operations but would not be obstructions since they do not penetrate any of the imaginary surfaces prescribed in Part 77.   For example, the controlling obstacle for an instrument procedure or penetrations to the air carrier one engine inoperative requirement may not be obstructions under Part 77 criteria. The emergence of new navigational technologies and their associated procedures have further exacerbated this situation. In an attempt to address this situation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering developing new composite surfaces that incorporate multiple existing criteria including that contained in Part 77 and Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS). However, this effort is just starting. In the interim, planners and airport sponsors need to better understand the effects of current and proposed objects on the airport environment. There are a myriad of federal regulations, requirements, and processes that are used to identify and assess the impacts on an airport's operations of proposed objects. Research is needed to provide guidance to airport managers and other stakeholders on applicable criteria and interrelationships between these criteria in order to help them identify and minimize the effects of development decisions that may adversely impact on airport operations. The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook that defines and explains the various criteria used to identify objects that affect the airspace needed by an airport for its current and future operations, as well as the interrelationships between these criteria.   The guidebook is intended to be used by airport operators, consultants, and surrounding communities in understanding the airport's current and future airspace needs and how objects individually and collectively can affect the safety, utility, and efficiency of their airport.
 
KW - Air transportation facilities KW - Airport operations KW - Airports KW - Airspace (Aeronautics) KW - Airspace utilization KW - Handbooks KW - Obstructions (Navigation) UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2105 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230934 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489192 TI - East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative: Transition of Bus Transit to Hydrogen: A Case Study of a Medium Sized Transit Agency AB - The primary objective of the project is to conduct research that will directly relate to the potential development of technologies that will enhance the ability to utilize hydrogen-based technologies for fueling of vehicles, including light duty as well as heavier duty vehicles utilized in transit operations. Many issues still remain with respect to all aspects of hydrogen, including storage, safety issues, on-board fuel cell/engine technology, as well as hydrogen infrastructure (centralized versus decentralized production of hydrogen and hydrogen delivery). The three tasks undertaken with the assistance of this Cooperative Agreement will directly apply to these issues. Transition of Bus Transit to Hydrogen-A Case Study of a Medium-Sized Transit Agency, involves a case study investigating the resource requirements to transition an entire transit fleet from biodiesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel sources to hydrogen. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) will be used as the transit agency in the study. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Fuel storage KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Knoxville Area Transit (Tennessee) KW - Medium sized cities KW - Public transit KW - Transit buses KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ETHITask2FinalReportDecember2010_v6(2).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258203 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489235 TI - Reconnecting America AB - This amendment enables the Center for Transit-Oriented-Development (TOD) to continue cataloging TOD best practices from around the country, to develop guidelines and standards, and to provide technical assistance fostering linkages between transit, land use, and economic devlopment. The Center will also develop planning guidance, performance criteria, models and techniques to maximize ridership through land use planning and adjacent development. KW - Best practices KW - Economic development KW - Guidelines KW - Land use KW - Ridership KW - Standards KW - Technical assistance KW - Transit oriented development UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258254 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489287 TI - Alabama Trauma Care System AB - This project supports the continuing effort of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to enhance and expand the activities of the Center for Injury Sciences at UAB. The Center's initiatives contribute to the Alabama trauma care system and to a better understanding of injury patterns associated with motor vehicle collisions and mass casualty incidents. In 2008, the Center will further support development of a comprehensive trauma system with emphasis on pre-hospital observations that aid in studying the integration of established motor vehicle crash investigation activities into mass transit accident analysis as a means to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with mass transit casualties. Emphasis will be placed on investigations involving bus configuration and operations. KW - Alabama KW - Crash injuries KW - Crash injury research KW - Crashes KW - Injuries KW - Motor vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Trauma centers UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258304 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01134883 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Northwest Corridor, LRT Line to Irving/DFW Airport : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/07//Volumes held: Draft, Draft AppendixC(fol), Final, Final AppendixC(fol) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Texas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/895633 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122742 AU - Easter Seals Project ACTION AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - The Road More Traveled - A Journey to Accessible Transportation PY - 2008/07 SP - 44p AB - Read and celebrate the history of accessible public transportation Online. Easter Seals Project ACTION celebrates its 20th anniversary with the publication of The Road More Traveled - A Journey to Accessible Transportation. This book is about the journey of collaboration to achieve full access to transportation; it is about securing independence for people with disabilities through Accessible Transportation in Our Nation. KW - Accessibility KW - Cooperation KW - Easter Seals Project ACTION KW - History KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884253 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01105372 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Profiles of 511 Traveler Information Services Update 2008 PY - 2008/07//Third Edition SP - 78p AB - This report was prepared to increase public awareness, access, and knowledge of the transit content within existing 511 traveler information services. This third edition provides descriptive profiles of each of the forty-one 511 traveler information services in operation within the United States, as of July 2008. It also includes a listing of the "Forty-One 511 Systems: Areas of Commonality and Uniqueness"—highlighting areas of information these systems share and identifying those pieces of traveler information unique to specific systems. Information was obtained directly from each 511 call-in telephone number, which can be accessed by any traveler. The 511 system provides an easy way to obtain travel information anywhere in the country, and helps travelers make better decisions on travel routes and modes. Of the 41 active 511 systems profiled in this report, 22 systems provide public transit information. Fourteen systems automatically transfer a caller, if requested, to a transit provider. KW - 511 (National Travel Information Number) KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Public transit KW - States KW - Traveler information and communication systems KW - Websites (Information retrieval) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/2008_511_Profiles.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/865002 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489273 TI - National Bioterrorism Response Center AB - The objective of this effort is to continue to support the efforts of the National Bioterrorism Civilian Medical Response Center (CIMERC) at Drexel University to develop enabling technologies for detection systems aimed at increasing emergency preparedness to possible attacks involving biological agent releases in the transit environment. The specific objective of this application is to modify two piezoelectric biosensor platforms (the Piezoelectric Bulk Acoustic Wave Biosensors (PBB) and the Piezoelectric Cantilever Biosensor (PCB) developed in CIMERC laboratories to detect anthrax. KW - Anthrax KW - Biological and chemical weapons KW - Bioterrorism KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Piezoelectricity KW - Security KW - Sensors KW - Terrorism UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258290 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01110155 AU - Popovetsky, Irving AU - Psmythe, A Brandon AU - Pham, Amber AU - CASE Associates Incorporated AU - ProStructure Consulting, LLC AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Independent Verification and Validation of Washington State Ferries' Wireless High Speed Data Project PY - 2008/06/30/Final Report SP - 83p AB - The following Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) report documents and presents the results of a study of the Washington State Ferries Prototype Wireless High Speed Data Network. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and determine if real-time security monitoring applications could be consistently available from shore during the vessels’ normal daily operations as well as in emergency situations. The Washington State Ferries Prototype Wireless High Speed Data network project aims to demonstrate new technologies that may provide real-time surveillance capabilities and records for law enforcement agencies in the event of an emergency. Research methodologies included full-scale monitoring tests in combination with data collection phases over multiple weeks. These results were applied to track and evaluate high-speed wireless connections from the ferries to shore. It is the specific intent of this study to determine if the prototype network provides reliable connectivity, and protection against radio eavesdropping, network-based viruses, worms, and traffic floods. The findings of the study were a result of multiple weeks of data collection from communication equipment placed on board the Washington State Ferry vessels. The intended audience of this report is government agencies wishing to implement secure high-speed mobile wireless data networks. The technical nature of the findings and recommendations in this report are intended to help technical teams make decisions regarding technology and implementation choices when building new wireless networks. KW - Ferries KW - High speed data system KW - Prototypes KW - Security KW - Ship-to-shore communications KW - Verification and validation checks KW - Washington State Ferries KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/CAI-PSC-IVandV-Report-20080902.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/869725 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01106138 AU - Thakuriah, Piyushimita AU - Sriraj, P S AU - Soot, Siim AU - Persky, Joseph AU - University of Illinois, Chicago AU - Community Transportation Association AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Economic Benefits of Employment Transportation Services PY - 2008/06/30/Final Report SP - 269p AB - This report examines the benefits that accrue from employment transportation services implemented as a result of changes in welfare policy, namely the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. Employment transportation services were developed to provide access to jobs for people who otherwise have few transportation options, either because public transportation is not available to their work locations (or for employment-supportive trips such as daycare, schools, job-training or for job search activities) or because they cannot afford to own and operate a private vehicle. The employment transportation services examined in this study have been funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, human service agencies, labor and workforce development agencies, other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private sector companies. Employment transportation services include: traditional fixed-route bus or demand-responsive services operated by local transit agencies; rideshare programs, shuttle, or charter services provided by non-profit organizations, employers or employment agencies; information services and mobility brokers that link information on jobs with transportation to those jobs; and car programs that fund ownership and use of private vehicles by low-income workers. KW - Access to jobs KW - Bus transit KW - Charter operations KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Economic benefits KW - Employment transportation KW - Low income groups KW - Public transit KW - Ridesharing KW - Shuttle service KW - Transit services KW - Welfare recipients KW - Welfare to work UR - http://www.utc.uic.edu/research/reports/Thakuriah_Final_Report2008.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/865239 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462570 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-22. Bus Rail Preferential Treatments in Mixed Traffic AB - Transit preferential treatments in mixed traffic environments have the potential to increase transit operating speeds and improve reliability and safety. Such treatments may include passenger stop consolidation; traffic signal coordination, phasing, and priority; and street design (bulbs/curb extensions, bypass lanes, signage, striping, etc). A number of U.S. and Canadian properties have experimented with transit preferential treatments with varying degrees of success. While real monetary and personnel savings are not always achievable, even the most basic of measures can yield performance improvements in terms of reliability. Along with the increasing number of systems is the increase in the number of methods for providing transit preferential treatments to maintain safe, reliable and efficient progression in an urban/suburban environment. This synthesis shall have two parts. A survey is needed to document 1--the various preferential treatments currently in operation and the characteristics of each and 2--selected case studies implemented by transit agencies and jurisdictions with authority over streets and signals. KW - Arterial highways KW - Bus stops KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Light rail transit KW - Operating speed KW - Public transit KW - Stopping KW - Traffic signal control systems KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vehicle mix UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2532 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230791 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462568 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-09. Current Practices of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Savings from Transit AB - The Transportation Research Board's special report 251, Toward a Sustainable Future, identified transit investments as one of a handful of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. By moving more people with fewer vehicles, public transportation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transit can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating compact development, which conserves land and decreases the distances people need to travel to reach destinations. Finally, transit can minimize its own greenhouse gas emissions by using efficient vehicles, alternative fuels, and decreasing the impact of its construction and operations. Over 800 mayors across the United States have signed a U.S. Conference of Mayors agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and numerous states have passed legislation to reduce emissions. A synthesis would be helpful to state and local governments considering how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. It would also help transit agencies choose between available vehicle and fuel types based on their greenhouse gas emissions. The synthesis report would contribute to the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) strategic research Goal 5: "Protect the Environment and Promote Energy Independence." This report would synthesize available information and produce a compendium of the knowledge available on transit's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This would also include discussion of the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing ridership on existing transit, shifting single occupancy vehicle travel to targeted new transit investments, using transit to facilitate compact development, and minimizing transit's emissions from its own operations and construction. As information is available, the report will try to document greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile from different forms of transit compared to private vehicles. Finally, the synthesis will identify specific areas in which further research is needed. KW - Air pollution sources KW - Air quality management KW - Exhaust gases KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2534 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230789 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462567 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-10. Effective Use of Citizen Advisory Committees for Transit Planning and Operations AB - Transportation literature includes case studies describing the application of a range of public outreach techniques in long-range transportation planning and project development processes. A common technique is the use of a citizen advisory commission (CAC). CACs (alternatively called citizen advisory boards or focus groups) can elevate the level of dialogue and interaction between transportation planners and project development personnel resulting in better informed and more complete public input on plans and projects. Much of the case study literature focuses on the substantive outcomes of such groups, with little discussion of the organization and internal function that provided the framework for their success and, in cases where the effort fell short, the reasons for difficulty are poorly described. Transit agencies working to bring their public outreach practices for planning and operations efforts into compliance with requirements, might find a synthesis of successful practices and other related outcomes related to CACs, a helpful guide. Using CACs that are well- structured and solidly supported can improve efficiency and effectiveness of the entire planning process. Therefore, transit agencies would benefit from a concise documentation of the use of CACs in transit project development efforts. KW - Outreach KW - Public participation KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit vehicle operations KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2535 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230788 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462566 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SH-11. Pass Fare Arrangements for Public Employees AB - In many cities, one of the largest, if not the largest, local employer is the federal, state, or municipal government. Private companies have several incentives to encourage their employees to use public transit. For example, when employees purchase transit tickets and passes with pretax income, the employer saves on FICA taxes. Employers can also help subsidize their workers' monthly commuting cost by offering TransitChek or a similar incentive. There have been a few high profile instances in which public employees have been encouraged to use transit by offering free or significantly reduced fares, including Federal employees in the Washington, DC area and State of Tennessee employees in Nashville. Generally, however, governmental agencies have been less pro-active in promoting transit ridership by employees. A synthesis exploring fare free arrangements for public employees is needed to update agencies' understanding. This project will describe programs specifically targeted for public employees to increase transit ridership by offering free or significantly discounted fares. KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight trains KW - Light rail transit KW - Public transit KW - Railroad tracks KW - Right of way (Land) KW - Shared tracks KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2536 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230787 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462713 TI - A Guidebook for the Preservation of Public-Use Airports AB - According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there are approximately 5200 public-use airports in the United States. Many of these public-use airports, particularly those that are privately-owned, are in danger of closure, typically to make land available for alternative uses such as residential or commercial development. This situation is especially true in the fringes around urban centers and other populated areas. This area is also where air access is needed the most. Once an airport is lost in these areas, the chances to rebuild a replacement airport are almost nonexistent. With very light jets now entering the marketplace, the need to preserve non-congested landing areas close to final destinations is even more critical. Usually the public-use airports that close are privately owned facilities. However, publicly owned airports can also be vulnerable. At the local level, there is often a lack of understanding of the value of the airport to the community. In some cases, the airport is considered a strain on community resources. The actual closure of an airport is usually the last step in a chain of events that occurs over several years. One of the keys to airport preservation is to take action early in the process when numerous options are still available. Parties (including state and local governments) seeking to preserve public-use airports have difficulty obtaining information about the options that are available to preserve the airport and to increase its economic viability. A guidebook would be helpful to provide current information on how to recognize and identify threats to help in preventing closures. The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook that describes the reasons why public-use airports close and identifies measures and strategies that can be taken to preserve public-use airports. An interactive tool will accompany the guidebook that allows a user to access information on specific circumstances pertaining to closures, preventive measures and strategies, and roles and responsibilities of parties that have a role in preventing the closure. This guidebook is intended to be used by state and local agencies, airport owners/operators, and advocacy groups in preserving public-use airports.

KW - Airport operations KW - Airports KW - Closures KW - Handbooks KW - Ownership KW - Public areas KW - Public use KW - Research projects KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2103 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230935 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486720 TI - Evaluation of Fuel Cell and ITS Technology Applications for Morgantown PRT AB - The objective of this cooperative agreement is to analyze the demands of the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system (MPRT), including vehicle usage, critical control system, facility requirements, winter electric loads for guideway and other system elements, develop strategies to reduce energy usage, implement new procedures, and add or modify equipment and controls to reduce the MPRT system energy consumption. The project will be divided into two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a complete energy audit of the MPRT system, including development of a total energy management program. Phase 1 will identify various alternatives that will be developed in Phase 2. Existing transit experience with clean energy technology, such as fuel cell power systems, as well as new integrated Intelligent Transportation Systems technology will be investigated. In Phase 2, the alternatives recommended in Phase 1 report will be further analyzed with cost and reliability data. New equipment and/or control system techniques will be tested, as appropriate. KW - Clean fuels KW - Control systems KW - Cost accounting KW - Energy conservation KW - Fuel cells KW - Guideways KW - Guideways KW - Integrated systems KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Personal rapid transit KW - Public transit KW - Reliability KW - Technology assessment KW - West Virginia UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256446 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489198 TI - Fuel Cell Bus Validation and International Coordination AB - The U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has a significant interest in the advancement of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in transit applications. The objectives of this project are to validate fuel cell technologies in transit bus applications and to coordinate data sharing between both the national fuel cell bus working group and the international fuel cell bus working group. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will evaluate fuel cell buses to determine the status of fuel cell systems for buses and provide the lessons learned to aid other fleets in implementing the next generation fuel cell systems. NREL and FTA work to coordinate data collection activities and to analyze the results from demonstration projects. Performance data will be collected and analyzed to evaluate hydrogen and fuel cell bus in real-world service in the United States. Coordination and collaboration with other FCB demonstration projects worldwide will continue. KW - Clean fuels KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Demonstration projects KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Transit buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258209 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462587 TI - Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 2-02. Use and Success of Avigation Easements and Other Tools for Airport Compatible Land Use and Development of Model Language AB - Airport owners are required to provide for the safe overflight of property surrounding airports. In addition, they are required to restrict surrounding land uses to those that are airport compatible as provided in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noise compatibility planning requirements. 14 CFR part 150. This rule refers to utilizing comprehensive, or master, land use planning, zoning, and building and site designing, as appropriate. Another tool used to meet these goals is the avigation easement that protects approaches and restricts surrounding land development. There may be other tools available such as restrictive covenants or contracts that will accomplish land use restrictions in addition to or in combination with appropriate airport zoning. The easement terms required by the FAA are founded at all airport sponsors. However, an airport sponsor's acquisition and enforcement of easements or other instruments on encumbered property is based on locally applicable property laws and requirements. It would be useful to provide airport sponsors with consistent guidance and standard easement terms and conditions that may be incorporated into enforceable and durable local easements or other tools. The object of this research is to review the use of existing aviation easements or other legally enforceable instruments, terms, or other tools for the above-described purposes in order to determine those that are most effective considering the wide variety of development challenges at airports. The research should identify or develop models for general use by airport owners to carry out FAA assisted airport programs. Special attention should be given to any state and local variations applicable to real estate use restrictions that may impact enforcement of the particular use restrictions. KW - Aircraft noise KW - Aircraft pilotage KW - Airport operations KW - Airports KW - Development KW - Easements KW - Land use planning KW - Master plans KW - Research projects UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2547 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230808 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01361426 AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit + Employment: Increasing Transit's Share of the Commute Trip PY - 2008/06 SP - 24p AB - Work-related trips make up the majority of all transit trips. Communities can employ strategies to increase transit’s share of the commute trip. Greater population and employment density promotes transit and those who live near transit are much more likely to use it. Sprawl and suburb-to-suburb commutes, on the other hand, have a negative impact on transit ridership. Five factors are seen as essential to inducing more commute trips by transit: high capacity, high frequency transit with good regional connectivity; jobs close to transit; cooperative multi-jurisdictional planning; collaboration between transportation planners and land use planners; and realistic expectations about the time needed to implement such factors. KW - Commuting KW - Employment density KW - Land use planning KW - Location KW - Mode choice KW - Pedestrian areas KW - Population density KW - Public transit KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/employment202.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1126659 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01109883 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Effects of Rising Gas Prices on Bus Ridership for Small Urban and Rural Transit Systems PY - 2008/06 SP - 52p AB - Rising fuel prices have led to significant increases in costs for public transit agencies. A possible benefit from higher gasoline prices, though, is an increase in public transit ridership. This study estimates the effects of gasoline prices on bus ridership by employing a variety of models. Since the price of gasoline can have a delayed effect on the demand for transit, a dynamic polynomial distributed lag model is utilized which measures short-run and longer-run effects. The model is applied to individual transit systems as well as aggregate data for cities grouped by size. A panel data model is also employed, which uses data for eleven transit systems over a period of ten years. These models are applied to small urban and rural transit agencies in the upper Midwest and mountain states. The results show that bus ridership is fairly inelastic with respect to gasoline price. Most of the estimated elasticities are in the range of 0.08 to 0.22, with two estimates being as high as 0.5. Higher gasoline prices do lead to increased ridership, but the increases in fare revenues are not enough to cover higher fuel expenses for transit systems. KW - Bus transit KW - Elasticity (Economics) KW - Fares KW - Gasoline KW - Mathematical models KW - Midwestern States KW - Operating costs KW - Prices KW - Revenues KW - Ridership KW - Rural transit KW - Small towns UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP201.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/869460 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01104036 AU - Kesavan, Santosh AU - Wu, Eddie AU - Toeller, William AU - VT Aepco Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - SharpRAIL: Evaluation of Mobile WiMAX and Intelligent Video for Enhanced Rail Transit Safety PY - 2008/06//Final Report SP - 71p AB - U.S. rail transit operations have an excellent safety record with fatalities from rail accidents averaging fewer than forty per year. However, the Federal Transit Administration continues to pursue a proactive approach in seeking new technologies that can help in identifying and anticipating safety hazards and preventing accidents. SharpRAIL represents a unique integration of high-speed mobile wireless technologies, advanced computer intelligence, and scalable video processing with versatile command and control to achieve automated detection of incidents and impending collisions. SharpRAIL seeks to exploit advances in 1) artificial intelligence software that can analyze video images in real-time to automatically catch pre-configured security/safety events, such as rail trespass, vehicles trapped on tracks, loitering, criminal activities, etc., and send instant wireless alerts to responsible rail personnel; 2) availability of high-speed mobile wireless technologies in conjunction with industry-wide standardization efforts through mobile/static WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) for high-bandwidth data transport; and 3) sophisticated DSP-based video encoders that can perform intensive image processing right at the "edges”, where the cameras are located. The SharpRAIL project involved design of a prototype solution that achieves these capabilities using commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) offerings and operational feasibility demonstration through a public-private partnership involving the industry, local government and a public transit agency. KW - Artificial intelligence KW - Image processing KW - Rail transit KW - Security KW - Surveillance KW - Transit safety KW - Video imaging detectors KW - Wireless communication systems KW - Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/SharpRAIL_TechnicalReport_FTA-MD-26-7132-08.1_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/864032 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462715 TI - Airport/Airline Agreements and Rate Methodologies--Practices and Characteristics AB -
Airport/Airline Use Agreements, and rates and charges methodologies, form the basic business model for financial operations and space management at many U.S. airports. With the continuing evolution of the aviation industry, both airlines and airports are looking for different economic models to address the challenges that they currently face. Understanding the wide range of approaches used at various airports and the implications of those varied approaches on airport and airline finances, relationships, and operations is the essence of optimizing their business and operating models in a dynamic environment. The objective of this research is to develop a resource manual for airport and airline professionals that will (1) describe the current range of practices and characteristics of airport and airline relationships and their relative, underlying airport and airline business models; (2) identify and briefly summarize rates and charges policies and guidance; (3) identify, compare, and contrast airport and airline critical issues, objectives, and considerations inherent in airport/airline agreements or other business arrangements; and (4) identify and synthesize the trade-offs and linkages among the critical issues as they relate to common objectives for airport/airline negotiations.
 
KW - Agreements KW - Airlines KW - Airport operations KW - Airports KW - Business practices KW - Financial analysis KW - Policy KW - Rates KW - Research projects UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2099 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230937 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111949 AU - Rephlo, Jennifer A AU - Haas, Robert AU - Feast, L AU - Newton, D AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of Transit Applications of Advanced Parking Management Systems - Final Evaluation Report PY - 2008/05/09/Final Evaluation Report SP - 82p AB - Throughout the United States, transportation agencies have begun implementing advanced parking information systems to increase customer satisfaction and to improve traffic operations. Through the use of variable message signs, these systems provide motorists with real-time information about parking availability at appropriate decision points on their route so that they can make an informed decision about where to park. These systems are being deployed in a variety of environments including central business districts, airports, and transit park-and-ride lots. The goals in deploying such a system can vary depending on the operating environment. When deployed in a transit environment, goals can include improved user satisfaction, increased parking utilization at a lot that is currently under-utilized, and increased transit ridership. This report presents the results of an independent national evaluation of two transit applications of parking management systems: one that was deployed in conjunction with two Metra Stations in suburbs southwest of Chicago, Illinois and the other which was deployed in conjunction with two Metro Stations in Montgomery County, Maryland. The study documents quantified system impacts in terms of parking utilization, transit ridership and mode choice, traffic circulation within and between transit park and ride lots, and customer satisfaction. It also includes an institutional issues review that includes organizational and institutional challenges encountered by the project stakeholders throughout the course of deployment and operation of these systems. The evaluation involved conducting passenger intercept surveys of transit riders, gathering data on transit ridership, gathering archived system data that documents in and out counts at the lots, as well as conducting a series of interviews with the staff. The results of the study indicate that it is unclear whether the parking management systems increased parking utilization or transit ridership, or whether they reduced circulation within and between park-and-ride lots. The results do indicate that commuters are in general satisfied with the sign locations and accuracy (and that they would like to see similar signs at other locations). In terms of mode share, although not many, a few respondents did indicate that the signs have affected how often they take transit and that the parking availability information has caused them to take transit rather than driving. Finally, the results show that, depending on the circumstances, parking management systems can increase driver awareness of parking alternatives or reduce circulation within and between lots. KW - Advanced parking information systems KW - Advanced parking management systems KW - Case studies KW - Chicago (Illinois) KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Institutional issues KW - Montgomery County (Maryland) KW - Park and ride KW - Parking availability KW - Parking management KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Ridership KW - Variable message signs UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/ParkingManagementEvaluationReport.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30500/30588/14432.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/871511 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111576 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - DART TI - Concept of Operations for the US-75 Integrated Corridor in Dallas, Texas PY - 2008/04/30 SP - 148p AB - This Concept of Operations (Con Ops) for the US-75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Program has been developed as part of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and RITA (FHWA/FTA/RITA) Integrated Corridor Management Initiative. This document is intended as a high-level Con Ops for the US-75 Corridor in Dallas consisting of freeway, arterial, bus and rail networks, and serving a central business district. The purpose of this Con Ops is to answer the questions of who, what, when, where, why and how for the application of an Integrated Corridor Management System (ICM) within this corridor. This Con Ops also defines the roles and responsibilities of the participating agencies and other involved entities. The US-75 Corridor is a major north-south radial Corridor connecting downtown Dallas with many of the suburbs and cities north of Dallas. The primary Corridor consists of a freeway, continuous frontage roads, light-rail line, transit bus service, park-and-ride lots, major regional arterial streets, toll roads, bike trails, and intelligent transportation systems. A concurrent-flow, high-occupancy vehicle lane in the Corridor, opened in December 2007, added significant expansion of the intelligent transportation systems for the freeway and arterials street systems. KW - Arterial highways KW - Bikeways KW - Bus transit KW - Central business districts KW - Concept of operations KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Freeways KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Light rail transit KW - Park and ride KW - Toll roads KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30400/30409/14390.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/870872 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111556 AU - DART AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - High-Level Requirements for the US-75 Integrated Corridor in Dallas, Texas PY - 2008/04/30 SP - 140p AB - This document is intended as a listing and discussion of the high-level Requirements for the US-75 Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) in Dallas. This document describes what the system is to do (the functional requirements), how well it is to perform (the performance requirements), and under what conditions (non-functional and performance requirements). This document does not define how the system is to be built; that is the providence of the design document. This document pulls together requirements from a number of sources including but not limited to the Concept of Operations and constraints identified by the agencies. This document sets the technical scope of the system to be built. It is the basis for verifying the system and sub-systems when delivered via the Verification Plan. The purpose of the US-75 ICMS is to implement a multi-modal operations decision support tool enabled by real-time data and live video pertaining to the operation of freeways, arterials, tollways, and public transit. The US-75 ICMS will be a multi-agency, de-centralized operation which will utilize a set of regional systems to integrate the operations of the corridor. KW - Arterial highways KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Freeways KW - Functional requirements KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Performance requirements KW - Public transit KW - Technical requirements KW - Toll roads KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation operations UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30400/30408/14426.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30400/30408/14426_files/14426.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/870508 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01459990 TI - International Transit Studies Program AB -
The International Transit Studies Program was established by the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) in 1994 to promote the professional development of U.S. transit managers by providing them unique opportunities to learn first-hand about transit systems abroad. The International Transit Studies Program assists in the professional development of transit managers, planners, and others charged with public transportation responsibilities and offers transportation professionals practical insight into global public transportation operations. The program affords these transit professionals the opportunity to meet with other transit professionals around the world where they learn first-hand how various modes of transit are planned, funded, and operated within communities of different sizes and types. Mission participants are expected to share their international experience with their organizations and the U.S. transit industry as a whole. Each participant is required to prepare a trip report on an element of the mission. These trip reports are then consolidated into a mission report for TCRP publication and dissemination to the transit industry. Each study mission focuses on a theme prevalent in public transportation in the United States. Cities visited are selected on the basis of their ability to demonstrate new ideas or unique approaches to handling public transportation challenges reflected in the study mission's theme. Study missions are conducted in the spring and fall of each year. Study teams typically consist of 15 individuals--a transit general manager designated as team leader, 12 participants, an Federal Transit Administration (FTA) representative, and a representative of the ITSP contractor team responsible for the efficient operation of the mission. The team leader and participants for each mission are selected via an open nomination process. The FTA representative is appointed to the team by the Federal Transit Administration. The TCRP Project J-03 oversight panel is responsible for selection of the mission participants. Membership consideration is given to professional qualifications, discipline, geography, gender, and ethnicity. All travel expenses associated with the study mission are covered by the program. To date, 27 study missions have been held, and more than 350 transit professionals have benefited from the ITSP. Past missions have visited Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

KW - Information dissemination KW - Information technology KW - International KW - International Transit Studies Program KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation professionals UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2417 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228205 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462655 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-01. Bus-Route Evaluation Standards AB - Transportation Research Board's (TRB's) Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 10: Bus Route Evaluation Standards provides updated information to the 1984 United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) report entitled Bus Service Evaluation Methods: A Review, however, the results are not directly comparable as the respondents, questions asked, and analytical procedures differ in the 1994 synthesis. It does report what agencies do in the area of bus route, not system, evaluation standards, and how they undertake these efforts. KW - Bus routes KW - Bus transportation KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Surveying methods and processes KW - Surveys KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1684 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230877 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01460011 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SC-09. Use of Biodiesel in a Transit Fleet AB - No summary provided. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1551 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228226 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462659 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-15. Cost Containment for Paratransit Rider Services AB - TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 74: Policies and Practices for Effectively and Efficiently Meeting ADA Paratransit Demand highlights policies and practices that transit agencies may be able to apply to their own paratransit services, often without the need to devote significant funds, personnel, or other resources. The report also examines certain practices and technologies that are still under development or have not undergone extensive testing. KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1550 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230881 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01460048 TI - Outreach to Minorities for Executive Searches in Public Transit AB -
In annual reviews of the makeup of executives within the nation's public transit systems, people of color do not emerge as the most senior leaders within the organizations. Because it is clear that the ridership of the nation's public transit systems is predominantly people of color, it seems regressive that the entities' leadership has not grown similarly diverse.  For example, in urban areas, African Americans and Latinos comprise 62% of bus riders, 35% of subway riders, and 29% of commuters. Yet, in the top 20 public transit agencies, only three are lead by CEOs of color, and all African American. In addition, the U.S. Census estimates that neither the white population nor any other race will make up a majority of the country's population. In six out of eight of the largest metropolitan areas, minorities are the collective majority. When these realities are coupled with the results of reviews about increased diversity in the workplace creating greater productivity, efficiency, and positive impact on the business environment, the business case for more diverse leadership is obvious. With the nation's overall population trending to majority minority populations across multiple regions of the country, it is time that executive recruitment and positions within the nation's public transit industry count success as reversing the existing trend and comporting with the population's reflection of the communities they serve. The goal of this research would be to create a set of guidelines for public transit search committees to use in conducting their work for executive openings at their entities. It would also serve to seek the input of search committee members and professional recruiters in the draft of these criteria. Once adopted, these criteria would also be disseminated to all human resource professionals working in the public transit recruitment arena.
KW - Executives KW - Leadership KW - Minorities KW - Outreach KW - Professional employment KW - Professional personnel KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2362 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228264 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490069 TI - Develop and Maintain Transit Standards AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing assistance to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in developing, implementing, and maintaining transit standards, some of which will enable communities across the country to buy safer, more accessible buses and rail cars at a better price. The funds provided will support activities by APTA and the U.S. public transportation industry to develop important standards that will improve the efficiency, safety, productivity, accessibility, and quality of American transit systems. Since 2006, FTA has provided more than $3 million for public transit standards development. Some of the specific standards to be developed for rail include emergency vehicle features and transit roadway worker protection. For buses, APTA will develop standards for maintenance facility design, in-plant inspections, and bus rapid transit operating practices and design guidelines. Standards for bus and rail vehicle procurement, accessibility, urban design, information technology, and multimodal performance will also be developed. The Federal Government, transit agencies, and professional and trade associations have recognized that transit standards are an important management tool to minimize capital and operating costs, promote interoperability, increase transit system safety and performance, and improve customer convenience, as well as promote international trade opportunities for American transit products and services. KW - Commuter cars KW - Cost allocation KW - Rail transit KW - Transit buses KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit safety UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259616 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01488640 TI - Six Sigma for Rail Transit Systems AB - The objective of this project is to support the efforts of New England professionals to improve rail transit systems by developing a Six Sigma Methodology that can be applied to rail transit systems and can improve capital and operating efficiencies. NEP has proposed a second phase to this effort which would ultimately produce a Six Sigma guide for transit maintenance personnel. Five case studies, inclusive of MDTA, MBTA, SEPTA, MARTA and CTA looked at this investment shortfall and the extended life of rail cars, it is critical that rail car maintenance program be closely assessed to determine how they can used to aid in improving capital and operating efficiencies for rail transit operations. With this framework, each site visit of the participating transit agencies was guided by Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF). KW - Methodology KW - New England KW - Operating costs KW - Operating efficiency KW - Rail transit KW - Research projects UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257617 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461975 TI - MagneMotion's Urban Maglev 3M System AB - MagneMotion, Incorporated will continue to research and test the prototype M3 Low-Speed Urban Maglev System. As a team member, Old Dominion University will assist MagneMotion in furthering its research in specific areas of Maglev technology development via a two-phased Low-Speed Urban Maglev Project. In Phase I, MagneMotion will install and demonstrate the M3 Low Speed Urban Maglev System design on Old Dominion University's guideway in Norfolk, Virginia. Phase I work activities aim to complete the design and construction of two guideway beams and two maglev bogies, develop a test plan, and successfully test and record low speed test results. Phase II will address the testing of M3 Maglev system at MagneMotion's laboratory/facility. Maglev is a revolutionary approach for transportation. Trains are lifted and propelled by magnetic forces without wheels contacting the rail surface. KW - Guideways KW - Low speed KW - MagneMotion Maglev system KW - Magnetic levitation vehicles KW - Old Dominion University KW - Railroad transportation KW - Research projects KW - Technological innovations KW - Urban transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230195 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01459988 TI - Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium AB - This amendment provides ongoing support to the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium (Consortium) resource network, comprised of public and private organizations focused on development and employment of the transit industry's workforce. The Consortium's goal is to develop a new learning model to increase the professional and technical competency of the Southern California public transit workforce. The learning model will include elements of Intelligent Transportation Systems and expand to both the regional and national levels. The Consortium operates as a partnership between the regional transit agencies, interested educational institutions, government agencies, private sector partners, and employees of affiliated transit agencies. The overriding philosophy of the consortium is to provide an education and training process that will enhance the ability of transit employees and transit agencies to provide more efficient and safer public transit service utilizing "state of the art" technologies and systems. KW - Development KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Research projects KW - Southern California KW - State of the art KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228203 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01122645 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - System Requirement Specification for the I-15 Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) in San Diego, California PY - 2008/03/31 SP - 143p AB - This document presents a System Requirement Specification for an Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) in the I-15 Corridor in San Diego, California. The ICMS will consist of two major subsystems: the existing Intermodal Transportation Management Subsystem and a new, as-yet-undeveloped subsystem to be known as the Decision Support Subsystem. In addition, the ICMS will include organic functions such as Collect and Process Data, Access/Store Historical Data, System Management, and Lifecycle Support. Several existing and planned regional systems will be connected with the ICMS – some of these will be upgrades to Intermodal Transportation Management System (IMTMS), some will be new systems. Section 2 provides an overview description of the I-15 ICMS , which includes the ICMS Context, ICMS Description, ICMS User Characteristics, System Constraints and Assumptions, and Dependencies. Section 3 includes a requirements framework, definitions of the I-15 ICMS components and key terms, action verb description, user needs developed in the I-15 Concept of Operations, an overview “mind map” of the ICMS requirements, and an indexed listing of the system requirements organized according to the ICMS's 17 functional areas. Appendix A provides Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations. Appendix B provides Requirements Management Metadata (for future requirements management activity). Appendix C includes U.S. Department of Transportation Comments on the Draft System Requirements Specification for the San Diego ICM Pioneer Site with SANDAG Responses. KW - Decision support systems KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Intermodal transportation KW - San Diego (California) KW - Specifications KW - System requirements KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation system management UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30800/30840/sd_reqments.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884305 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111559 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - System Requirement Specification for the I-394 Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) in Minneapolis, Minnesota PY - 2008/03/31 SP - 177p AB - This System Requirement Specification (SRS) defines the requirements for the I-394 Corridor Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS). These requirements describe ‘what’ the ICMS will do to fulfill its role as part of the overall I-394 Integrated Corridor Management approach. In some cases, the actions of the ICMS will require actions of other systems that are currently performed by the existing systems. In these circumstances, detailed functional requirements are not defined because the systems already exist and need not be built by this project. However, high level ‘External Requirements’ are identified describing these actions that the ICMS needs in order to function properly. This integration of systems and agencies will be accomplished by the design, development and implementation of the ICMS. The purpose of this system is to support the I-394 stakeholders at executing the Incident Corridor Management (ICM) strategies they have identified and prioritized for this corridor. Section 1 of this document provides an introduction. Section 1 provides a general system description. Section 3 presents the detailed requirements for the System of Systems for the I-394 ICMS. Section 4 presents the detailed system requirements for the individual systems of I-394 ICMS. Section 5 defines the Hardware Requirements, Section 6 describes the Interface Requirements, and Section 7 defines the Documentation and Training Requirements. KW - Computer program documentation KW - Computers KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Minneapolis (Minnesota) KW - Specifications KW - System requirements KW - Training KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30400/30405/14422.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30400/30405/14422_files/14422.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/870509 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111510 AU - Maryland Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Concept of Operations for the I-270 Corridor in Montgomery County, Maryland PY - 2008/03/31 SP - 126p AB - This document presents the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for an Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system along the Interstate-270 Corridor in Montgomery County, Maryland. The document offers a user-oriented view of the system concept. It progresses logically from a discussion of characteristics and conditions in the corridor, to an examination of the corridor’s transportation operational needs, to identification of an integrated management concept for addressing those needs. It concludes with consideration of a series of operational scenarios. The corridor measures approximately 20 miles in length and consists of a variety of transportation networks, including the Freeway Network (including I-270); the Arterial and Connector Route Network (including MD-355); the MARC Commuter Rail Network; the Metrorail Network; the MTA Commuter Bus Network; the Metrobus Network, and; the Ride On Network. KW - Arterial highways KW - Concept of operations KW - Freeways KW - I-270 KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Interstate highways KW - Montgomery County (Maryland) KW - Public transit KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation operations UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30312/14388.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30312/14388_files/14388.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/870513 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01111296 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Concept of Operations for the I-394 Corridor in Minneapolis, Minnesota PY - 2008/03/31 SP - 155p AB - This Concept of Operations (Con Ops) for the I-394 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Program has been developed as part of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and RITA (FHWA/FTA/RITA) Integrated Corridor Management Initiative. I-394 serves as the core of a corridor that is critical to the movement of the over one million residents of Hennepin County. This corridor (commonly referred to as the I-394 Corridor) is served by a combination of three inter-related networks (a freeway network, a series of arterial highways, and a sophisticated transit system operated by three transit agencies). A driving tour of the corridor reveals a network of transit parking facilities, high occupant vehicle (HOV) bypasses; a freeway system that serves as the primary inbound/outbound access as well as serving to connect parallel access routes; and an arterial system that is coordinated and operates effectively and efficiently. In addition, innovations such as congestion pricing through High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, shoulder access to buses, and reversible commuter lanes further add to the potential of the corridor. However, the three transportation networks lack integration and interoperability among each other. A systems engineering approach has examined the needs, defined a vision, and created a concept of operations for how an Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system can unite the three networks of operations along the corridor to effectively manage traffic and inform travelers throughout the corridor. KW - Advanced traveler information systems KW - Arterial highways KW - Congestion pricing KW - Freeways KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Highway traffic control KW - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative KW - Minneapolis (Minnesota) KW - Parking facilities KW - Public transit KW - Reversible traffic lanes KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30310/14392.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30310/14392_files/14392.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30311/14395_files/14395.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/868797 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01109123 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Concept of Operations for the I-15 Corridor in San Diego, California PY - 2008/03/31 SP - 204p AB - This Concept of Operations for an Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) to be deployed along the I- 15 corridor includes the cities of San Diego, Poway, and Escondido. The corridor connects major regional employment centers and interregional goods movement locations. The 21-mile I-15 corridor, including a Managed Lanes section, is already a model for the multi-modal deployment of the latest and evolving technologies for data collection, demand management, and pricing strategies. The region is dedicated to providing additional value from comprehensive approaches to transportation management. The newly implemented 511 advanced traveler information system (511 ATIS) provides corridor users with real-time information and efficient travel alternatives. This document provides an overview of the San Diego region’s ICMS concept, describes current operations in the corridor, how they will function in the near term once the ICMS concept is operational, and identifies current and future responsibilities of San Diego regional stakeholders. By highlighting the flexible and innovative approaches to management along this corridor, the user will understand how improvements currently underway along the corridor serve as a foundation for even further integration in the future. By providing a user-oriented view of the potential for integrated management along the I-15 corridor, the ConOps focuses on the corridor’s needs and problems, goals and objectives, proposed operational approaches, and strategies for attaining these goals, the institutional framework in which the ICMS will operate, and the associated operational, technical, and institutional issues that must be addressed in the future. KW - 511 (National Travel Information Number) KW - Advanced traveler information systems KW - Freeways KW - Highway operations KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Managed lanes KW - Public transit KW - San Diego (California) KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30311/14395.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30300/30311/14395_files/14395.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/868425 ER - TY - SER AN - 01091712 JO - Federal computer week [online] AU - Robinson, Brian AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - DOD Rallies Around Lean Six Sigma PY - 2008/03/03 SP - n.p. AB - Lean Six Sigma is simply a process-improvement method for reducing variability and eliminating waste. Six Sigma stands for reducing variability in processes and increasing quality by making processes repeatable. The method has proved successful in industry and the military services, said John Sicilia, director of the CPI/LSS Program Office. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology for improving quality in business. It is currently being used by the Department of Defense, where it is expected to reduce inefficiency. KW - Management KW - Planning KW - Quality control KW - U.S. Department of Defense UR - http://www.fcw.com/print/22_5/features/151766-1.html?topic=defense UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851325 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01098927 AU - Alexiadis, Vassili AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Analysis, Modeling and Simulation (AMS) Methodology PY - 2008/03 SP - 69p AB - This Analysis, Modeling and Simulation (AMS) Methodologies Document provides a discussion of potential Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) analytical approaches for the assessment of generic corridor operations. The AMS framework described in this report identifies strategies and procedures for tailoring AMS general approaches toward individual corridors with different application requirements and modeling characteristics. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Highway operations KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative KW - Methodology KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/repts_te/14414.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/repts_te/14414_files/14414.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/859204 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091762 AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - National Bus Rapid Transit Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Mission to India – Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, September 20 – 30, 2007 - Trip Report PY - 2008/03//Trip Report SP - 35p AB - This report summarizes the activities associated with the FTA Mission to India conducted in September 2007. The mission provided the U.S. delegation with the opportunity to meet with senior Indian transportation officials, and to gain first-hand knowledge of India’s current plans for transportation infrastructure improvements. The tour was also designed to identify any lessons learned for the U.S. transit industry, particularly in relation to the implementation and operation of Bus Rapid Transit systems, and to identify opportunities for U.S. transit industry involvement in the development of India’s transportation infrastructure. The mission itinerary included visits to Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, attending a BRT Workshop in Ahmedabad and the India Urban Space Conference in Mumbai. A highlight of the mission was the formal ratification of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the United States Department of Transportation and the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of the Republic of India. The Memorandum is designed to enable the two countries to collaborate in the fields of public transportation, inter-modal transportation, intelligent transportation systems, traffic information, capacity building, and training in public transportation, in addition to other fields of mutual interest. KW - Ahmedabad (India) KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Capacity building KW - Cooperation KW - Delhi (India) KW - Infrastructure KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Lessons learned KW - Mumbai (India) KW - Public transit KW - Traffic data KW - Training KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/India_2008_trip_report%203_section%20508.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30100/30107/India_Trip_Report_Final_March_2008_2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851573 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01492347 TI - I-91 Corridor Rail Study AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will collaborate to complete a feasibility study to examine the potential for improved passenger rail service from Springfield, Massachusetts to White River Junction, Vermont along the 1-91 corridor. The funding will be utilized by FTA to acquire the services of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to conduct the required study and provide data and summary reports. This Passenger Rail Study will consider the options for providing improved passenger rail along the "Knowledge Corridor", which encompasses Interstate 91 along the Connecticut River. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission will study the long tern phased implementation strategy for passenger rail service along this corridor. It is intended that this project will build on the existing planning efforts by Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) for New Haven-Hartford- Springfield and support implementation of commuter rail service to Springfield. The study will primarily access the feasibility of rail passenger service between Springfield and White River Junction, Vermont. However, due to the interrelated nature of the corridor elements of this project will focus on the entire 186 mile corridor. KW - Connecticut River KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Passenger transportation KW - Rail transit facilities KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Railroad transportation KW - Regional planning KW - Springfield (Massachusetts) KW - Transportation corridors KW - White River Junction (Vermont) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1261480 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01104047 AU - Flanigan, Erin AU - Howard, Mark AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - An Interim Guidebook on the Congestion Management Process in Metropolitan Transportation Planning PY - 2008/02//Final Report SP - 62p AB - The Congestion Management Process (CMP), which has evolved from what was previously known as the Congestion Management System (CMS), is a systematic approach, collaboratively developed and implemented throughout a metropolitan region, that provides for the safe and effective management and operation of new and existing transportation facilities through the use of demand reduction and operational management strategies. The CMP is required to be developed and implemented as an integral part of the metropolitan planning process in Transportation Management Areas (TMAs) – urbanized areas with a population over 200,000, or any area where designation as a TMA has been requested. Although the CMP is not required in non-TMAs, the CMP represents the state-of-the-practice in addressing congestion, and should be considered in metropolitan areas that are facing current and future congestion challenges. This guidebook provides information on how to create an objectives-driven, performance-based congestion management process. While the focus of this guidebook is on the CMP, the principles of objectives-driven, performance-based planning can also be applied to other aspects of regional concern (safety, economic development, environment, etc.) in a metropolitan transportation plan (MTP). The CMP represents the “state-of-the-practice” in responding to the growing challenge of congestion on urban transportation networks. KW - Congestion management systems KW - Handbooks KW - Metropolitan areas KW - State of the practice KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/cmpguidebook/cmpguidebook.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/864181 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091672 AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Station Area Planning: How To Make Great Transit-Oriented Places PY - 2008/02 SP - 28p AB - This station area planning manual is intended to help simplify the complex decisions that surround planning for transit-oriented development projects and station areas by providing details about the scales of development that are likely to occur in different types of places. The manual begins with a discussion of seven “TOD place types,” followed by a self-diagnostic questionnaire to help planning partners identify a particular station area in a TOD typology. There are also typologies of the buildings and open space – plazas and parks – that are often included in these transit-oriented place types. All of the typologies can help inform decisions by enabling the planning partners to visualize and talk about the possibilities for station area plans. The second section is a discussion of station area planning principles, and includes TOD plan checklists for each principle to help planning partners consider all the options. Again, the goal is to help all the planning partners better understand the potential outcomes at the beginning of the planning process. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the creation of high-performing TOD projects and great neighborhoods. KW - City planning KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Transit oriented development KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/books UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851659 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091651 AU - Hoffman, Alan AU - The Mission Group AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Advanced Network Planning for Bus Rapid Transit: The “Quickway” Model as a Modal Alternative to “Light Rail Lite” PY - 2008/02 SP - 116p AB - Transit planning in the United States has tended toward viewing BRT as an analogue to light rail transit, with similar operating patterns. This model, referred to as “Light Rail Lite,” is compared to international best practices, which have often favored the development of a grade-separated bus infrastructure (“Quickways”) that in turn supports a varied mix of all-stops, express, and branching services. This model, dubbed the Quickway model, evolved out of the practical necessity of cities to meet ambitious ridership or mode split targets. The two models are contrasted along the key dimensions of BRT service, and significant differences are identified. Three international case studies—Ottawa, Bogotá, and Brisbane—are reviewed for their particular application of this model and of the results they have obtained. Four domestic cities are compared to these international examples: Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles are profiled for their adoption of the Light Rail Lite model, and two other cities, Pittsburgh and Miami, are profiled for their BRT implementations which share elements in common with the Quickway model. A set of lessons is drawn from this comparison, including a review of those conditions which may favor the adoption of either model or light rail in any given urban context. Recommendations are offered at the level of the Federal Government, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and planning and engineering firms, for the proper planning and evaluation of Quickway-based alternatives. An appendix introduces a fifth domestic case study, a Quickway-based planning effort sponsored by a nonprofit organization for the San Diego region, and the preliminary results of this effort are reviewed. KW - Bogota (Colombia) KW - Brisbane (Australia) KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Busways KW - Case studies KW - Eugene (Oregon) KW - Infrastructure KW - Light rail lite KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Miami (Florida) KW - Ottawa (Canada) KW - Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) KW - Public transit KW - Quickways KW - T-ways KW - Transportation planning KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/BRT%20Network%20Planning%20Study%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/26000/26800/26875/BRT_Network_Planning_Study_-_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851316 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462682 TI - Guidebook for Evaluating Fuel Choices for Post-2010 Transit Bus Procurements: Update of TCRP Report 38 AB - The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive update of TCRP Report 38 to assist with 2010-compliant transit bus procurements. The update should cover a range of energy sources and fuels, including diesel; gasoline; compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied natural gas (LNG); ethanol; liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); biodiesel; electrical energy sources (e.g., battery, fuel cell, or catenary); hydrogen and hydrogen blends; di-methyl ether (DME); biogas; and other potential fuels. For each fuel and supporting technology, similar information as provided in TCRP Report 38 should be provided, including, but not limited to, the state of the fuel/technology for potential transit application, emissions information, capital and operating cost information, impacts on operations and facilities, and other appropriate information. For the purposes of this project, "fuels" means energy sources that propel a transit vehicle. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biomass fuels KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Ethers KW - Liquefied gases KW - Liquefied natural gas KW - Liquefied petroleum gas KW - Natural gas buses KW - Public transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1592 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230904 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01088126 AU - Vakili, Ahmad AU - Yue, Zhongren AU - Fei, Youqing AU - University of Tennessee, Tullahoma AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Low Cost Carbon Fiber Technology Development for Carbon Fiber Composite Applications PY - 2008/01/04/Phase I Final Report SP - 65p AB - The main goals of this research program at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) were: 1) to produce low cost carbon fibers and 2) to develop specific carbon-based material technologies to meet current and future high performance fiber-reinforced composite needs of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other organizations. UTSI has been carrying out the relevant research programs since it received the carbon fiber spinning technologies and accessories as a donation from ConocoPhillips. Under this Department of Transportation sponsored program, significant progress has been made in continued development and refinement of the low-cost carbon fiber production and composite application technologies. The task at hand is a major multidisciplinary effort and will need to be continued to reach successful completion and for continuous improvements. The webpage of the UTSI carbon fiber program is on line. The content of this site is regularly updated, with the latest major progresses and accomplishments at (http://www.utsi.edu/research/carbonfiber/index.htm). KW - Carbon fibers KW - Composite materials KW - Costs KW - Fiber composites KW - Fiber reinforced plastics KW - Light rail vehicles KW - Paratransit vehicles KW - Production KW - Rapid transit cars KW - Transit buses UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/849013 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486042 TI - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AB - Fuel Cell is one of the most promising clean energy technologies of the 21st century--environmentally friendly, reliable, quiet, and highly efficient power system. This project supports the effort of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to validate fuel cell technologies in transit bus applications and to coordinate data-sharing between other fuel cell bus projects worldwide. Fuel cell buses will be evaluated to determine the status of bus fuel cell systems, and share the "lessons learned" with other fleets preparing to implement the next generation fuel cell systems into their operations. NREL and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will work together to coordinate data collection activities and analyze the results from demonstration projects as part of the FTA's National Fuel Cell Bus Program. KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transportation KW - Demonstration projects KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Public transit KW - Renewable energy sources KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255663 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01112655 AU - Redington, Mike AU - Rutyna, Eve AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Shanahan, Felicity AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Drug and Alcohol Testing Results 2005 Annual Report PY - 2008/01//Final Report SP - 94p AB - This is the 11th annual report of the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA's) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. This report summarizes the reporting requirements for calendar year 2005, the requirements of the overall drug and alcohol testing program (49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655), the results from the data reported for 2005, and the random drug and alcohol violation rates (the percentage of persons selected for a random test who produced a positive specimen or refused to take the test) for calendar years 1995 through 2005. This report provides a brief overview of the drug and alcohol testing requirements for both safety-sensitive employers and employees. The official random rates for 2005 are provided, as well as the official random rate trends over the last 11 years. The results of alcohol and drug tests are provided by test type, employee category, and region. The positive testing rates for drugs and alcohol are also provided for each test type, employee category, and region. KW - Alcohol tests KW - Drug tests KW - Random testing KW - Statistics KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - Violation rate UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/substance/damis05/pdf/damis2005.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/34000/34600/34678/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-08-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/872445 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01102292 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Jacksonville bus rapid transit system : environmental impact statement PY - 2008/01//Volumes held: Draft, Draft Appendix, Final, Final Appendix KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Florida UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/862253 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091769 AU - Keel, Theodore W AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Nurture Nature Foundation TI - Free Trade for All PY - 2008/01 SP - 55p AB - A group called the Nurture Nature Foundation, founded by New York labor lawyer Ted Kheel, will soon release a study showing how New York's subways and buses could be free. The tradeoff would make auto trips into central Manhattan much more expensive. Under his proposal, the city would levy a $16 tax to enter the city's Central Business District, higher parking fees in the central city, and a taxi surcharge. Kheel believes that increasing the cost of driving in the central city would decrease traffic by a third or more and produce $2 billion in benefits from pollution reductions and other savings. New York City Mayor’s congestion pricing plan, in contrast, would charge lower fees--between four and eight dollars; an alternative proposal currently under discussion would charge commuters $8 round-trip tolls on some city bridges. Kheel says congestion pricing is a good start; but without mass transit, he believes, it won't work. His preliminary study suggests that subway and commuter rail trips would increase by 20 percent under his proposal. KW - Central business districts KW - Congestion pricing KW - Costs KW - Driving KW - Fares KW - Fees KW - New York (New York) KW - Parking KW - Public transit KW - Taxes KW - Taxi services KW - Traffic mitigation UR - http://www.nnyn.org/kheelplan/index.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851327 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01622515 AU - Hidalgo and DeVries, Incorporated AU - Frances Kernodle Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Evaluation of the Market for Small-to-Medium-Sized Cutaway Buses PY - 2008///Final Report SP - 191p AB - The U.S. cutaway vehicle manufacturing industry provides the most widely available form of public transportation today. Generally associated with demand response, these small-to-medium-sized cutaway vehicles are used by thousands of U.S. transit agencies in addition to numerous private sector applications. By comparison, manufacturers of heavy-duty transit buses face greater challenges. As reported by Hidalgo and DeVries/Frances Kernodle Associates (HD/FKA) in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 2005 Non-Rail Vehicle Market Viability Study, no fewer than ten bus manufacturers have either reorganized or gone out-of-business. Outside of the cutaway bus market, the financial condition of most bus manufacturers is tenuous at best. The FTA sponsored this research, following the 2005 bus study, to provide an exploratory evaluation of the U.S. bus manufacturing industry as it relates to small-to-medium-sized cutaway transit buses. The study includes a market overview and results/analysis of surveys, questionnaires, and interviews with representative U.S. transit agencies and U.S. cutaway bus manufacturers. The first chapter represents the market overview component of the report and provides the background and overview of the current U.S. cutaway bus industry as well as trends that affect the cutaway bus market. The second chapter presents key findings and perspectives provided by transit agency participants. The third and fourth chapters report on information gleaned from cutaway manufacturers based on interviews and surveys. The final section presents conclusions as well as observations regarding the competitive landscape faced by cutaway bus manufacturers in the United States. KW - Competition KW - Evaluation KW - Industries KW - Market assessment KW - Paratransit vehicles KW - Small buses KW - Surveys KW - Transit buses KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States UR - https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/MI-26-7280.07.1_FINAL_REPORT.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1427125 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01156648 AU - Carlton, Ian AU - Dong, Winston J AU - Thorne-Lyman, Abby AU - Zimbabwe, Sam AU - Austin, Mason AU - Brooks, Alison AU - Zimmerman, Mariia AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Mixed Income Transit Oriented Development Action Guide PY - 2008 SP - v.p. AB - This Action Guide is a tool for local jurisdictions working to foster mixed-income transit-oriented development (TOD) around planned transit stations. The term “mixed-income TOD” (MITOD) is shorthand to describe a set of goals that includes the provision of a mix of housing choices, affordable to a range of incomes, for people at different stages of life within a specific transit station area. The goal of this guide is to help practitioners identify the most appropriate and effective planning tools for achieving MITOD in their transit station area, and ultimately to facilitate the development of mixed-income communities across the U.S.. KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Land use planning KW - Mixed income development KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://www.mitod.org/home.php UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/917645 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01150576 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - State Transit Program Managers's Guide on Administration and Oversight of FTA Grant Programs. For the Programs: Section 5310 - Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilites, Section 5311 - Non-urbanized Area. Section 5316 - Job Access and Reverse Commute. Section 5317 - New Freedom PY - 2008 SP - 45p AB - This guide covers four major areas: (1) Purpose, eligible recipients, eligible activities and funding management for FTA grant programs (2) Guidelines for the planning and development process (3) Soliciting proposals and submitting grant application (4) Oversight responsibilities. KW - Aged KW - Bus transportation KW - Grant aid KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Planning KW - Public transit KW - State government agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/912726 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121946 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Scott, Sidney AU - Konrath, Linda TI - Performance-Based Contracting: A Viable Contract Option? SN - 9780309126045 PY - 2008 IS - 44 SP - 133-144 AB - Performance-based contracting is not new. Its roots are in older forms of design–build contracting by use of the integrated master-builder concept. In a sense, today’s design–build contracting, public private partnerships, and other forms of integrated contracts have taken contracting full circle. Performance contracting is a common thread. Performance contracting is outcomes based. It works best in a best-value, lump-sum contracting environment rather than in a low-bid, quantity-based, unit-priced contracting environment. It motivates the contractor to focus on outcomes rather than output to be innovative and efficient. Given the current pressures on the National Highway System and the promise of performance-based contracting, the question remains: Is performance-based contracting a viable contract option for building and maintaining the U.S. highway system? This paper first examines the state of the practice of performance-based contracting outside the United States. It then looks at the extent that these practices have taken root in the United States, the limitations to their use, and new initiatives to promote their implementation. U1 - U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation SystemsTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,CA,United States StartDate:20070909 EndDate:20070912 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Contracting KW - Design build KW - National Highway System KW - Performance based specifications KW - Public private partnerships KW - State of the practice UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160664.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884033 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121945 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kuehn, David TI - Measuring the Value and Impact of Agency Communication with the Public SN - 9780309126045 PY - 2008 IS - 44 SP - pp 123-132 AB - At the conclusion of the Second TRB Conference on Performance Measurement in 2004, Lance Neumann, the conference cochair, observed how performance measurement could serve as a communication tool. At that time, however, research gaps included an understanding of how performance measurement influences behavior, methods for the reporting of performance measurements, and difficulties with the communication of risk. This paper relates and builds on the summary conclusions from the 2004 conference. It provides examples of subsequent research and transportation agency practices that respond to previously identified gaps. The paper also references research relevant to but not specific to transportation. These examples are intended to reinforce certain points by noting that other industries apply similar approaches. In some cases, the non- transportation-specific examples suggest alternate approaches or fill in the gaps in the literature and, thus, are intended to expand what practitioners in the transportation industry may consider applying to their own circumstances. In the end, the paper attempts to explain the value of public engagement in the development and implementation of performance measurement programs for the public agencies responsible for surface transportation. It also shows progress in each of the three areas identified as research gaps in 2004: assessing the impacts of communication, communication methods, and risk communication. The paper is divided into six parts, each of which outlines a different concept or provides a set of examples and each of which builds on the previous topic: 1. Why communicate performance measurement?; 2. The public, customers, and market segmentation; 3. Partnerships: two-way communication and concepts of integration; 4. Perceived value of customer communication; 5. Assessing the impacts of customer communication; and 6. Communication methods: the nuts and bolts. U1 - U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation SystemsTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,CA,United States StartDate:20070909 EndDate:20070912 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Communication KW - Customers KW - Impact assessment KW - Market segmented groups KW - Partnerships KW - Performance measurement KW - Public participation KW - Risk communication KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160664.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884032 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121944 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Spence, Kimberly AU - Tischer, Mary Lynn TI - Multimodal Trade-Off Analysis for Planning and Programming SN - 9780309126045 PY - 2008 IS - 44 SP - pp 109-122 AB - This paper reviews existing methodologies and the state of the practice in multimodal trade-off analysis. Barriers to multimodal trade-off analysis are discussed, the types of methodologies that could be used to make trade-offs are reviewed, the means by which states and regional planning bodies are applying performance measures within the transportation planning process are presented, and finally, the activities performed in Virginia to quantify and compare projects that span transportation modes are discussed. U1 - U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation SystemsTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,CA,United States StartDate:20070909 EndDate:20070912 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Methodology KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Programming (Planning) KW - State of the practice KW - Trade-off analysis KW - Transportation planning KW - Virginia UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160664.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884030 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121943 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation Systems: Summary of a Conference SN - 9780309126045 PY - 2008 IS - 44 SP - 162p AB - These proceedings contain a summary of the Transportation Research Board conference on U.S. and international approaches to performance measurement for transportation systems that was conducted on September 9-12, 2007, at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies in Irvine, California. The theme for this third in a series of international conferences, Better Decisions and Better Communication, was selected to highlight opportunities for and experiences in using performance measurement as a strategic tool to better communicate goals and objectives and results to a wide range of stakeholder groups. Presentations highlighted cases in which performance measures have proved useful in guiding resource allocation decisions, improving day-to-day operations, establishing and demonstrating agency competency and accountability and, in some instances, making the case for more resources. The conference consisted of five plenary sessions, each followed by a series of corresponding, concurrent breakout sessions. The topics of the five plenary sessions were Performance Measures as an Organizational Management Tool to Establish Accountability, Communicating Performance Results Effectively to Your Customers, Data and Tools, Hot Topics (addressing the use of performance measures to gauge the effectiveness of tolling and congestion pricing and other innovative transportation strategies to address sustainability and safety issues), and Performance-Based Contracting and Measuring Project Delivery. Three resource papers were developed for the conference. The conference attracted 180 participants from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States and featured 70 transportation specialists offering real-world expertise, from the application of performance metrics to case studies drawn from six countries. This range of experiences provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the performance measurement techniques and approaches being applied to transportation systems in the United States and abroad. U1 - U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation SystemsTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationIrvine,CA,United States StartDate:20070909 EndDate:20070912 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration KW - Accountability KW - Case studies KW - Communication KW - Conferences KW - Decision making KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Operations KW - Organizational management KW - Performance based specifications KW - Performance measurement KW - Project delivery KW - Resource allocation KW - Stakeholders KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation planning KW - Transportation systems UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160664.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/884028 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121633 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Bhat, Chandra R AU - Pinjari, Abdul Rawoof AU - Eluru, Naveen AU - Sener, Ipek Nese AU - Copperman, Rachel B AU - Guo, Jessica Y AU - Srinivasan, Sivaramakrishnan TI - Comprehensive Econometric Microsimulator for Daily Activity-Travel Patterns: Recent Developments and Sensitivity Testing Results SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 78-81 AB - The Comprehensive Econometric Microsimulator for Daily Activity-Travel Patterns (CEMDAP) is continuous-time activity-travel prediction software currently being evaluated through application to the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area. This paper describes the state of the overall work in progress and the tasks planned for refinement and testing of the software system. (All CEMDAP documents are available at www.ce.utexas.edu/prof/bhat/FULL_CEMDAP.htm.) The paper is organized as follows: First is a description of the latest version (Version 0.3) of CEMDAP, specifically an overview of the econometric modeling framework incorporated within Version 0.3 and a focus on software development efforts. Presented next is the sensitivity testing undertaken with Version 0.2 of the software. Last is a summary that includes identification of the areas of ongoing work and tasks planned for the immediate future. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - CEMDAP (Computer program) KW - Computer program documentation KW - Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area KW - Econometric models KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Sensitivity analysis KW - Travel demand KW - Travel patterns UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883892 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121632 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kuppam, Arun R AU - Outwater, Maren L AU - Hranac, Rob C TI - Innovative Methods for Pricing Studies SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 142-149 AB - In a recent forum on road pricing, attendees discussed limitations with current travel demand forecasting approaches for pricing studies. In addition, Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (CS) recently completed a paper on the limitations of studies used to advance toll projects and on the opinions of Washington State’s community leaders. Based on these sources and recent experience in developing forecasting models for toll projects, the authors have identified the following issues as important to improving existing travel models for pricing studies: inaccurate values of time for specific travelers, trip purposes, modes, and time periods; and lack of temporal detail and behavioral choice for time-of-day models. CS’s approach to advance travel models for pricing studies focuses on these issues as the most critical to be addressed in existing models. The authors have been involved in the development and application of these methods for trip-based models in Minnesota and Washington, as well as for activity-based models in San Francisco. This paper describes innovative methods to incorporate advances to address these issues. In addition, the authors describe strategies to optimize tolls for pricing studies. Finally, more research is proposed to address additional limitations of existing models. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Forecasting KW - Optimization KW - Road pricing KW - Time periods KW - Toll projects KW - Transportation modes KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand KW - Trip purpose KW - Value of time UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883942 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121631 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Vovsha, Peter TI - Application of a Microsimulation Model for User Benefit Calculation in Transit Projects SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 33-36 AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has requirements for a travel demand model that is used to estimate user benefits (UBs) of transit projects. These requirements are based on the general methodology of UBs as the difference between total composite utilities calculated before and after project introduction. The current FTA approach limits the corresponding scope of choices over which the composite utility is calculated to mode and route choices. Thus, the total trip table is assumed fixed, and the mode and route choice attributes that are necessary for calculation of the composite mode choice utility are reported. The FTA approach and developed software SUMMIT have been primarily designed for four-step models characterized by an easy disintegration of the trip-distribution and mode-choice stages as well as the aggregate zone-to-zone structure of the model output. The new generation of activity- and tour-based microsimulation models, of which the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) model is one representative, requires a certain reconsideration of the UB calculations in view of the more complicated structure in which trip distribution and mode choice stages are closely intertwined—as well as because of the fully disaggregate (individual-record) structure of the output. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Mode choice KW - Public transit KW - Route choice KW - Tour-based models KW - Transit projects KW - Travel demand KW - Trip distribution KW - User benefits UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883863 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121630 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Sabina, Erik E AU - Erhardt, Gregory D AU - Rossi, Thomas F AU - Coil, John TI - Processing the Denver Travel Survey to Support Tour-Based Modeling: Methods, Data, and Lessons Learned SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 49-53 AB - The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is completely restructuring its regional model. This effort began with the conduct, in the late 1990s, of the Travel Behavior Inventory (TBI) project, a suite of regional surveys, including a household travel survey. Following completion of the TBI, DRCOG began an Integrated Regional Model project, through which DRCOG is rebuilding the regional model on the basis of TBI data, in three phases: The refresh phase, a partial reestimation and full recalibration of DRCOG’s existing trip-based model (now complete); The vision phase, an evaluation of advanced modeling techniques and projects throughout North America and Europe (also complete); and The update phase, a project to build an integrated modeling system that includes components for both tour-based travel models and disaggregate land use models (under way). The paper is intended to aid modeling practitioners who are considering implementing advanced techniques such as tour-based models by describing the type of survey DRCOG has used in its development of tour-based models, the techniques and assumptions used to structure the survey data for that use, and trip and tour statistics that the survey produced. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Denver (Colorado) KW - Forecasting KW - Households KW - Land use models KW - Lessons learned KW - Regional planning KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883883 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121629 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Hunt, John Douglas TI - Levels of Disaggregation and Degrees of Aggregate Constraint in Transportation System Modeling SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 3-7 AB - This paper compares modeling approaches used in transportation system modeling and in system modeling more generally. It considers two dimensions: (a) the level of disaggregation in the representation of system elements and (b) the degree of aggregate constraint on the system. Furthermore, it incorporate both the equilibrium and the process simulation approaches and thereby enters the debate concerning the relative merits and (perceived?) flaws of these two approaches. The intentions of this paper are (a) to engender a greater appreciation for the advantages and disadvantages within the range of available techniques and the potential for matching technique with context in a given instance and (b) to present a more complete view of the linkages among techniques and the scope for hybrid approaches. Coverage includes some new, emerging approaches, including the combination of an activity- based model with equilibrium treatments for both land use and network assignment. Therefore, the paper provides the framework for a discussion of the opportunities and challenges arising with the implementation of activity- based models and transportation system models more generally, helping progress beyond the standard positions taken in the debate about equilibrium versus process simulation and aiding the consideration of appropriate directions for further research and development work. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Constraints KW - Disaggregate analysis KW - Equilibrium (Systems) KW - Forecasting KW - Implementation KW - Innovation KW - Land use KW - Mathematical models KW - Network assignment KW - Process simulation KW - Transportation system management KW - Transportation systems KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883858 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121628 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Donnelly, Rick TI - Lifelong Education as a Necessary Foundation for Success in Travel Modeling SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 121-123 AB - Remarkable theoretical and practical advances in travel forecasting have taken place over the past two decades. An unintended consequence of this has been a widening gap between research and practice, which this conference is designed to help overcome. There are many reasons for this gulf of knowledge, one being that most practitioners have not been able to stay current with new techniques. A lifelong training program to help close that gap is proposed as an essential part of the advancement of travel modeling. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Education and training KW - Forecasting KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883931 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121627 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Bowman, John L AU - Rousseau, Guy TI - Validation of Atlanta, Georgia, Regional Commission Population Synthesizer SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 54-62 AB - This paper presents the results of initial base-year and back-cast validation of the new Atlanta (Georgia) Regional Commission (ARC) population synthesizer (PopSyn), which acts as the conduit of land use information to the travel demand model. It takes information from the census and the land use model and creates a detailed synthetic population consistent with land use forecasts. A travel demand model can then predict travel for this population. The synthetic population includes a record for each household in the region and a record for each person in the household, so it is well suited for use by travel demand models employing disaggregate microsimulation. Although a PopSyn constitutes a powerful tool, it should be used with caution. By design, it provides misleadingly precise details about every person in the population. Because of limitations of its inputs and its synthesizing procedures, at best only some of the person and household characteristics accurately represent the population at the regional level of geographic aggregation, and many of those characteristics can be imprecise and inaccurate for very small geographic areas such as census tracts. A fundamental goal in the development of a PopSyn therefore is to synthesize as accurately and precisely as possible, for as disaggregate geography as possible, as many variables as possible that determine travel behavior. And a fundamental requirement in the use of a PopSyn should be to rely on it only for the characteristics it accurately represents and to aggregate results to a level at which the synthetic population is precise and accurate. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Atlanta (Georgia) KW - Atlanta Regional Commission KW - Disaggregate analysis KW - Forecasting KW - Land use KW - Land use models KW - Population synthesis KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand KW - Validation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883884 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121626 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Zhou, Bin AU - Kockelman, Kara M TI - Microsimulation of Single-Family Residential Land Use for Market Equilibriums SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 63-68 AB - This paper investigates single-family residential development for housing market equilibriums by using microeconomic theory and disaggregate spatial data. A logit model and notions of price competition are used to simulate household location choices in six scenarios, with either one or multiple employment centers and with low, medium, and high value-of-travel-time assumptions. Consistent with bid–rent theory, housing market equilibrium for each scenario was reached in an iterative fashion. The spatial allocation of new households in the region of Austin, Texas, illustrated the potential shape of things to come, with endogenously determined home prices and demographic distributions. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Austin (Texas) KW - Demographics KW - Employment centers KW - Equilibrium (Economics) KW - Geospatial data KW - Housing KW - Land use KW - Logits KW - Markets KW - Microeconomics KW - Microsimulation KW - Prices KW - Residential development KW - Residential location KW - Single family dwellings KW - Travel time KW - Value of time UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883885 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121625 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Srinivasan, Sivaramakrishnan AU - Bhat, Chandra R TI - Companionship for Leisure Activities: An Empirical Analysis Using the American Time Use Survey SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 129-136 AB - The activity-based travel–modeling paradigm recognizes that individuals undertake activity and travel not only independently but also together with other household and nonhousehold members. It has also been argued that the desire for interaction with other people is an important stimulus for activity–travel generation and therefore warrants treatment in travel–demand models. However, Axhausen (2005) notes that this important social dimension of activity–travel behavior is not accommodated in travel modeling. Further, the modeling of interpersonal interdependencies in activity–travel patterns is necessary for realistic forecasts of travel patterns under alternate socioeconomic–technological scenarios and due to changes in land use and transportation system characteristics. The goal of this study is to contribute to the understanding of activities and travel pursued by individuals jointly with household and nonhousehold members. Toward that end, there are two major tasks. First, an analysis is undertaken to determine the extent to which each activity type is pursued jointly. Further, this analysis aims to illustrate the differences in the companion-type choices (household versus nonhousehold members) across the activity types. The next task is focused on leisure activities. The motivation for this focus is that, among all activity types, the desire for companionship for leisure is likely to be highest. Specifically, models are developed to examine the impacts of demographic characteristics, day of the week, and activity episode durations on the choice of companion type. This paper is organized as follows. The section following the introduction describes the data used in this analysis. The empirical results are presented in the section that follows. The final section provides a summary and highlights the insights from this study. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Demographics KW - Forecasting KW - Households KW - Interpersonal relationships KW - Leisure time KW - Time duration KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883936 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121624 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Hato, Eiji AU - Kitamura, Ryuichi TI - Data-Oriented Travel Behavior Analysis Based on Probe Person Systems SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 187-196 AB - The last three decades have shown that the information contained in results of conventional household travel surveys can be used in analyzing a rich spectrum of behavioral aspects as the evolution of the activity-based analysis field has demonstrated (Jones et al. 1990, Kitamura 1990). Spatial elements, however, have continued to be the weak link, and geocoding trip ends to the point in a transportation study is rather an exception than a norm even now. Another weakness is the error in reporting trip beginning and ending times (Kitamura 1990). Recent developments in information and communications technology, however, are changing this situation by making possible acquisition of precise time and location information from survey respondents. A Global Positioning System (GPS) unit integrated into a cellular phone transforms a survey respondent into a “probe” (subsequently called “probe person” rather than “probe vehicle”) whose trajectories in space and time can be recorded with levels of accuracy unimaginable from the conventional questionnaire-based surveys. This paper summarizes the results of several pilot surveys conducted in Japan by using probe person systems. It shows technical requirements for new travel behavior surveys that are based on the results of these pilot surveys and discusses the possibility of data-oriented travel behavior analysis. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Cellular telephones KW - Forecasting KW - Geospatial data KW - Global Positioning System KW - Japan KW - Pilot studies KW - Probe persons KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883964 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121623 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Anderson, Rebekah S TI - Development of Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Tour-Based Model SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 30-32 AB - In 2002, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) contracted with PB Consult to develop a new regional travel forecasting model. The new model is an activity- and tour-based model applied with microsimulation. The development of the model was based on the 1999 Household Interview Survey, which was supplemented by the 1993 Central Ohio Transportation Authority On-Board Survey and an external cordon survey conducted in 1995. The new model system was completed in 2004. The MORPC model incorporates most of the positive features of the other activity- and tour-based models as well as the growing body of research on activity-based modeling and microsimulation. The new model is being used by MORPC for conformity analysis, transit alternative analysis, and highway-related management information systems projects in the Columbus region. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Columbus (Ohio) KW - Forecasting KW - Highway travel KW - Management information systems KW - Microsimulation KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Public transit KW - Regional planning KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883862 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121622 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kurth, David L AU - Childress, Suzanne AU - Sabina, Erik E AU - Rossi, Thomas F TI - Proposed Validation and Sensitivity Testing of Denver Region Activity-Based Models SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 153-156 AB - In 1997, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) initiated the collection of travel survey data to update its traditional four-step travel model and for the longer-term development of state-of-the-art modeling techniques. The “refresh” of the traditional model using these data took place from 2002 to 2004 and included model component validation, validation to the 1997 base year, and validation to travel conditions in 2001. As with its current trip-based model, DRCOG is committed to rigorous validation and sensitivity testing of its activity-based modeling (ABM) system that will be developed over the next 18 months. The system is designed to make use of the most recent developments in ABM theory to better represent the travel decision-making process and provide reasonable sensitivity to a wider range of future travel options and constraints. The downfall is that there are a number of places where the models can fail. DRCOG has addressed this concern by committing approximately the same budget to the validation and sensitivity testing of the ABM that it committed to the entire refresh of the existing traditional four-step travel model. Because the ABM development process for the Denver region has just begun, this paper focuses on the initial plans for the validation and sensitivity testing of the models. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Denver (Colorado) KW - Denver Regional Council of Governments KW - Forecasting KW - Sensitivity analysis KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys KW - Validation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883957 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121621 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Vovsha, Peter AU - Chiao, Kuo-Ann TI - Development of New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Tour-Based Model SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 21-23 AB - The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) is responsible for transportation improvement programming activities in the greater New York Metropolitan Region, including the preparation of plans that comply with the requirements of both the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The New York model developed for NYMTC in the period 2000 to 2002 (actual modeling work period, though the data collection and network preparation stages started in 1994) is the first comprehensive multimodal model developed for the New York Metropolitan Region, which encompasses an entire 28-county, three-state region that includes portions of Connecticut and New Jersey, with a total population of 20 million residents. The NYMTC model’s success has proven that the concept of a microsimulation activity- and tour-based model can be applied for a large metropolitan area with a unique level of complexity for the transportation system. This paper presents the model's structure, which has four major consecutive modules, and provides a description of the modules. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Modules (Computer programs) KW - Multimodal transportation KW - New York Metropolitan Area KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883860 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121620 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Petersen, Eric AU - Vovsha, Peter TI - Directions for Coordinated Improvement of Travel Surveys and Models SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 85-88 AB - A number of recent studies have pointed out the gap between academic interest in activity-based models and the relative scarcity of activity-based models implemented for regional and statewide planning agencies. The issues that hinder the adoption of activity-based models range from the difficulty in obtaining both resources to reestimate existing models and staff to run more complicated models to theoretical concerns over the variability involved in microsimulation. This paper focuses on the data requirements to support the estimation of an activity-based model and presents the minimum requirements and the desirable features to be included in future household surveys. The underlying message of this paper should reassure planning directors that the basic surveys required to build an activity-based modeling application are similar to those required to update and revalidate a conventional model, although certain extensions are desirable. A focus on more limited improvements to conventional surveys does not represent a digression from a move toward activity-based models but rather offers a useful intermediate stop on the way and takes practical advantage of what can be already done today or in the near future. For modelers wishing to explore the cutting edge of activity-based modeling, the paper also examines two promising areas of research: attitudinal and stated-preference (SP) extensions to conventional surveys. The paper concludes with a survey of existing household surveys from large metropolitan regions in North America and Europe and examines their suitability for supporting activity-based models. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Attitudes KW - Data requirements KW - Europe KW - Forecasting KW - Households KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Microsimulation KW - North America KW - Stated preferences KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883894 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121619 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Anderson, Rebekah S AU - Jiang, Zhuojun AU - Parasa, Chandra TI - Hardware Requirements and Running Time for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Travel Forecasting Model SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 181-184 AB - In October 2001, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) contracted with PB Consult to develop a set of regional travel forecasting models. The new model is a disaggregate tour-based model applied with the microsimulation of each individual household, person, or tour. The new modeling system was completed in late 2004 and refined throughout 2005. The new model is being used by MORPC for conformity analysis, transit alternative analysis, and for highway Major Investment Study projects in the Columbus region. The model area is divided into 1,805 internal and 72 external zones and includes Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties, and parts of Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union counties. The primary inputs to the model are transportation networks and zonal data, where each zone has the standard socioeconomic characteristics that one would normally find in a four-step model. The main differences from the prior four-step model are that the new model accounts for travel at the tour level, as opposed to the trip level, and for each individual household and person, as opposed to zonal and market segment aggregates. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Regional planning KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883963 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121618 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Anderson, Rebekah S AU - Donnelly, Robert M TI - Modeling of Peak Hour Spreading with a Disaggregate Tour-Based Model SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 161-164 AB - Over the last decade in all metropolitan areas, growing peak period congestion has been accompanied by increased demand from the peak hour into the shoulder hours of the peak period. Conventional forecasting models generally adopt static diurnal factors and do not model time-of-day (TOD) choice, and are generally not well formulated to extend their capabilities to model travel by hour of day as a function of level of service and other factors, including simulation of peak hour spreading. As a disaggregate tour-based model, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) travel forecasting system fully incorporates a TOD choice model for a 19-h average weekday. Because the TOD model is sensitive to travel times, peak hour spreading as the consequence of increased levels of peak period congestion should be evident in the model’s application. This paper explores this aspect of the MORPC tour-based model in application, comparing observed traffic data with the simulated hourly demand results from a series of tests of the model. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Forecasting KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Peak hour traffic KW - Peak periods KW - Peak-hour spreading (traffic) KW - Periods of the day KW - Tour-based models KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic simulation KW - Travel demand KW - Weekdays UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883959 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121617 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Schmitt, David AU - Donnelly, Robert M AU - Anderson, Rebekah S TI - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Model Validation: Summary SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 165-170 AB - The new Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) model is a disaggregate tour-based model applied with the microsimulation of each individual household, person, or tour. The model area is divided into 1,805 internal and 72 external zones and includes Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties, and parts of Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union counties. The primary inputs to the model are transportation networks and zonal data, in which each zone has the standard socioeconomic characteristics that would normally be found in a four-step model. The main differences from the prior four-step model are that the new model accounts for travel at the tour level, as opposed to the trip level, and for each individual household and person, as opposed to zonal and market segment aggregates. This summary shows the highway validation statistics, including some of the standard reports as suggested in the "Ohio Department of Transportation Traffic Assignment Procedures." It also shows the validation of the work purpose travel distribution compared with the Census Transportation Planning Package. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand KW - Validation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883960 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121616 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Bradley, Mark AU - Bowman, John L TI - Design Features of Activity-Based Microsimulation Models for U.S. Metropolitan Planning Organizations: A Summary SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 11-20 AB - This paper provides a concise summary of important design features of various activity-based model systems that have been implemented or have recently been designed for planning agencies in the United States. The models described are for Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; New York; Columbus, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Sacramento, California; the Bay Area of California; and Denver, Colorado. These models were selected because they are in the same family of activity-based models, and one or both of the authors have been involved in the design of all of them except for New York. Two other examples have also been included in the summary table and supplementary text of activity-based models in the United States: the CEMDAP model for Dallas, Texas, and the FAMOS model for southeast Florida (see sidebars, pages 14 and 17). Not included is the TRANSIMS model or the TLUMIP model for Oregon. Although those models share some of the features discussed here, the authors are not sufficiently familiar with them to compare them at the level of detail included here; that, however, could be a useful extension of this paper. All model systems described in this paper share a similar overall structure, with a hierarchy of levels from top to bottom, with the lower choices predicted conditionally on higher-level choices. The levels are: Population synthesis: geographic allocation of households; Longer-term decisions: auto ownership and (in some cases) work and school locations; Person–household day level: number of tours and activities made for various purposes; Tour level: main destination and mode, begin and end times, and number of stops; and Trip level: intermediate stop location and the mode and departure time of each trip. Within this structure, several important design features distinguish the models, and these are summarized in a table. Each paragraph in this paper is a more detailed annotation of a row in the comparison table. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Atlanta (Georgia) KW - CEMDAP (Computer program) KW - Columbus (Ohio) KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Denver (Colorado) KW - FAMOS (Computer model) KW - Forecasting KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Microsimulation KW - New York Metropolitan Area KW - Portland (Oregon) KW - Sacramento (California) KW - San Francisco (California) KW - San Francisco Bay Area KW - Southeast Florida KW - Travel demand KW - United States UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883859 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121615 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Sabina, Erik E AU - Rossi, Thomas F TI - Using Activity-Based Models for Policy Decision Making SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 177-180 AB - Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are faced with a variety of planning and policy initiatives for which information on travel demand is required. The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is the MPO for the rapidly growing Denver area, which has developed a comprehensive planning process to deal with the issues confronting the area’s residents, workers, and visitors. The regional planning process in the Denver area begins with the plan known as MetroVision, which provides the overall framework within which are developed other key MPO planning elements such as the Regional Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the Air Quality Conformity analysis. As DRCOG began the design of a new regional modeling system, and given that initial project planning suggested that DRCOG should focus its efforts on the next generation of tour–activity modeling systems, DRCOG management essentially charged the project team to answer the question “What good are these models? Can they better support regional planning, and if so, how?” U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Decision making KW - Denver Regional Council of Governments KW - Forecasting KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Regional planning KW - Tour-based models KW - Transportation policy KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883962 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121614 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Pendyala, Ram M AU - Bhat, Chandra R TI - Validation and Assessment of Activity-Based Travel Demand Modeling Systems SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 157-160 AB - The past decade has seen the rapid development of activity- and tour-based travel demand modeling systems. Several metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in the United States and metro areas in Europe have implemented such systems to take advantage of the derived nature of travel demand and interdependencies among trips. Despite the appeal of these models, their widespread implementation appears to be hindered by the absence of a detailed validation and assessment of this new wave of model systems. Many MPOs will not adopt such models until they are tested. These sentiments were expressed 10 years ago in New Orleans at the Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP) Conference on Activity-Based Travel Modeling and more recently in e-mail forums such as the TMIP Listserv. This conference in Austin brings model developers and MPO staff together to discuss validating and assessing activity-based models. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Europe KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Forecasting KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand KW - United States KW - Validation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883958 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121613 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Arentze, Theo A AU - Timmermans, Harry J P AU - Janssens, Davy AU - Wets, Geert TI - Modeling Short-Term Dynamics in Activity-Travel Patterns: From Aurora to Feathers SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 71-77 AB - Most operational models of activity-travel demand have been developed to predict activity-travel patterns. The main contribution of these models is to offer an alternative to the four-step models of travel demand, better focusing on the consistency of the submodels and proving increased sensitivity to a wider range of policy issues. These models are most valuable for predicting the impact of land use and transportation policies on typical activity-travel patterns, allowing policy makers to assess the likely impact of such policies in relation to changing travel demand and a set of accessibility, mobility, and environmental performance indicators. For short-term dynamics in activity-travel patterns, these activity-based models at their current state of development have much less to offer. To complement one of these models (Albatross), Aurora, a model focusing on the rescheduling of activity-travel patterns was developed. The foundations of this model appear in Timmermans et al. (2001) and Joh et al. (2003, 2004), focusing on the formulation of a comprehensive theory and model of activity rescheduling and reprogramming decisions as a function of time pressure. Apart from duration adjustment processes, the Aurora model also incorporated other potential dynamics, such as change of destination, transport mode, and other facets of activity-travel patterns. Later, this model was extended to deal with uncertainty, various types of learning, and responses to information provision. Finally, a framework to implement this model as a multiagent simulation system has been developed and explored. In 2005, a research program coordinated by IMOB (Transportation Research Institute) was funded by IWT (Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders), Belgium. The goal of this program, in addition to exploring the potential use of new technology on collecting travel data, is to develop a prototype, activity-based model of transport demand for Flanders, Belgium. The basis of this model, which has been given the acronym Feathers, will be the extended version of Aurora, complemented with some additional concepts. This paper reports the current development of this agent-based microsimulator that allows one to simulate activity-travel scheduling decisions, within-day rescheduling, and learning processes in high resolutions of space and time. It summarizes some concepts and discusses a series of projects and activities that will be conducted to further the operational effectiveness of the models for Flanders. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - ALBATROSS (Computer model) KW - Aurora (Computer program) KW - Flanders (Belgium) KW - Forecasting KW - Land use KW - Microsimulation KW - Short term forecasts KW - Transportation policy KW - Travel demand KW - Travel patterns KW - Travel rescheduling KW - Travel scheduling UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883888 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121612 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Kochan, Bruno AU - Bellemans, Tom AU - Janssens, Davy AU - Wets, Geert TI - Dynamic Activity-Travel Diary Data Collection Using a Global Positioning System–Enabled Personal Digital Assistant SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 94-97 AB - Activity-based transportation models have set the standard for modeling travel demand for the last decade. It seems common practice nowadays to collect the data to estimate these activity-based transportation models by means of activity-travel diaries. This paper presents a general functional framework of an advanced data collection application for activity-travel diaries to be deployed on a Global Positioning System–enabled personal digital assistant. The different modules, the building blocks of the application, are reviewed as well. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Data collection KW - Forecasting KW - Global Positioning System KW - Modules (Database specifications) KW - Personal digital assistants KW - Travel demand KW - Travel diaries UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883898 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121611 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Schmitt, David TI - Application of Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Microsimulation Model: New Starts Review SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 37-45 AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has very high standards for travel demand models used to generate ridership forecasts for its New Starts program. A model’s ability to meet these standards must be assessed early on so that potential FTA concerns with the forecasts or model structure can be addressed in a timely manner. Model structure changes require long, iterative development times. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) microsimulation model is being used to generate forecasts for the North Corridor Transit Project (NCTP)—currently in the stage requiring a draft environmental impact statement— with a potential New Starts submittal within the next few years. The NCTP is analyzing various travel modes along a 13-mi corridor that includes three major employment centers interspersed with large residential areas: the central business district (CBD), Ohio State University (OSU), and the Crosswoods and Polaris areas. NCTP team members investigated many areas of the MORPC model, including its overall structure, automobile and transit travel times, path building parameters, mode choice coefficient values, and results. The analysis of the model’s trip distribution and user benefit results are discussed in this paper, as these two elements have been identified as concerns by the FTA on other New Starts projects. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Automobile travel KW - Forecasting KW - Microsimulation KW - Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission KW - Mode choice KW - New Starts Program KW - North Corridor Transit Project KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transit path building KW - Travel demand KW - Travel time KW - Trip distribution KW - User benefits UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883882 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121610 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Dowling, Richard G AU - Skabardonis, Alexander TI - Urban Arterial Speed–Flow Equations for Travel Demand Models SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 109-113 AB - This paper describes the effort to improve the speed–flow relationships for urban arterial streets that are contained in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) metropolitan area travel demand model. Intersection traffic counts and floating car runs were made over 4-h-long periods on 1-mi-long sections of eight different arterial streets within the city of Los Angeles. The field data were then filtered to identify which speed measurements were taken during below-capacity conditions and which measurements were made during congested conditions when demand exceeded the capacity of one or more intersections on the arterial. Because the traditional manual intersection traffic count method that was used to gather volumes did not measure queue buildup, and therefore demand, the speed data points obtained during congested conditions were not used in the fitting of speed–flow equations. Several different speed–flow relationships were evaluated against the field data for below-capacity conditions. The most promising speed–flow equations for below-capacity conditions were then evaluated for their ability to predict delays for congested conditions where one or more intersections on the arterial are above capacity. The theoretical delay due to vehicles waiting their turn to clear the bottleneck intersection on the arterial was computed by using classical deterministic queuing theory. Speed–flow equations that underpredicted the delay to clear a congested intersection were rejected. Of the speed–flow equations tested, the Akcelik equation performed the best for above-capacity situations and performed as well as other possible equations for below-capacity conditions. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Arterial highways KW - Bottlenecks KW - Equations KW - Highway capacity KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Queuing theory KW - Southern California Association of Governments KW - Speed flow relationships KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic delays KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883923 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121609 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Outwater, Maren L AU - Charlton, Billy TI - The San Francisco Model in Practice: Validation, Testing, and Application SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 24-29 AB - The San Francisco County Chained Activity Modeling Process (SF-CHAMP) was developed for the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) to provide detailed forecasts of travel demand for various planning applications. These applications included developing countywide plans, providing input to microsimulation modeling for corridor and project-level evaluations, transit planning, and neighborhood planning. The objective was to represent accurately the complexity of the destination and the temporal and modal options and to provide detailed information on travelers making discrete choices. These objectives led to the development of a tour-based model that uses synthesized population as the basis for decision making rather than zonal-level aggregate data sources. Most of the tour-based model’s nine components were estimated by means of household survey data for San Francisco, California, residents only that were collected by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Each model component was calibrated by using various observed data sources, and then the full model was validated with traffic count and transit ridership data for each of five periods. The model is applied as a focused model that combines trip making from the entire Bay Area (derived from the MTC’s BAYCAST trip tables) with the travel demand from San Francisco residents produced by the tour-based model. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Applications KW - Calibration KW - Forecasting KW - Households KW - Mode choice KW - Public transit KW - San Francisco (California) KW - Tour-based models KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand KW - Travel surveys KW - Validation UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883861 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121608 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Boyles, Stephen AU - Ukkusuri, Satish V AU - Waller, S Travis AU - Kockelman, Kara M TI - A Comparison of Static and Dynamic Traffic Assignment Under Tolls in the Dallas–Fort Worth Region SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 114-117 AB - As the number of drivers in urban areas increases, the search continues for policies to counteract congestion and for models to reliably predict the impacts of these policies. Techniques for predicting the impact of such policies have improved in recent years. Dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models have attracted attention for their ability to account for time-varying properties of traffic flow. A feature common to all DTA approaches is the ability to model traffic flow changes over time. A variety of formulations exists, with significant differences in how traffic flow is modeled, or in how the mathematical program is described. Simulation is sometimes used to incorporate more realistic flow in traffic models while maintaining tractability. Peeta and Ziliaskopoulos (2001) provide a comprehensive survey of DTA approaches and difficulties. While recognizing the dynamic features of traffic is more realistic, it introduces issues that are irrelevant in static assignment, such as ensuring first-in-first-out queuing disciplines. Also, significantly more input data are required because DTA models require time-dependent travel demand, rather than the aggregate figures that suffice for static assignment. Thus, it is not surprising that DTA formulations lead to complicated solutions that require a substantial amount of computation time when applied to large networks. It is natural to wonder, therefore, what justifies the added computational and data requirements. To this end, this work investigates the differences in results obtained from applying static and dynamic assignment to a large network under a congestion pricing scenario. The Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) network used here contains 56,574 links and 919 zonal centroids. Comparisons are made of three models: traditional static traffic assignment (STA), the TransCAD approximator (an analytical, link performance–function–based approximation to DTA), and VISTA’s simulation-based DTA approach. An additional contribution is an algorithm that efficiently generates a time-varying demand profile from aggregate demand data (static origin–destination trip tables) by interpolating a piecewise linear curve. This algorithm is described, and is followed by brief descriptions of the TransCAD add-in and the VISTA model, as well as key issues that arise when attempting to compare these models with static assignment. A method to facilitate comparisons of the approximator’s results with those of static assignment is also described, as well as the DFW network results and a summary of modeling contributions and limitations. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Algorithms KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Congestion pricing KW - Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area KW - Dynamic traffic assignment KW - Time dependence KW - Traffic assignment KW - Traffic flow KW - Traffic models KW - TransCAD (Computer program) KW - Travel demand KW - VISTA (Computer program) UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883925 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121607 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Hubbard, Don TI - Traffic Forecasting in a Visioning Workshop Setting SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 124-126 AB - Visioning workshops have become a vital tool in regional planning. Unfortunately, traffic forecasting has played only a small role in these workshops even though traffic congestion is often viewed as a critical long-term issue. This creates the danger of a consensus forming in a workshop around a vision that traffic modelers later declare is unworkable from a traffic standpoint. A disconnect of this kind can lead to one of two undesirable outcomes: 1) the agency abandons the consensus vision, in which case the workshop participants rightly wonder whether their views are being taken seriously, or 2) the agency is stuck trying to implement the unworkable. One way to ensure that the consensus forms around a workable vision is to perform traffic forecasts during the workshop and give participants immediate feedback as to the likely consequences of their plans, allowing them to adjust their plans accordingly. This approach was successful in visioning workshops sponsored by the Council of Governments for San Luis Obispo County, California (SLOCOG), and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). These are believed to be the first public workshops to forecast traffic in real time. The experiments used different models and approaches, both of which provide important lessons for agencies that may want to play a role in visioning exercises. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Lessons learned KW - Real time information KW - Regional planning KW - Sacramento Area Council of Governments KW - San Luis Obispo Council of Governments KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Visualization KW - Workshops UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883934 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121606 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Hicks, James E TI - Dynamic Traffic Assignment Model Breakdown SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 101-108 AB - This paper describes the effort to improve the speed–flow relationships for urban arterial streets that are contained in the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) metropolitan area travel demand model. Intersection traffic counts and floating car runs were made over 4-h-long periods on 1-mi-long sections of eight different arterial streets within the city of Los Angeles. The field data were then filtered to identify which speed measurements were taken during belowcapacity conditions and which measurements were made during congested conditions when demand exceeded the capacity of one or more intersections on the arterial. Because the traditional manual intersection traffic count method that was used to gather volumes did not measure queue buildup, and therefore demand, the speed data points obtained during congested conditions were not used in the fitting of speed–flow equations. Several different speed–flow relationships were evaluated against the field data for below-capacity conditions. The most promising speed–flow equations for below-capacity conditions were then evaluated for their ability to predict delays for congested conditions where one or more intersections on the arterial are above capacity. The theoretical delay due to vehicles waiting their turn to clear the bottleneck intersection on the arterial was computed by using classical deterministic queuing theory. Speed–flow equations that underpredicted the delay to clear a congested intersection were rejected. Of the speed–flow equations tested, the Akcelik equation performed the best for above-capacity situations and performed as well as other possible equations for below-capacity conditions. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Algorithms KW - Atlanta (Georgia) KW - Case studies KW - Data requirements KW - Dynamic traffic assignment KW - Equilibrium (Systems) KW - Implementation KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic flow KW - VISTA (Computer program) UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883920 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121605 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Bricka, Stacey AU - Bhat, Chandra R TI - Using Global Positioning System Data to Inform Travel Survey Methods SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 89-93 AB - While the transportation community continues to work toward the long-term goal of using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to produce higher-quality trip files, the reality is that the current method of random samples, telephone surveys, and travel logs continues to be used. Thus, for any given regional travel survey, trip underreporting will occur at some level. The research question that forms the focus of this paper is whether an analysis of GPS data collected as part of a regional travel survey can be used to minimize trip underreporting through improved survey methods. The focus is on demographic characteristics, travel behavior characteristics, and indicators of adherence to survey protocol that potentially impact trip underreporting. The results suggest that, while more research into this subject is warranted, there are specific, low-cost changes to the survey materials as well as to the interviewing process that can be made immediately to reduce trip underreporting. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Demographics KW - Global Positioning System KW - Interviewing KW - Survey methods KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel surveys KW - Trip underreporting UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883896 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121604 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Bhat, Chandra R AU - Guo, Jessica Y TI - An Innovative Methodological Framework to Analyze the Impact of Built Environment Characteristics on Activity–Travel Choices SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 137-141 AB - There has been increasing interest in the land use–transportation connection in the past decade, motivated by the possibility that design policies associated with the built environment (BE) (land use, urban form, and street network attributes) can be used to manage and shape individual traveler behavior and aggregate travel demand. It is important to determine whether the empirically observed association between BE and travel behavior–related variables is a reflection of underlying causality or whether it is attributable to the relationship between BE and the characteristics of people who choose to live in particular BEs. Literature debating the causal versus the associative nature of the relationship between the BE and travel behavior, including whether any causal effect is enough to cause a shift in travel patterns, is inconclusive. This relationship is the focus of design policies manifested in new urbanism and smart growth concepts. A review by Ewing and Cervero (2001) describes studies that have found elasticity effects of BE attributes on travel demand variables. Other recent studies have also found significant effects of BE on one or more dimensions of activity/travel behavior. However, several studies reviewed by Crane (2000) and some other works have found that BE measures have little to no impact on such dimensions of travel behavior as activity–trip frequency and nonmotorized mode use. However, because of different estimation techniques, units of analysis, empirical contexts, travel behavior dimensions, and BE characteristics and their scales used across the studies, it is difficult to compare results. Academia agrees that it is premature to draw any conclusions about the impacts of BE on activity–travel behavior. Further, two issues need to be addressed: (a) the relationship between BE and travel behavior can be complex, and (b) the true causal impact of BE on travel behavior can be assessed only if the association due to demographics-based residential sorting is controlled for. These issues are discussed in this paper. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity choices KW - Built environment KW - Causal factors KW - Impact studies KW - Land use KW - New urbanism KW - Smart growth KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel demand KW - Urban form UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883938 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121603 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Chiao, Kuo-Ann AU - Mohseni, Ali AU - Bhowmick, Sangeeta TI - Lessons Learned from the Implementation of New York Activity-Based Travel Model SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - pp 173-176 AB - The New York Best Practice Model (NYBPM) has been developed and implemented to meet the demand of regional planners seeking a more accurate way to identify transportation requirements and forecast demand on the transportation system. It has been used on many regional studies to simulate travel patterns including where people travel, their modes of travel (car, subway, bus, ferry, walk and bike, or commuter rail), preferred routes (highway versus local roads), and their trip times. NYBPM is an activity-based model that attempts to predict the detailed travel patterns of a diverse population using numerous travel modes. It does this by introducing innovative approaches to the traditional travel demand models including the concept of journey or tour as the unit of travel; microsimulation, which is used to simulate the travel pattern of each person in the region and among all other modes of travel; and nonmotorized modes. NYBPM covers 28 counties and is divided into 3,586 transportation analysis zones. The model analyzes travel patterns by four time periods and eight trip purposes on six highway and four transit modes. The highways of the region are represented in a geographic information system (GIS) with more than 53,000 segments. All available transit modes of the New York metropolitan region ranging from commuter rail to ferries are also coded in GIS. NYBPM was previewed before a national audience in January 2001 during the TRB Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., and immediately was in wide implementation throughout the region on various projects in different sizes. As one of the first metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in the country to develop and implement a new generation of travel demand forecasting models, this paper shares New York Metropolitation Transportation Council’s (NYMTC’s) experience throughout different stages of development and implementation of NYBPM. Immediately after release of the models in 1992, NYMTC’s modeling staff was faced with a series of problems, which are discussed in this paper. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Forecasting KW - Geographic information systems KW - Implementation KW - Lessons learned KW - Microsimulation KW - New York Metropolitan Transportation Council KW - Nonmotorized transportation KW - Transportation modes KW - Travel demand KW - Travel patterns UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883961 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01121602 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board TI - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling: Summary of a Conference. Volume 2: Papers SN - 9780309113434 PY - 2008 VL - 2 IS - 42 SP - 206p AB - The Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling Conference was held on May 21-23, 2006, in Austin, Texas. The objectives of this conference were (1) to examine advances in travel demand modeling, (2) to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information among academics and practitioners on the opportunities and the challenges associated with the implementation of advanced travel models, and (3) to identify additional areas for research, education, and training to ensure that the travel demand modelers of today and tomorrow are adequately prepared to apply the new model techniques. The conference opened with two workshops: Innovations in Practice and FTA Findings for Meaningful Forecasts. Two plenary sessions held at the beginning of the conference framed the underlying policy issues that drive model development and the issues associated with moving innovative modeling techniques into practice. Following these plenary sessions, 11 breakout sessions were held. These breakout sessions were largely based on the papers and were designed to provide lively discussion. A final plenary session focused on the institutional issues to be addressed in moving research into practice. This volume, Volume 2, contains the 31 individual authored papers from the breakout sessions. Volume 1 contains summaries of the plenary and breakout sessions and a list of all conference participants. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Conferences KW - Education and training KW - Forecasting KW - Innovation KW - Institutional issues KW - Research KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160584.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/883857 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01116570 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - Key Issues in Transportation Programming: Summary of a Conference SN - 9780309113441 PY - 2008 IS - 43 SP - 86p AB - The Key Issues in Transportation Programming Conference was held November 12-14, 2006, in Seattle, Washington. This conference highlighted successful approaches to multimodal programming and its links to planning and performance measures to support the core objectives of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and the general objective of effective use of transportation funds. The conference opened with four workshops: Data, and Methods; Cash Forecasting and Management Processes and Their Relationship to Programming; Linking Planning and Programming; and Implications of SAFETEA-LU for Programming. The conference was organized around a series of plenary sessions and breakout sessions that focused on the following issues: Institutions and organizations; Program development; Program delivery; Ballot box programming; Dealing with uncertainty; and The planning and programming connection. This report contains summaries of the plenary and breakout sessions. A list of conference participants is included. U1 - Key Issues in Transportation Programming ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationWashington State Department of TransportationFlorida Department of TransportationParsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, IncorporatedHDR Engineering, IncorporatedSeattle,Washington,United States StartDate:20061112 EndDate:20061114 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Washington State Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation, Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Incorporated, HDR Engineering, Incorporated KW - Accountability KW - Conferences KW - Institutional issues KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Program management KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Transportation planning KW - Uncertainty UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/158197.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/876475 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01116569 JO - Transportation Research Board Conference Proceedings PB - Transportation Research Board AU - Turnbull, Katherine F TI - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling: Summary of a Conference. Volume 1: Session Summaries SN - 9780309113427 PY - 2008 VL - 1 IS - 42 SP - 80p AB - The Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling Conference was held on May 21-23, 2006, in Austin, Texas. The objectives of this conference were (1) to examine advances in travel demand modeling, (2) to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information among academics and practitioners on the opportunities and the challenges associated with the implementation of advanced travel models, and (3) to identify additional areas for research, education, and training to ensure that the travel demand modelers of today and tomorrow are adequately prepared to apply the new model techniques. The conference opened with two workshops: Innovations in Practice and FTA Findings for Meaningful Forecasts. Two plenary sessions held at the beginning of the conference framed the underlying policy issues that drive model development and the issues associated with moving innovative modeling techniques into practice. Following these plenary sessions, 11 breakout sessions were held. These breakout sessions were largely based on the papers and were designed to provoke lively discussion. A final plenary session focused on the institutional issues to be addressed in moving research into practice. This volume, Volume 1, contains summaries of the plenary and breakout sessions. A list of all conference participants is included. The 31 individual authored papers from the breakout sessions are contained in Volume 2. U1 - Innovations in Travel Demand Modeling ConferenceTransportation Research BoardFederal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit AdministrationCapital Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCentral Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityHNTB CorporationPBS&JURS CorporationAustin,Texas,United States StartDate:20060521 EndDate:20060523 Sponsors:Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, HNTB Corporation, PBS&J, URS Corporation KW - Activity-based models KW - Conferences KW - Education and training KW - Forecasting KW - Innovation KW - Institutional issues KW - Research KW - Tour-based models KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160461.aspx UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/876473 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091751 AU - Project for Public Spaces AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Great Cities Initiative PY - 2008 SP - 1p AB - The Great Cities Initiative, Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a new program that applies 30+ years of experience in improving transportation, parks, public markets and buildings to the wider mission of creating livelier cities. Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. It has become an internationally recognized center for best-practices, information, and resources about Placemaking. KW - Cities KW - City planning KW - Communities KW - Placemaking KW - Quality of life UR - http://www.pps.org/great_cities/info/great_cities_approach UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851328 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091689 AU - Gordon, Rachel AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Report Extols Benefits of Bay Area Public Transit PY - 2008 SP - 3p AB - The Bay Area's top seven transit agencies help prevent more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases and save 251 million gallons of oil each year, according to a new report by a consumer-rights group. The California Public Interest Research Group, or CalPIRG, said its report - along with news Thursday that the cost of oil hit a record high of nearly $106 a barrel - should encourage more people to park their cars and hop on a bus or train. KW - Bus transit KW - Environmental protection KW - Fuel oils KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Prices KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - San Francisco Bay Area KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transit riders UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851324 ER - TY - SER AN - 01091655 JO - Economic Times [online] AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Delhi to Have an 'Intelligent' Traffic System by 2010 PY - 2008 SP - 1p AB - The capital's traffic system is in for a major overhaul before the Commonwealth Games in 2010, with Delhi Police planning to put in place an IT-driven Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) which will monitor and streamline vehicular movement. KW - Highway traffic control KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Monitoring KW - New Delhi (India) KW - Traffic surveillance UR - http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/delhi-to-get-intelligent-traffic-system-by-2010-108052601019_1.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851319 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01091649 AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - How to Implement the TimeTable Publisher: An Open Source Application for Transit Agencies, T3 Webinar PY - 2008 SP - n.p. AB - TimeTable Publisher is a single system that allows a transit agency to examine, modify, and transform raw scheduling data into easy-to-read timetables for customer information purposes. The application simplifies and accelerates production of printed on-street schedules and web schedules. As an open sources application, the TimeTable Publisher is available for free so that other transit agencies can use it and even contribute enhancements to it. KW - Public transit KW - Scheduling KW - Timetables UR - http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/_Archived_Site_4-25-08/t3/s080514_open.asp UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851329 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01089669 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Annual Report on Funding Recommendations: Proposed Allocations of Funds for Fiscal Year 2009: New Starts, Small Starts, Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands. Report of the Secretary of Transportation to the United States Congress Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5309 (k)(1) PY - 2008///Annual Report SP - v.p. AB - This report provides the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recommendations to Congress for the allocation of funds for the construction of new fixed guideway systems and extensions (49 USC 5309(d) – Major Capital Investment Grants of $75,000,000 or More, or “New Starts,” and 49 USC 5309(e) – Capital Investment Grants of Less Than $75,000,000 or “Small Starts”) for fiscal year (FY) 2009. The Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for FY 2009 is a collateral document to the President’s annual budget submission to Congress. It contributes to the information exchange between the Executive and Legislative branches at the beginning of an appropriations cycle for the next fiscal year. The President’s Budget for FY 2009 proposes $1,621 million for the capital investment grant program under Section 5309. A total of $1,300 million is recommended for 15 existing and two pending Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGA). The pending FFGAs are projects which meet the New Starts criteria, are at an advanced stage of development with few remaining uncertainties, and are expected to be ready for an FFGA prior to or during FY 2009. Funding in the amount of $85 million is being recommended for final design activities by projects which reach that milestone prior to the development of the FY 2009 appropriations bill. By reserving this amount of funding without committing any to specific projects at this time, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) can take advantage of its project oversight and risk management activities to make timely and prudent recommendations as project uncertainties are mitigated and as Congress contemplates its FY 2009 appropriations decisions. A total of $200 million is recommended for 13 Small Starts projects, to be funded either through one-year capital grants or multi-year Project Construction Grant Agreements (PCGA). Finally, a total of $36 million is recommended for ferry projects, statutory funding to support the work of the Denali Commission, and New Starts/Small Starts oversight activities. In addition to funding recommendations, Appendix A of the FY 2009 Annual Report on Funding Recommendations provides the status of the 15 FFGA projects; detailed results of FTA’s evaluation of the project justification and local financial commitment of 13 proposed major capital investments in preliminary engineering (PE) or final design; results of FTA’s streamlined evaluation of 13 Small Starts projects in “project development;” and brief summaries of the status of three projects in final design which are requesting less than $25 million in New Starts funding and are, therefore, exempt from the New Starts evaluation process. Appendix B describes the measures, rating breakpoints, and overall process followed by FTA for evaluating New Starts projects currently in PE and final design which are pursuing an FFGA, and Small Starts projects in project development. Finally, Appendix C describes FTA’s FY 2007 Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands program. KW - Annual reports KW - Appropriations KW - Capital investments KW - Federal aid KW - Financing KW - Full funding grant agreements KW - Fund allocations KW - Guideways KW - Line extensions (Rail transit) KW - New Starts Program KW - Rail transit KW - Small Starts Program UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/index.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/850138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01089668 AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Rutgers University, New Brunswick TI - Emergency Preparedness Guide for Transit Employees on the Job and at Home PY - 2008 SP - v.p. AB - This Emergency Preparedness Guide is a resource document for transit agencies. It provides suggested guidance for transit employees’ emergency preparedness at home as well as at work. It also includes information on how employees can cope with an emergency while still allowing the effective fulfillment of their duties. The intent is that transit agencies will embrace the suggestions in this resource document, particularly those that apply to personnel preparedness. Recent history has reminded us that no region of our country is safe from all hazards and we all need to do what we can to ensure the safety of our families and loved ones. This Emergency Preparedness Guide is divided into two parts. Part I addresses emergency preparedness while on the job and Part II addresses emergency preparedness at home. The overall objectives are to help transit employees learn how to protect themselves and assist their customers if disaster strikes, protect their families if they are at work, and stock and maintain job and home preparedness kits. KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Employees KW - Handbooks KW - Personnel KW - Resource guides KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/EPG/JSimpsonLetter.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/850135 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462679 TI - Characteristics of Premium Transit Services that Affect Choice of Mode AB - The Major Capital Investment Program ("New Starts") of the Federal Transit Administration provides funding assistance to transit projects that meet specific criteria set by Congress.  Several of these criteria rely on forecasts of the mobility benefits and ridership impacts of proposed projects.  Consequently, accurate evaluation of projects requires that the forecasting procedures recognize the full range of mobility benefits produced by transit investments. Current practice in transit ridership forecasting recognizes the transit service characteristics that are relatively easy to measure and predict--typically the travel time spent in transit vehicles, walking and waiting times, drive access time, the number of transfers, and the fares paid.  Other potentially important characteristics are generally excluded, including schedule reliability, hours of service, personal security, comfort, visibility, and perhaps many others.  To the extent that these "non-traditional" attributes represent an important part of the appeal of premium transit services--bus rapid transit, light rail, heavy rail, and commuter rail, for example--then current forecasting procedures may underestimate the benefits and ridership potential of those premium modes.  Traditionally, local models rely on additive adjustments (i.e., "mode-specific constants") to reflect these non-traditional measures of transit attractiveness. Substantial difficulties abound in attempts to quantify these effects.  The purpose of this research is to understand more clearly the potentially broad range of transit service attributes that are important to transit users and non-users and to rethink the traditional approach to ridership forecasting for premium transit services.non-traditional attributes that contribute to the response by both automobile and transit travelers to the introduction of premium transit modes, (2) quantify the influence of the most important attributes on mode choice of premium transit modes in various urban contexts, and (3) suggest how these attributes may be meaningfully incorporated into travel models.  This research project is divided into two phases.  Phase 1 is exploratory and identifies the non-traditional attributes that affect travelers' choice of mode and Phase 2 quantifies the contribution of the most important attributes to mode choice decisions and seeks ways to incorporate the findings into travel models.


 KW - Capital investments KW - Forecasting KW - Investments KW - Mode choice KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Schedules and scheduling KW - Travel time UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1596 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230901 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462622 TI - Estimation of Demand for Rural Intercity Bus Services AB - Restructuring of intercity bus services has resulted in a shift of intercity bus services away from serving rural communities to services that primarily link major cities and urbanized areas. Rural areas formerly served by these services are now lacking connections to the national intercity bus network. Federal Transit Administration is available to provide planning, capital, and operating assistance for intercity bus services serving rural areas.  However, many states and rural (regional and local) operators are unsure about the potential demand for rural intercity bus service and how that demand might vary. Among the variables believed to affect demand are the type of provider (e.g., rural operator or private intercity carrier); schedule (e.g., frequency, time of day, trip duration); the physical and service characteristics of the connection; fare levels; the availability of interline tickets; and inclusion of the service in national intercity bus schedule guides and ticketing systems. The level of demand varies with population, and typically with frequency and service design, and is a major consideration in service design issues. Existing modeling systems are not effective or accurate in predicting the demand for this type of service and do not take into account essential access issues which may factor into the decision-making process. There is no accepted demand model, rule of thumb, or similar tool that is based on recent experiences to assist in determining the likely intercity-related ridership and the impact of different interline relationships and service characteristics on the potential demand. Most basically, estimates of intercity trip demand serving rural communities are needed to help in the design of projects that will link rural areas with the national intercity bus network. Research is needed to develop tools for forecasting rural intercity bus ridership for use by both service providers and state transportation program managers. The tools should assist potential providers in answering questions such as: What is the potential ridership for different service types? Given a certain level of population, should a service be offered three times per week, daily on weekdays, or 365 days/year? What is the ridership impact of the type of service connection? The tools should assist program managers in answering questions such as: How do the proposed services affect prioritization of resources? Does demand justify the requested subsidies? How do the proposed services fit into the overall long-range state or regional transportation plans?The objective of this project is to produce a sketch planning guide and supporting tools that can be used by both service providers and state transportation program managers to forecast demand for rural intercity bus services. KW - Bus transit KW - Bus transportation KW - Demand KW - Estimates KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1591 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230843 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462623 TI - Methods for Forecasting Demand and Quantifying Need for Rural Passenger Transportation AB - Initial work on estimating demand for rural passenger transportation was published in 1995 in TCRP Report 3. In the intervening years, the nature of rural public transit and human services transportation has changed. With increased emphasis on coordination and increased investment in rural public transit by SAFETEA-LU, investigations are being conducted into rural transit need and the demand for human services transportation in rural areas. Many of these plans are relying on TCRP Report 3 methods of demand projection that may no longer be relevant or valid. Limitations of the TCRP Report 3 methodology include a sample of 39 counties, the exclusion of needs estimates for service planning and future funding purposes, and limited applicability to sub-county areas. An accurate and reliable estimation tool for rural public transit and human services transportation demand is needed for the development of coordination plans for rural localities throughout the United States as required by SAFETEA-LU. Such an updated estimation tool will give local decision makers better information to allocate and coordinate scarce transportation resources to address local passenger transportation mobility needs. The objectives of this research are to (1) provide improved methods for forecasting rural passenger-transportation demand and (2) develop methods for quantifying passenger transportation needs.  The recommended methods will include determination of data needs, data-collection techniques, demand-forecasting methods, and any other components needed for an effective process for forecasting rural passenger-transportation demand and quantifying passenger-transportation needs. The results will be summarized and presented in a format that rural passenger-transportation providers and planners can easily understand and use. KW - Coordination KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Forecasting KW - Public transit KW - Rural transportation KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1590 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230844 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489233 TI - Vashon Island Passenger Only Ferry Study AB - This project supports the King County Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to assess, design, demonstrate, and evaluate a Vashon Island Passenger-Only Ferry service. The study is designed to assist King County DOT in the development of a plan for continuing passenger-only ferry service between Vashon Island and downtown Seattle. An important element of this study is the analysis of state-of-the-art technologies for vessels and dock facilities to maximize service efficiency, lower fuel consumption and minimize environmental impacts, including pollutant emissions and wake wash. The study will include an analysis of potential markets, operating and funding strategies, and possibly public and private involvement in the implementation of the King County ferry service program. KW - Environmental impacts KW - Ferry service KW - Markets KW - Passenger transportation KW - Port operations KW - State of the art KW - Technological innovations KW - Terminal operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258252 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462589 TI - Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 1-09. Survey of the Elements of Disparity Studies for Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs. AB - The term disparity/availability study is not defined by statute, and although the most current federal regulations provide airport owners and operators with an annual DBE goal setting methodology, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) does not provide guidelines or standards on the specific elements of a disparity/availability study to support race-conscious factors of a program. However, in response to questions raised after the Western Paving decision, the DOT General Counsel approved Q & A guidelines for recipients of federal financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) located in the states comprising the 9th federal judicial circuit, that generally describe a disparity/availability study as an evidence/gathering process to determine the existence of discrimination or its effects in a federal grant recipient's market. A variation of this description has been used by states in other judicial circuits in developing local DBE race-conscious programs. There is concern in the airport industry that these studies can be quite expensive. Since the success of the DBE program may depend on the validity of the disparity study, airport officials need to know what a disparity study should contain to increase the likelihood of withstanding a court challenge. General guidelines are needed not only to develop a scope of work to set parameters for the study, but also to develop quality controls to ensure that the study meets its purpose within state budgetary limits. The purpose of this survey is to determine when a DBE disparity/availability study is needed and elements of a disparity/availability study that may be used by airport attorneys, directors, commissioners, concessionaires; and other businesses that are eligible to participate in federal airport DBE programs in compliance with the USDOT airport DBE goal setting regulations. This effort should begin with a thorough review of the airport DBE goal-setting regulations and the historic development of relevant federal case precedent and their effect on airport DBE programs. The survey should then collect completed disparity/availability studies from various areas of the country and identify those that could be used as models in whole or in part. The criteria for determining whether a study should be modeled/sampled should include whether the study withstood in a court challenge or an administrative review of a DBE race conscious program. A detailed analysis of the costs associated with disparity/availability studies should be conducted with the objective of developing a comparison of various types of studies against their associated costs. This research also should include developments in airport DBE enforcement actions taken by state, federal, and local government agencies and the private sector. The goal of this project is to provide airports with a clear understanding of the current requirements needed to conduct a valid and legally defensible disparity/availability study and to develop elements of successful disparity/availability studies that can be used in the future. KW - Airport facilities KW - Airport operations KW - Airport planning KW - Airport runways KW - Airports KW - Contract administration KW - Contractors KW - Disadvantaged business enterprises KW - Research projects UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2545 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230810 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01102374 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Proposed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor ferry pier improvements : environmental impact statement PY - 2007/12//Volumes held: Draft KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Hawaii UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/862335 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01088272 AU - Darido, Georges Bianco AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Report on South American Bus Rapid Transit Field Visits: Tracking the Evolution of the TransMilenio Model PY - 2007/12//Final Report SP - 40p AB - This report summarizes the background, status, and lesson from Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans and operations in three South American cities—Bogotá, Colombia; Pereira, Colombia; and Guayaquil, Ecuador— gathered through independent research, technical visits, and meetings with operators and officials on February 11-16, 2007. Pereira’s Megabús and Guayaquil’s Metrovía represent the latest generation of BRT systems in South America being modeled after Bogotá’s very successful TransMilenio system. The findings of this report focus on observations about cost-effective investments and standards, service and operations models, and institutional models to improve the performance and sustainability of BRT. The findings of these visits were presented to technical audiences and the data collected will be incorporated into forthcoming BRT planning guidance for the Federal Transit Administration. KW - Bogota (Colombia) KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus transit operations KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Field visits KW - Guayaquil (Ecuador) KW - Pereira (Colombia) KW - South America KW - Study tours KW - TransMilenio UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Report_on_South_American_Bus_Rapid_Transit_Field_Visits_December_2007.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/849452 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01109055 AU - Thakuriah, Piyushimita AU - Sriraj, P S AU - Soot, Siim AU - Persky, Joseph AU - University of Illinois, Chicago AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Community Transportation Association TI - Economic Benefits of Employment Transportation with a Focus on the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program PY - 2007/11/15/Draft SP - 236p AB - The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program was instituted by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), 1998. This report presents a study of the JARC program with an aim to understanding its impacts. Benefits of the JARC program are quantified beyond that which is possible from administrative data. Cost-effectiveness estimates show that cost per ride are competitive to traditional transit services; yet the services are enabling a variety of positive labor market outcomes to low-income workers. There are significant benefits to users, non-users and society that accrue due to the program. Longitudinal benefits, which users might experience over the expected duration of their worklife, are considerable. The program has been successful in putting users in a better economic ladder. KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Economic benefits KW - Employment KW - Job access KW - Job Access and Reverse Commute program KW - Labor force KW - Low income groups KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Reverse commuting KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Work trips UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/865835 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489148 TI - Universal Transit Farecard Standard AB - This project supports the facilitation of the committees and subcommittees of the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Universal Transit Farecard Stakeholders (UTFS) Program. The UTFS program objective is to develop and implement appropriate guidelines, standards and recommended practices to assist in achieving regional standardization for transit systems planning, designing, procuring and implementing revenue management programs. KW - Automatic fare collection KW - Guidelines KW - Magnetic farecards KW - Standardization KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258142 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01088124 AU - Bergin, Stephen P AU - Noel, William AU - Schiewer, Silke AU - Witmer, Dennis AU - Integrated Concepts and Research Organization AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Final Report: Program for Demonstration of Ultra-Clean Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel PY - 2007/11/08/Final Report SP - 47p AB - The main objective of this project was to study the potential use of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthetic diesel fuel in cold-climate transit applications. Project activities included a winter transit bus demonstration of F-T fuel in Fairbanks, Alaska; a soil biodegradability analysis to determine the environmental effects of potential F-T fuel leaks; a feasibility study of the utilization of F-T fuels for hydrogen production in association with future transit fleet applications of reformer/fuel-cell power systems; and summarization of all of the transit-relevant emissions results to date for Syntroleum’s F-T diesel fuel. Major project findings include: (1) F-T fuel can directly replace conventional (non-F-T) diesel fuel without modification to engines or significant changes in performance; (2) Diesel fuel can be routinely stored, dispensed, and run successfully in buses at the cold temperatures; (3) F-T fuel has a significantly higher rate of biodegradation than conventional diesel fuel; (4) F-T fuel can reduce diesel exhaust emissions to levels significantly below those obtainable with even the lowest-emission conventional diesel fuels; and (5) F-T fuels could be utilized in hydrogen production in association with future transit fleet applications of reformer/fuel-cell power systems. However, on-board reformation is likely only an interim approach to a large-scale hydrogen fuel infrastructure. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodegradability KW - Demonstration projects KW - Environmental impacts KW - Exhaust gases KW - Fairbanks (Alaska) KW - Fischer-Tropsch Process KW - Frigid regions KW - Hydrogen production KW - Synthetic fuels KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Fischer_Tropsch_Synthetic_Diesel_Demonstration_Project.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/849022 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462639 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-20. Public/Private Transit Partnerships AB - New light rail transit (LRT) lines have experienced undesirable frequencies of LRV/motor vehicle collisions, particularly where motor vehicles cross LRT tracks at signalized intersections.  Light rail systems have addressed the problem and made changes to pavement markings, signs, signals, street geometrics, operating procedures, and training to reduce the frequency of collisions. A synthesis study will help other transit agencies to better understand today's state of the art and learn from the experiences of others in similar situations. The effort will be a study of the mitigation methods used to reduce LRV collisions with motor vehicles at signal-controlled intersections.  It will include success stories and the specific actions taken to achieve positive results.  Examples of unsuccessful actions are also of interest.

KW - Crashes KW - Highway geometrics KW - Light rail transit KW - Motor vehicles KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Road markings KW - Signalized intersections KW - State of the art KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1682 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230860 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01556267 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SA-19. Transit Systems in College and University Communities AB - Synthesis 39, Transportation on College and University Campuses, published in 2001 reported on a survey of 30 campus communities, offering information on the planning, implementation, and operation of campus transit systems. Since then, the number of transit systems serving university communities has grown dramatically. An updated review of this topic area will help transit agencies, universities, and other stakeholders to better understand today's state of the practice. This synthesis will document the state-of-the-practice. A review of the relevant literature in the field will be combined with surveys of transit systems of varying sizes. Based on survey results, selected case studies will be developed, describing practices at specific transit operators in order to profile innovative and successful practices, as well as lessons learned and gaps in information, knowledge, and research needs. KW - Campuses KW - Public transit KW - State of the practice KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Universities and colleges UR - http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1678 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1345474 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486040 TI - Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Research at University of Alabama AB - This project supports education and research at the University of Alabama in terms of development of new hybrid electric and fuel cell technologies in transit applications. Specifically, the project will establish research and development in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles through the formulation of cooperative agreements and partnerships with major vehicle and fuel companies, engine and powertrain suppliers, governmental laboratories and regional universities. Ongoing efforts within the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance hybrid electric and fuel cell technology provide the foundation for moving toward a cleaner and more efficient way of transporting the transit riding public. KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Technology KW - Transit riders KW - Transit vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255661 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464554 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-17. Innovative Rural Transit Service AB - There is lower population density to contend with, as well as sprawl adding to existing deficiencies in basic infrastructure, which impacts mobility and access to basic services. Linkages to general health care, employment, as well as other needs-based services are inadequate. There is also a general lack of transportation to engage in daily life activities such as shopping, recreation, and other quality of life endeavors. This synthesis will focus is on transit's response to rural community transportation service needs. It will document the state-of-the-practice, covering rural transportation service innovations. KW - Accessibility KW - Innovation KW - Mobility KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1680 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1232785 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01135208 AU - Integrated Concepts and Research Organization AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Demonstration of Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel in Cold Climates PY - 2007/11//Final Report SP - 47p AB - The main objective of this project was to study the potential use of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthetic diesel fuel in cold-climate transit applications. Project activities included a winter transit bus demonstration of F-T fuel in Fairbanks, Alaska; a soil biodegradability analysis to determine the environmental effects of potential F-T fuel leaks; a feasibility study of the utilization of F-T fuels for hydrogen production in association with future transit fleet applications of reformer/fuel-cell power systems; and summarization of all of the transit-relevant emissions results to date for Syntroleums F-T diesel fuel. Major project findings include: F-T fuel can directly replace conventional (non-F-T) diesel fuel without modification to engines or significant changes in performance. Diesel fuel can be routinely stored, dispensed, and run successfully in buses at the cold temperatures. F-T fuel has a significantly higher rate of biodegradation than conventional diesel fuel. F-T fuel can reduce diesel exhaust emissions to levels significantly below those obtainable with even the lowest-emission conventional diesel fuels. F-T fuels could be utilized in hydrogen production in association with future transit fleet applications of reformer/fuel-cell power systems. However, on-board reformation is likely only an interim approach to a large-scale hydrogen fuel infrastructure. KW - Biodegradability KW - Bus transportation KW - Cold weather KW - Diesel fuels KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fairbanks (Alaska) KW - Fischer-Tropsch Process KW - Frigid regions KW - Public transit KW - Synthetic fuels UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Fischer_Tropsch_Synthetic_Diesel_Demonstration_Project.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/894498 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01088277 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Report to Congress on the Costs, Benefits, and Efficiencies of Public-Private Partnerships for Fixed Guideway Capital Projects PY - 2007/11 SP - 63p AB - As the growth in traditional transportation revenue sources, such as gasoline taxes, continues to decline and operating deficits increase, transportation agencies are increasingly looking for new sources of revenue to leverage funding and to improve project feasibility and cost-effectiveness. One of the most successful methods employed by other infrastructure sectors to improve project feasibility and cost-effectiveness and generate revenues is the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs). In addition to cutting costs and raising new revenue, PPPs can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete a capital project, can help the public sector allocate risks to the private sector that the private sector is better able to manage and can improve the quality of the public’s infrastructure. The success other sectors have had with PPPs has led transportation agencies, including a number of transit agencies, to pursue opportunities for applying various types of PPPs to deliver major capital projects. There is ample evidence across the United States that the private sector is interested in increasing its participation in transportation infrastructure projects, including a number of recent transit capital projects structured as PPPs. This report sheds light on the growing use of PPPs for transit capital projects – a trend which has been driven more by local transit agencies than Federal government encouragement or promotion – to provide significant new sources of funding for transit, help address the country’s urban congestion crisis and enhance mobility in many of the country’s metropolitan areas. This report responds to a requirement contained in 49 U.S.C. 5309(c)(6), which was enacted on August 10, 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and is intended to identify and examine the costs, benefits, and efficiencies of applying PPP delivery approaches to transit projects. The report is intended to provide greater understanding of PPPs and their relative advantages for expediting public transit capital projects and improving service delivery. KW - Benefits KW - Capital projects KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Costs KW - Economic efficiency KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Financing KW - Fixed guideways KW - Public private partnerships KW - Public transit KW - Revenue generation KW - Revenues KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Transportation infrastructure UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/pdfs/horner_122107.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/849438 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462680 TI - Reinventing the Interstate: A 'New Paradigm' for Multimodal Transportation Facilities AB - Transportation agencies throughout the United States are faced with a myriad of transportation problems. People are stuck in traffic consuming oil, polluting the air, and wasting time. These problems exist because the transportation infrastructure in the United States is inadequate. The auto-dominant transportation system becomes inefficient and ineffective during peak hours and emergencies when it is needed most. Many public transportation services are too slow to attract automobile users. Public transportation should be a truly competitive travel alternative.  With the Interstate Highway System reaching and exceeding its design life, investments are needed to restore and expand these critical facilities to maintain their operating and structural integrity. This presents an opportunity to increase people-movement capacity.  With the limited availability of rights-of-way in congested urban corridors, it is appropriate to coordinate highway rehabilitation and reconstruction with high-capacity public transportation investments. Research is needed to evaluate the potential for redesigning and rebuilding highways as high-capacity, multimodal facilities to improve mobility in urbanized areas throughout the United States. The facilities would provide faster, safer, cleaner, and more efficient travel alternatives. The objectives of this research are to (1) evaluate the potential for rehabilitating and reconstructing portions of interstate highways and other similar facilities in the urbanized areas in the United States, as "new paradigm" multimodal transportation facilities, and (2) develop strategies to plan and implement these facilities.  KW - Air quality management KW - Highway capacity KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Research projects KW - Right of way (Traffic) KW - Service life KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1595 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230902 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462641 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SB-16. Integration of Paratransit and Fixed Route Transit Services AB -

The high cost of paratransit service has led many transit agencies to consider integrating paratransit with fixed route services. These transit agencies are interested in increasing efficiency, ridership, and quality of service. Little is known about how rail, bus, and paratransit providers have integrated these services in a variety of operating environments. Further, the integration of ADA-required and general public services is not well documented.

KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Bus transit KW - Fixed routes KW - Paratransit services KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Public transit KW - Quality of service KW - Research projects KW - Ridership KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1679 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230862 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462640 TI - Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Problems. Topic SF-13. Transit Security Update AB - TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 80: Transit Security Update explores transit-related counterterrorism and anti-crime security measures and practices; examines crime and security incident trends; and highlights other related topics, including major issues and obstacles to security and policing management. The report is an update to TCRP Synthesis of Transit Practice 21: Improving Transit Security, which did not address terrorism. KW - Passenger security KW - Police operations KW - Public transit KW - Quality of life KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Security KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1681 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230861 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01084273 AU - Boyd, Annabelle AU - Caton, Jim AU - Lofton, Andrew AU - Sergent, Jason AU - Boyd, Caton & Grant Transportation Group, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Office of Safety and Security Fiscal Year 2008 Action Plan PY - 2007/10/01 SP - 33p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Safety and Security (TPM-30) is committed to implementing and administering programs that achieve the highest practical level of safety, security, and emergency preparedness for transit customers, employees, and the general public who are affected by transit operations. To support the public transportation industry, TPM-30 implements safety and security regulations and provides an extensive program of technical assistance. TPM-30 has the following six strategies to guide its FY 2008 activities: (1) Target the most frequently occurring types of accidents and security incidents and the most catastrophic risks to passengers and employees; (2) Increase adherence to FTA’s regulatory and voluntary oversight programs; (3) Provide training, education and outreach to enhance core competencies for safety, security and emergency preparedness in the transit industry; (4) Strive for ongoing improvement in safety, security and emergency preparedness through the advancement of technical assistance that is practical, effective and targeted to meet the needs of industry; (5) Promote an approach of incremental innovation in the development and management of TPM-30 programs; and (6) Advance the institutional and regulatory framework for safety, security and emergency preparedness. This TPM-30 FY 2008 Action Plan identifies the activities that TPM-30 will complete through its various programs during FY 2008 to meet its goals and, ultimately, accomplish its mission. The plan provides clear direction regarding the objectives of TPM-30’s program and lays out the process for evaluation. Activities specified in the TPM-30 FY 2008 Action Plan are based on strategic assessments performed to support its budgeting, performance measurement, and accountability processes. KW - Action plans KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Public transit KW - Regulations KW - Safety and security KW - Strategic planning KW - Technical assistance KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/allhazards/FY2008_ActionPlan/pdf/FY2008_ActionPlan.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/843838 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01104566 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Office of Safety and Security Five Year Strategic Plan FY2008 to FY2012 PY - 2007/10 SP - 17p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Safety and Security developed this Five-Year Strategic Plan (FY2008 to FY2012) (Strategic Plan) to ensure that safety, security, and emergency management at the FTA are guided by a clear vision, goals, and strategies, and that the Office itself matures to achieve its vision. The Strategic Plan promotes a comprehensive, all-hazards management approach to safety, security, and emergency management and a balanced approach to the Office’s programs and activities. It encompasses a five-year vision for the maturity of the Office toward achieving its goals. KW - Emergency management KW - Security KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit safety UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/allhazards/FiveYearPlan_2008to2012/pdf/strategic_plan_final_1120.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/863177 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01084272 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Effective Use of Weigh-in-Motion Data: The Netherlands Case Study PY - 2007/10 SP - 6p AB - Transportation and law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands have developed a robust weigh-in-motion (WIM) data management system that supports a broad array of vehicle weight regulation and enforcement activities, as well as long-term planning and decisionmaking. The system, which Dutch officials describe as “a better way of doing business,” has potential for application in U.S. states that want to expand their use of WIM data. The Netherlands’ WIM data management system was developed by the Centre for Transport and Navigation of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works, and Water Management (www.verkeerenwaterstaat.nl/english), in partnership with the National Police Services Agency (www.politie.nl/KLPD) and the Ministry’s Inspectorate of Transport and Water Management (www.ivw.nl). A team of U.S. transportation experts observed the system during the 2006 Commercial Motor Vehicle Size and Weight Enforcement Scanning Study, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program. The Dutch have integrated extensive quality control and quality assurance protocols into their system, significantly enhancing confidence in the vehicle information provided. This technical brief describes how WIM data are captured, processed, stored, reported, and used to support vehicle weight regulation and enforcement in the Netherlands. KW - Data capture KW - Data management systems KW - Data storage KW - Information processing KW - Law enforcement KW - Netherlands KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Size and weight regulations KW - Study tours KW - Vehicle weight KW - Weigh in motion UR - http://international.fhwa.dot.gov/pubs/pl07028/pl07028.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/843840 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01080859 AU - Hough, Jill Annette AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Realized Travel Demand and Relative Desired Mobility of Elderly Women in Rural and Small Urban North Dakota PY - 2007/10 SP - 120p AB - Mobility for the aging is a topic of paramount importance around the world and in the United States. The population of elderly is increasing. The future aging population is used to higher levels of mobility than the past aging populations. Further, a trend of aging in place may impose more stress upon the less densely populated regions that tend to have fewer mobility options. Women may face the greatest mobility challenges because of their tendency to live longer than men, to have more health-related problems than men, and to stop driving earlier than men. Therefore, it is important to better understand the met and unmet mobility needs of women age 65 and older. This study applies a multi-level conceptual ecological model to improve our understanding of women’s realized travel demands (RTD – current level of trips) and their relative desired mobility (RDM – desire for more or fewer trips). The author used 1,021 responses of women age 65 and older living in rural and small urban North Dakota collected by a telephone survey in August 2006 for this study. The author investigated the level of trips and the desire for more or fewer trips for nine trip types (doctor, store, pharmacy, hair salon, eating out, visiting friend, attending church, exercise, and no particular destination). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the significant variables categorized within the individual level (self-efficacy, physical limitations, etc.), social environment (family, friends, neighbors, etc.), and physical environment (rural vs. urban) that impact the current level of trips and the desired trips. The author found that women with higher levels of self-efficacy and cognitive abilities have higher RTD and lower RDM while women with physical limitations make fewer trips and desire to make more trips. Women with larger social networks (family, neighbors, etc. to provide rides) have higher RTD and lower RDM. Further, women living in rural environments make fewer trips than women in urban areas, but are equally happy with their trips. KW - Aged KW - Bivariate analysis KW - Females KW - Mobility KW - Multivariate analysis KW - North Dakota KW - Rural areas KW - Small cities KW - Small towns KW - Surveys KW - Travel demand KW - Trip purpose UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP192.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/840008 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01079322 AU - Automated Communication System, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program FY 2006 Service Profiles: Technical Memorandum PY - 2007/10 SP - 448p AB - This technical memorandum includes the profiles that Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) grantees submitted as part of the FY 2006 reporting process. Profiles are presented in numerical order, based on the assigned four-digit grantee identification number. For each grantee, subrecipients are listed in alphabetical order. For each JARC-funded service, grantees answered the following questions: (1) Service description – Provide a detailed description of the JARC-funded service provided during FY 2006. (2) Competitive selection process – How as this service selected for funding and implementation? (3) Evaluation – Describe how you have evaluated your project within your agency or organization. Identify relevant performance measures and benchmarks. (4) Accomplishments – Highlight your greatest accomplishments. Describe any especially successful or innovative elements. What advice would you give to someone else starting a service like yours? KW - Access KW - Evaluation KW - Financing KW - Grant aid KW - Job Access and Reverse Commute KW - Jobs KW - Low income groups KW - Project selection KW - Public transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/DSFY06_Profiles_070927.doc UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/838913 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01079276 AU - Bregman, Susan AU - Berendes, Christoph AU - Gerty, Rosemary AU - Falbel, Stephen AU - Eckhardt, Jessica AU - Miller, Lauren AU - Automated Communication System, Incorporated AU - TranSystems Corporation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Connecting People to Employment: An Evaluation of Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Services Provided in 2006 PY - 2007/10//Final Report SP - 53p AB - The Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program was established to address the unique transportation challenges that welfare recipients and low-income individuals face in finding and keeping jobs. This study analyzed the JARC-funded services provided in FY 2006 and projects that these services provided access to 43.4 million jobs in FY 2006. An estimated 21.2 million jobs were categorized as low-wage and these services provided 22.9 million one-way trips during the year. KW - Access KW - Employment KW - Evaluation KW - Job Access and Reverse Commute KW - Jobs KW - Low income groups KW - Public transit KW - Welfare recipients KW - Work trips UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/DSFY06_Analysis_Final_20070928(1).doc UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/838910 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01088824 AU - Shade, Connie H AU - Bassham, Lynnda C AU - Lower Savannah Council of Governments AU - South Carolina Department of Transportation AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Intelligent Technology Systems Project Radio Communication Equipment Lower Savannah Council of Governments PY - 2007/09/30/Final Report SP - 51p AB - Improving transportation communication across rural county lines was the main objective of this project. The introduction of reliable 800 MHz radio technology was the basis for success of the project and allows transit providers to serve more riders with the same amount of funding by sharing radio frequencies and communicating among agencies for day to day dispatch of vehicles traveling to common destinations. Since the initiation of the project, the transit providers have made significant progress in coordinating their services with sister agencies so that trips per agency are reduced, overall costs are reduced, and more members of the general public are able to access transportation services to medical appointments, work, shopping, recreation, and other activities of daily living. Before the project was implemented, many of the agencies had operated in their own form of service "vacuums". Now agency "turfism" is being eliminated, rides are being shared, routes are being mapped more effectively, county dispatchers are talking with each other to eliminate unnecessary trips, and the public is finding a seamless transit system, or at least a system as seamless as a strong rural area can produce. KW - Communication KW - Coordination KW - Dispatchers KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Public transit KW - Radio KW - Radio frequency KW - Ridesharing KW - Rural areas KW - Rural transit KW - Technology KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/849435 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486010 TI - Delaware Auto Fuel Cell Vehicle Consortium -- 2 AB - The Delaware Automotive Fuel Cell Consortium, the University of Delaware (UD), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), will conduct research to design, build, operate and test an automotive-based fuel cell transit vehicle. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Delaware KW - Fuel cells KW - Transit vehicle operations KW - Vehicle tests UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255631 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01079051 AU - National Biodiesel Board AU - Advance Fuel Solutions AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Biodiesel Fuel Management Best Practices for Transit PY - 2007/09/10 SP - 70p AB - Public transportation systems play a key role throughout the country not only in providing vital services to citizens but also in the environmental quality of our communities. Transit systems nationwide are seeking out new technologies in order to increase US energy independence and reduce emissions by switching to biodiesel in diesel buses. This report discusses the benefits and challenges to the transit industry of using biodiesel. It provides information on the characteristics of biodiesel and biodiesel blends and discusses best practices for the procurement, blending, storage and use of biodiesel. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Benefits KW - Best practices KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Fuel mixtures KW - Fuel storage KW - Procurement KW - Public transit KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Biodiesel_Fuel_Management_Best_Practices_Report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/26000/26600/26663/Biodiesel_Fuel_Management_Best_Practices_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/838623 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486832 TI - Delaware Automotive Fuel Cell Consortium AB - This project supports Phase 3 of the University of Delaware program that began in September 2005 to research, build, and demonstrate fuel cell powered hybrid vehicles for transit applications. The program is conducted by a team, known as the Delaware Automotive Fuel Cell Consortium. During Phases 1 and 2, the team gained valuable experience in fuel cell research, vehicle design, system modeling, vehicle fabrication and integration, and more. Phase 3 activities will continue to expand the team's state of knowledge of fuel cell vehicles in terms of implementation, operation, optimal design, energy management, etc., to ensure commercial success. Phase 3 aims to create a larger,"more typical" 30-foot transit vehicle equipped with a more powerful fuel cell, improved energy storage, new algorithms for control, and state of the art sensors for real-time performance evaluation. The Consortium has an extended team that consists of Ebus Incorporated and its fuel cell subcontractor, Ballard Incorporated. KW - Data collection KW - Delaware KW - Development KW - Financing KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Fuel cells KW - Leadership KW - Motor fuels KW - Vehicle operations UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256618 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01322412 AU - Bausch, Carl AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Keys to Efficient Development of Useful Environmental Documents PY - 2007/09//Final Report SP - 45p AB - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents—environmental impact statements and assessments—inform agency decision making and let the public know about anticipated effects of a proposed Federal action. The fundamental purposes and principles of efficient, effective Federal impact statement preparation are set forth in the Council on Environmental Quality’s implementing regulations and guidance that have been in existence for nearly three decades. These implementing regulations stress the need for environmental documents to focus on considerations that are truly useful to decision makers and the public. Over the years, however, a tendency to create excessively long, opaque, and costly environmental impact statements and assessments has surfaced. Instead of describing in reasonable and comprehensible terms the substance of a proposed project’s purpose and need, alternatives considered, and potential environmental impacts, these documents are now often sources of confusion and delay in project approval and implementation. To facilitate improvement in the clarity, analytical value, and overall quality of environmental documents for transit projects, the Federal Transit Administration is reexamining its guidance on and practices for environmental documentation. This handbook is intended as a tool to assist in achieving compliance, utility, and practicality when preparing environmental documents. KW - Compliance KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Environmental policy KW - Environmental risk assessment KW - Planning KW - Policy making KW - Transit projects UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/34000/34800/34821/DOT-VNTSC-FTA-07-03.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1083959 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01099058 AU - Cain, Alasdair AU - Kolpakov, Alexander AU - University of South Florida, Tampa AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Developing Effective Mass Transit Systems. Proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on Public Transportation PY - 2007/09 SP - 81p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Transportation, the City of Moscow and the Ministry of Transport of the Moscow Oblast (Regional) Government, hosted a bilateral conference to discuss the effective implementation of public transit systems. The conference was convened in Moscow from May 29-29, 2007, to provide a forum through which the relevant government officials of Russia and the United States, as well as representatives of the public and private sectors of the public transit industry, could hold in-depth discussions on the four identified conference themes: 1. Transit planning and congestion management; 2. Ensuring safety and security on public transit systems; 3. Providing accessible public transit to the mobility impaired and 4. Training public transit professionals. This report has been produced to document the material presented at the conference, to provide a synthesis of the conference findings and to define the action items to be pursued in further collaborative efforts between the Russian Federation and the United States. U1 - 5th International Workshop on Public TransportationFederal Transit AdministrationUnited States Embassy, MoscowRussian Ministry of TransportationMoscow Oblast Ministry of TransportCity of Moscow, RussiaMoscow,Russia StartDate:20070528 EndDate:20070529 Sponsors:Federal Transit Administration, United States Embassy, Moscow, Russian Ministry of Transportation, Moscow Oblast Ministry of Transport, City of Moscow, Russia KW - Accessibility KW - Conferences KW - Congestion management systems KW - Moscow (Russia) KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Planning KW - Public transit KW - Safety and security KW - Training UR - http://www.nbrti.org/docs/pdf/Moscow%20Conference%20Proceedings_English%20Version.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/26000/26900/26938/Moscow_Conference_Proceedings_English_Version.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/851537 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462199 TI - Guidebook for Measuring, Assessing, and Improving Demand Response Transportation in Rural Areas AB - TCRP Project B-31 preared a guidebook for measuring, assessing, and improving performance of demand-response transportation for urban/suburban areas. This research will prepare a similar guidebook for rural areas. The preliminary draft final report is anticipated in February 2009.

KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Handbooks KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Rural areas KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2367 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230420 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01098904 AU - Harman, Lawrence J AU - Shama, Uma AU - Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority AU - Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Emerging Wireless Technologies for Coordinating Transit and Paratransit Services - A Final Report on the Cape Cod WiFi Project PY - 2007/08/30/Final Report SP - 20p AB - As a foundational research project of the Mobility Services for All Americans Initiative, the project funded the development of a transit technology prototype focused on the needs of the consumer to access safe and secure transit service while also providing for enhanced personal productivity and travel assistance while on board the transit vehicle at the bus stop. The project takes advantage of emerging community-wide outdoor Internet connectivity and very large scale data storage as the enabling technology for a full-featured e-transit village. The project used the wireless local area network (WLAN) and international standards (WiFI or wireless fidelity IEEE 802.11) to demonstrate customer-oriented applications of transit for community transportation providers. The proof of concept used the campus transit system for Bridgewater State College and the surrounding community of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The project also demonstrated the use of emerging wireless broadband capability from cellular carriers to provide real-time automatic vehicle location (AVL) with web mapping using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) military specification cell phones with assisted global positioning systems (A-GPS). KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Campus transportation KW - Customer service KW - Demonstration projects KW - Global Positioning System KW - IEEE 802.11 (Standard) KW - Mobility Services for All Americans Initiative KW - Paratransit services KW - Prototypes KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit services KW - Web-based systems KW - Wireless LANs UR - http://www.capecodtransit.org/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/859062 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01461947 TI - A Guide to Transportation and Hazards Resources AB - Transportation plays an integral role in prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from natural and human-induced disasters. Transportation agencies, associations, and organizations have a broad and unique understanding of hazards that spans a myriad of issues. However, despite the demonstrated field-based expertise and commitment to responding to and mitigating hazards, their voice is often absent in discussions among the hazards, disasters, planning, and mitigation communities. Conversely, those working in transportation are often unaware of existing and cutting-edge research in the hazards community that may be of practical and theoretical use to the transportation community and those working broadly on transportation and security issues. Indeed, while the day-to-day activities and organizational goals of transportation agencies often embody the precepts of all-hazards mitigation, the transportation community may be unaware of programs, activities, research, and contacts of others active in this field. The need for the cross-fertilization of ideas, information sharing, and capacity building is more crucial today than ever before. The Natural Hazards Center, in Boulder, Colorado, plays a vital role in reducing the risks posed by natural, technological, and human-induced hazards. For almost thirty years the Center has served as a national and international clearinghouse of knowledge concerning the social science and policy aspects of hazards and is an advocate for sustainability, interdisciplinary partnerships, and an all-hazards approach to the management of extreme events. Our basic goal is to strengthen communication among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and other concerned individuals. The bimonthly Natural Hazards Observer, the Center's hard copy newsletter is one of the most prominent and highly regarded publications of its kind. Reaching approximately 37,000 readers worldwide, this timely resource of valuable information about hazards research, practice, and policy focuses on human adaptation and response to natural hazards and catastrophic events.The objective of this project is to provide transportation agencies and operators with an overview of security-related research and resources, and to introduce them to the wide variety of ongoing, interdisciplinary research and applications that are currently being undertaken by the hazards research community.

KW - Communication systems KW - Data collection KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Disasters KW - Evacuation KW - Hazards and emergency operations KW - Research projects KW - Transportation UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1198 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230167 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462684 TI - A Guide for Planning and Operating Flexible Public Transportation Services AB - Flexible public transportation services show great promise in meeting the mobility needs of many individuals nationwide as public transportation agencies face increasing demands to serve ever more diverse markets that may require cost-effective non-conventional solutions. Flexible public transportation services may be especially valuable to those communities trying to address ADA service requirements and those classified as suburban, small urban, and rural where mobility markets are often defined by low or irregular demand. In addition to offering new flexible services, the potential conversion of traditional fixed-route and paratransit services to flexible services is being considered by some communities. A broader, more comprehensive look at planning and operating flexible public transportation services as part of an array of options in a variety of settings is needed to answer the questions of whether, and under what circumstances, the introduction of flexible services may be feasible.  The objective of this research is to develop a guide for public transportation providers, decisionmakers, policymakers, planners, and others interested in considering flexible public transportation services. This research should determine what types of flexible public transportation service strategies are appropriate for small, medium, and large urban and rural transit agencies. Areas investigated should include financial and political realities, operational issues, and institutional mechanisms appropriate for implementing and sustaining flexible public transportation services. For the purposes of this research, flexible public transportation services should encompass a wide range of hybrid service types that are not fully demand-responsive or fixed-route services. Examples of these hybrid service types include flexible-route segments, route deviation, point deviation, zone routes, and demand-responsive connector service.

 KW - Americans with Disabilities Act KW - Fixed routes KW - Flexibility KW - Mobility KW - Paratransit services KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1588 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230906 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489209 TI - Advanced Technology Bus Rapid Transit Project AB - This amendment enables the Advanced Technology Bus Rapid Transit project team to collect and analyze advanced vehicle data, alongside data on existing vehicles, to provide operating costs, performance and reliability comparisons of advanced vehicles over a range of seasonal operating conditions. This data analysis exercise will assist transit planners and operators in making effective vehicle selections and in finding the best uses of these advanced vehicles. To develop this project, the Southeast Area Transit Authority partnered with the City of Norwich Clean Cities Coalition, the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments and other alternative fuel transportation industry members. KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258228 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486041 TI - Hydrogen Powered Vehicle System Project - Phase 2 AB - This amendment enables the Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) to develop a comprehensive Project Management and Oversight Plan for Phase 2 - Hydrogen Powered Vehicle System Project. The Oversight Plan includes development of a new project structure, re-evaluation of program performance objectives and requirements, and development of a life cycle cost and risk analysis. This project continues to build on work completed in Phase 1 on the fueling systems and to further the design, manufacture, and testing of those systems. KW - Fuel system components KW - Fuels KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Vehicle design KW - Vehicle fleets KW - Vehicle power plants KW - Vehicle tests UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1255662 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446286 AU - Cao, Xinyu AU - Hough, Jill A AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Hedonic Value of Transit Accessibility: An Empirical Analysis in a Small Urban Area PY - 2007/08 SP - 21p AB - Urban economic theory suggests that improved accessibility by transportation investments have the potential to drive up the bids for lands. A number of studies have investigated the impact of rail transit on home sales but produced mixed results. Further, few studies have explored how bus transit influences the lease rate of apartments. This question is more relevant than the relationship between rail transit and home prices because the scale of bus transit is regional as opposed to a narrow corridor of rail transit, and apartment dwellers are more likely to be influenced by transit accessibility than home owners. Using about 400 apartment dwellers in Fargo, this study developed a hedonic price model to determine implicit price of proximity to bus routes. We found a negative impact of bus transit on apartment rent after controlling for other factors, however. We speculated that this negative relationship could represent spurious relationships from other causal factors as well as nuisance effects of bus transit itself. KW - Accessibility KW - Apartment buildings KW - Apartment dwellers KW - Bus routes KW - Bus transit KW - Fargo (North Dakota) KW - Hedonic price method KW - Leases KW - Proximity KW - Rent KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP191.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1213861 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01102259 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transportation improvements in the Denton to Carrollton Regional Rail corridor, Denton and Dallas counties : environmental impact statement PY - 2007/08//Volumes held: Draft(2v) KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Texas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/862220 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01080146 AU - Dunn, Travis Patrick AU - Laver, Richard AU - Skorupski, Douglas AU - Zyrowski, Deborah AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Assessing the Business Case for Integrated Collision Avoidance Systems on Transit Buses PY - 2007/08//Final Report SP - 153p AB - This document presents an analysis of Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) for transit buses. The study took a three-pronged approach. The first was an analysis of the available IVBSS products, possible future products and the technologies. The second was a benefit-cost analysis of transit IVBSS. The third assessed the receptiveness among transit operators to use IVBSS products and the willingness of manufacturers to develop them. This study used the National Transit Database and crash data from 6 U.S. transit operators. The data show that there is an average of 1.5 collisions per transit bus and related annual costs of over $4,000. Of the technologies evaluated, only side object detection systems showed the potential to be cost effective. In general, transit agencies are receptive to in-vehicle safety devices when there is evidence of their effectiveness. Several vendors currently offer products while others are awaiting commitments from the U.S. DOT or coordinated transit industry interest before developing their products. It is recommended that the U.S. DOT pursue operational tests of the side object detection system and other stronger-performing systems in order to validate the findings of this study. KW - Acceptance KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Crash data KW - In-vehicle devices KW - Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (Initiative) KW - National Transit Database KW - Side object detection systems KW - Transit buses KW - Transit crashes KW - Transit safety UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Transit_IVBSS_Business_Case_Analysis_Final_Report_9-07.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/839327 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489186 TI - Travel Management Coordination Center -- Camden County AB - The Camden County Workforce Investment Board (CCWIB), with the support of its local elected officials, local & regional transportation providers, state & local human services, and in conjunction with the local United We Ride planning effort, will lead the county in developing a local traveler management coordination center (TMCC) that coordinates community transportation services through a comprehensive, technology-driven brokerage model. This TMCC will focus on effectively creating access for transportation-disadvantaged customers in Camden County to all local and regional modes of transportation including local fixed and flexible routes, and local demand-response services across a multiple of providers including public transportation, county and municipal transportation providers, and local non-government organizations, including faith-based organizations. With the support of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the system will be developed consistent with the regional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) architecture already established and will provide recommendations for augmenting and altering the regional architecture and standards to better incorporate human services transportation. KW - Camden County (New Jersey) KW - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission KW - Mode choice KW - Regional transportation KW - Social service agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Travel demand KW - Travel Management Coordination Center UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258197 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01115417 AU - BKI AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Emergency Transit Operations Plan for the Mississippi Gulf Coast PY - 2007/07 SP - 99p AB - The Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC), through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), has developed a post-emergency plan for operation of public transportation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The purpose of this plan is to guide and direct the coordination of transportation services necessary to the recovery of any impacted areas of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties, MS. This process could include providing general public transportation or supporting connectivity to identified relief services or centers operated by identified relief agencies. The plan and model will be presented to local, regional, state and federal agencies to consider for long-term emergency recovery project planning and funding. KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Disaster relief KW - Emergency management KW - Mississippi Gulf Coast KW - Operations KW - Public transit UR - ftp://ftp.camsys.com/temp/outgoing/Safety_Fact_Sheets/Biloxi.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/873692 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01079119 AU - Wayne, W Scott AU - Sandoval, Jairo A AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Environmental Benefits of Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology in Transit PY - 2007/07//Final Report SP - 53p AB - This report evaluates potential reductions in pollutant emissions and fuel consumption that could be achieved through greater adoption of alternative fuels including CNG, LNG and biodiesel, and advanced vehicle technologies such as hybrid electric drive systems in the national transit bus fleet. According with the analysis results, ongoing and planned procurements by transit agencies of new technology diesel, alternative fuel and hybrid-electric buses will result in reductions in emissions of CO, NMHC, NOx and PM with modest increases in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption over the next 3 years. Increased adoption above and beyond that occurring through the transit agencies own initiatives can further capitalize emissions and fuel economy benefits of new technologies. Hypothetical scenarios in which new “clean-diesel” (post-2007 model year), CNG, diesel-electric hybrid, gasoline electric hybrid and biodiesel fuel use were each individually increased to 15% of the U.S. fleet were considered. Potential changes in annual emissions and fuel consumption are presented. Benefits from the different technologies are discussed. Diesel-electric hybrid buses appear to offer the best overall environmental benefits and is the only technology to result in a reduction in fossil fuel consumption. The relative emissions and efficiency impacts benefits of the various technologies are presented for comparison. KW - Air quality management KW - Alternate fuels KW - Bus transportation KW - Bus travel KW - Buses KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Fuel consumption KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Particulates KW - Pollutants KW - Public transit KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA-AlternativeFuelsInPublicTransit.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/836527 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01059071 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Profiles of 511 Traveler Information Services Update 2007 PY - 2007/07 SP - 51p AB - Update 2007 was prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation to increase public awareness, access, and knowledge of the transit content within existing 511 traveler information services. This second edition provides descriptive profiles of each of the thirty-four 511 traveler information services in operation in the United States, as of July 2007. It also includes a listing of the "Thirty-four 511 Systems: Areas of Commonality and Uniqueness"—highlighting areas of information these systems share and identifying those pieces of traveler information unique to specific systems. Information was obtained directly from each 511 call-in telephone number, which can be accessed by any traveler. The 511 system provides an easy way to obtain travel information anywhere in the country, and helps travelers make better decisions on travel routes and modes. KW - 511 (National Travel Information Number) KW - Access KW - Awareness KW - Decision making KW - Mode choice KW - Route choice KW - Transit services KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/511_PROFILES_TOC-A_2007.doc UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/815529 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01490071 TI - Virtual Transit Enterprise Project AB - The objective of this project is to design, develop, implement, and demonstrate a Virtual Transit Enterprise (VTE) system that electronically links South Carolina public transit providers with South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). This project supports the efforts of the South Carolina DOT to design, develop, implement, and demonstrate a VTE system that electronically links South Carolina public transit providers with South Carolina DOT, within a geographical region to share information and software applications. VTE enables transit providers to accomplish business-related activities in a more efficient and timely manner. This effort completes Phase 3 of the project. Major tasks include (1) installation and integration of remaining computer hardware, software, and networking equipment to support transit agencies, (2) user training and demonstration of VTE system, (3) documentation of VTE system benefits, and (4) cost estimate and plan to maintain VTE system. The VTE system links transit agencies with South Carolina DOT in an efficient network of information sharing and software applications. KW - Demonstration projects KW - Enterprise districts KW - Information systems KW - Networks KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Software packages KW - South Carolina KW - Training KW - Transit authorities KW - Virtual reality UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1259618 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01055126 AU - Schimek, Paul AU - Watkins, Kari AU - Chase, David AU - Smith, Karl AU - Gazillo, Stephen AU - Washington Group International AU - Wilbur Smith Associates AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Silver Line Waterfront Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project 2007 Evaluation PY - 2007/06/01 SP - 80p AB - This document presents an evaluation of the Silver Line Waterfront Bus Rapid Transit project and is one of a series of case study evaluations of bus rapid transit (BRT) systems that comprise the national BRT Consortium. The contents of this document follow the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Bus Rapid Transit Demonstration Projects" developed by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. The specific elements that are the focus of the Silver Line BRT evaluation are derived from the "Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit for Decision Making" published by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in August 2004. These include running ways, stations, vehicles, fare collection, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and service and operating plans. The objectives of the evaluation are to determine the extent and impact of travel time improvements and system reliability; measure ridership change; evaluate impacts of BRT technologies; assess the role of branding and marketing; examine how the Silver Line Waterfront BRT has affected the metropolitan Boston transportation network; determine the effect of the Silver Line Waterfront on land use and transit oriented development (TOD); and evaluate overall safety and security of the Silver Line Waterfront service. The report also offers a number of lessons learned from the Silver Line Waterfront program. KW - Boston (Massachusetts) KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Bus terminals KW - Busways KW - Case studies KW - Demonstration projects KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Fare collection KW - Impact studies KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Land use KW - Lessons learned KW - Marketing KW - Ridership KW - Safety and security KW - System reliability KW - Transit buses KW - Transit oriented development KW - Travel time UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FINALBOSTONBRTREPORT062507.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/814889 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01090412 AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - 2005 & 2006 Statistical Summaries: FTA Grant Assistance Programs PY - 2007/06 SP - 329p AB - This report presents detailed funding data for the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) major financial aid programs for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Use of these funds is identified by program, program element, urbanized area, and state. Historical data are also presented. Funds obligated to support transit continue to rise. The transfer of certain Federal Highway Administration funds to FTA for use in transit projects continues to play a big role in FTA obligations. KW - Financing KW - Grant aid KW - Public transit KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/data/grants_financing_7117.html UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/data/grants_financing_7192.html UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/850787 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01059069 AU - Neudorff, L AU - Gordon, R AU - Harding, J AU - Siemens ITS AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Dunn Engineering AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management: Phase 1 - Concept Development and Foundational Research, Task 3.4 - Identify Integrated Corridor Management Institutional Strategies and Administration PY - 2007/06//Technical Memorandum SP - 28p AB - Task 3 involves overall foundational research to further the understanding of various aspects of Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) and to identify integration issues needed to evaluate the feasibility of the ICM initiative. The focus of Task 3.4 and the purpose of this document (TM 3.4) is “institutional integration” and the associated issues. In more specific terms, the objective of subtask 3.4 is to identify and analyze generic institutional strategies for ICM; to identify the corresponding participating institutions and the stakeholders; and to address the administrative processes and requirements. KW - Administration KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Institutional issues KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Management KW - Stakeholders KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/repts_te/14276.htm UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/repts_te/14276_files/14276.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/816153 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01055087 AU - Clark, Nigel N AU - Zhen, Feng AU - Wayne, W Scott AU - Lyons, Donald W AU - West Virginia University, Morgantown AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Bus Life Cycle Cost and Year 2007 Emissions Estimation PY - 2007/06//Final Report SP - 50p AB - The report presents a study of transit bus life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, and projected transit bus emissions and fuel economy for 2007 model year buses. It covers four bus types: diesel buses using ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), diesel buses using B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel and 80% ULSD), compressed natural gases (CNG) buses, and hybrid diesel-electric buses. LCC factors included capital costs (bus procurement, infrastructure, and emissions equipment) and operation costs (fuel, propulsion-related system maintenance, facility maintenance, and battery replacement) available from the literature. The report addresses how to estimate these costs, and presents these data in units of dollars per bus mile and dollar per bus seat mile. Tailpipe emissions [particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), and greenhouse gas (GHG)] and fuel economy estimations were based on recent emissions and fuel economy studies, and adjusted with best engineering approach. GHG emissions were also computed on both a well-to-tank and tank-to-wheels emissions. The GHG reported were considered to be only carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. The emissions data are reported in units of grams per mile, and fuel economy data are in miles per gallon. KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Capital costs KW - Carbon dioxide KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Diesel buses KW - Exhaust gases KW - Fuel consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrocarbons KW - Life cycle costing KW - Low sulfur diesel fuels KW - Methane KW - Nitrogen oxides KW - Operating costs KW - Particulates KW - Transit buses UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/WVU_FTA_LCC_Final_Report_07-23-2007.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/814667 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01460244 TI - National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation AB - The National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation was established in May 2007 as part of the Community Transportation Association of America's (CTAA) Information Station. The Center provides research, training, technical assistance, and other activities in support of organizations and communities seeking to improve mobility through coordination. The Center was established under Section 3046 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act, A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). It is operated by the CTAA under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The goal is to assist States and local communities in the provision of coordinated human service transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes, and to improve coordination of Federal resources for human service transport. KW - Aged KW - Low income groups KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Research projects KW - Social service agencies KW - Transportation planning UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228460 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01049392 AU - Bailey, Denise AU - Swiacki, Sandra AU - Byrnes, Annemarie AU - Buckley, James AU - King, Diane AU - Piper, Valerie AU - Marino, Mara AU - Mundle, Subhash AU - Pierlott, George AU - Lynd, Andrew AU - Milligan and Company, LLC AU - Mundle and Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transportation Equity in Emergencies: A Review of the Practices of State Departments of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Transit Agencies in 20 Metropolitan Areas PY - 2007/05//Final Report SP - 64p AB - The Hurricane Katrina disaster has raised concern that government at all levels is not adequately prepared to respond to major disasters or catastrophic incidents and, in particular, is not well prepared to assist members of the public who, by virtue of their age, ability, income, national origin, or medical history, will have specific mobility, sheltering, communications, or other special needs in emergency events. This report reviews the extent to which transit providers, metropolitan planning organizations, and state departments of transportation in selected metropolitan regions in the United States and Puerto Rico are identifying and addressing the needs of populations that may be especially vulnerable in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. The report suggests that targeted outreach and assistance measures as well as coordination amongst local transportation and emergency management agencies would help local agencies be better prepared to assist populations with specific needs in emergencies. KW - Aged KW - Civil rights KW - Coordination KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergencies KW - Emergency management KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Ethnic groups KW - Low income groups KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Minorities KW - Puerto Rico KW - State departments of transportation KW - State of the practice KW - Transit operating agencies KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FINAL_TCR_Emergency_Response_v2_4-07-edit(3).doc UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/808918 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486707 TI - Advanced Technologies for Transportation Research Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga AB - This project supports research into advanced transportation technologies (mostly electric-drive or hydrogen-powered as currently envisioned) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It replaces a similar project earmarked in the FY 2006 appropriation conference report for Advanced Transportation Technology Institute (ATTI). A letter of clarification from the transportation appropriation subcommittees, noting Congressional intent that $852,000 of the $990,000 initially earmarked in the FY 2006 appropriation for ATTI should be available to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), was accepted by Secretary Mary Peters. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Electric vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - Technological innovations KW - University of Tennessee UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256433 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462594 TI - Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 1-04. Survey of Airport Laws and Regulation of Commercial Ground Transportation AB - Commercial ground transportation at United States airports includes public transit, door-to-door shuttle van service, charter buses, limousines, rental cars, taxicabs, hotel courtesy shuttles, wheel chair services, and courier operators. These ground transportation carriers must enter into contracts and register with the airport authority they serve and comply with a myriad of federal, state, and local rules and regulations.  The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration has primary responsibility for issuing federal regulatory guidance for commercial ground transportation operating in interstate commerce regarding safety, size, and weight restrictions on passenger-carrying vehicles.  State and local ground transportation rules and regulations are generally specific as to individual airports and contain provisions detailing access to commercial loading and unloading areas; meeting, loading, and unloading passengers; procedures for obtaining operating permits, licenses, and agreements; AVI (automated vehicle identification) tag requirements; operator conduct; solicitation; fees; one-day or infrequent users permits; and airport security.  Because the security status of any United States airport is subject to change without advance notice, directives issued, e.g. with respect to designated loading and unloading areas, amount of time allowed for vehicles to stand or dwell at curbside, etc. may be altered by law enforcement personnel, federal Transportation Security Administration officers, or airport emergency safety personnel at any time.  Local regulations also contain violation provisions and grievance procedures, which vary in detail depending on the size, use, and individual characteristics of the subject airport. Current federal airport commercial ground transportation rules and regulations can be accessed over the Internet and are available at federal agencies, libraries, and federal information distribution centers, e.g. the U.S. Government Printing Office.   Local rules and regulations, particularly concerning some of the smaller airports, may not be available without direct contact with the airport or airport authority.  Local rules available over the Internet or in local resource centers may be out of date or only make general references to the required permits, insurance, or other licenses needed by a carrier.  No central comprehensive source of all applicable federal and local provisions is available.  Furthermore, court opinions and administrative decisions concerning operator conduct or grievances are not easily obtainable.  A synthesis or compilation of commercial ground transportation laws, regulations, and decisions would be helpful as an information resource for airport managers or administrators with a need to update current regulations or draft new ones, a researcher, legislative analyst, or for anyone who may have a need to examine and/or compare commercial ground regulations.  Attorneys representing private corporations engaged in the business of providing commercial ground transportation should be able to use this material to analyze contracts, provide guidance with respect to grievances, and advise or represent the corporation in defense of an alleged violation..  Airport compliance staff and attorneys should also benefit from a searchable database as they assist airports and users with informal resolutions, evaluate complaints, and prepare decisions. This project would synthesize available guidance, including regulations, statutes, policies, and case decisions (administrative or court) pertaining to commercial ground transportation.  Ideally, the product of this effort should produce a listing of federal, state, and local commercial ground transportation rules with extensive examples of each. Each type of guidance would also include a summary of litigation.

KW - Airport access KW - Airport ground transportation KW - Airport operations KW - Automatic vehicle identification KW - Charters KW - Ground transportation KW - Law KW - Laws and legislation KW - Loading and unloading KW - Passengers KW - Research projects KW - Shuttle buses KW - Shuttle service UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2540 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230815 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478134 AU - Reconnecting America AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Housing and Urban Development TI - Realizing the Potential: Expanding Housing Opportunities Near Transit PY - 2007/04 SP - 202p AB - The housing market in the U.S. has been changing as American households get older, smaller and more diverse in terms of size, age and ethnicity, and traffic makes long commutes to the suburbs less and less appealing. Meantime, both housing and transportation costs are on the increase. One in three American households now spend more than 30 percent of income on housing, and one in seven households spend more than 50 percent. While finding a cheaper house in the suburbs used to be a strategy that resulted in savings, rising transportation costs are straining the ability of households to achieve affordable cost of living strategies. These trends are happening concurrent with a resurgence of interest in public transportation: The American Public Transportation Association says transit ridership is up 25 percent since 1995. Meantime there has been a transit building boom across the country, with more than 700 new stations under development for a total of more than 4,000 stations. Add to this the fact that urban neighborhoods, especially downtowns, have been recognized as an important new market for infill housing and mixed-use development. The result is an opportunity unprecedented in recent history for making it possible for families to reduce household expenditures by choosing to live in neighborhoods with lower transportation costs because they are located near transit. Location matters a great deal. While the average family spends roughly 19 percent of the household budget on transportation, households with good access to transit spend just 9 percent. This savings can be critical for lower-income households that need to make every dollar count because transportation costs as a percentage of the total household budget varies greatly according to income: Transportation costs consume an average of 9 percent of the household budget for high-income families, but for very-low-income families transportation costs can consume 55 percent or more of the budget. But as the market for transit-oriented development heats up and these neighborhoods prove popular with renters and buyers, there is an increasing need and challenge to ensure that development includes housing for all income levels. This is due in part to the fact that cities and transit agencies have a limited understanding of the importance of development near stations. Few tools exist to specifically direct affordable housing to neighborhoods with transit service. Existing planning and zoning often limits the development potential of station areas. Moreover, there isn’t much available land or many ready-to-go development sites. The result is that this kind of infill development is time-consuming and expensive to build, which often forces developers to build to the high end of the housing market. KW - Costs KW - Housing KW - Land use planning KW - Mixed use development KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/2007RealizingthePotentialweb.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1247252 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01460014 TI - National Association of State Fire Marshals AB - This project enables the National Association of State Fire Marshals (Fire Marshals) to address a fire safety factor that is within the control of the public sector--the fire performance of materials and products used in the construction of the interiors of railcars and buses. The study begins with real-world research to determine the adequacy of existing railcar fire safety standards, and then to investigate potential improvements in the test methods and criteria that may be used in railcars FTA sponsored this project to address concerns on the threats of fires occurring on rail transit vehicles. Fire safety performance and materials testing projects are designed to eliminate and/or minimize the threat and severity of rail transit system fires. Security and Safety are the top transportation priorities. KW - Bus transportation KW - Fire departments KW - Fires KW - Light rail transit KW - Railcar structural components KW - Railroad transportation KW - Research projects KW - Safety and security KW - Vehicles and equipment UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1228229 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01079293 AU - Laver, Richard AU - Schneck, Donald AU - Skorupski, Douglas AU - Brady, Stephen AU - Cham, Laura AU - Booz Allen Hamilton, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans PY - 2007/04//Final Report SP - 199p AB - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sponsored this research to assess both the appropriateness of its existing minimum service-life policy for transit buses and vans, and the need to change that policy. The research evaluated the federal minimum service-life requirements based upon the actual experience of both transit operators and vehicle manufacturers. The analyses in this research provide the transit industry and the FTA with a better understanding of (1) the current useful life of transit buses and vans, (2) the appropriateness of FTA’s minimum service-life policy, and (3) the policy’s impact on transit vehicle life expectancies and vehicle retirement decisions at the agency level. Actual ages of buses retired from service generally exceed FTA minimums. Transit agencies interviewed cited availability of capital funds for bus replacement as the primary determinant of retirement age. KW - Fleet management KW - Policy KW - Public transit KW - Remaining useful life KW - Retirement (Vehicles) KW - Service life KW - Transit buses KW - Vans UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Useful_Life_of_Buses_Final_Report_4-26-07_rv1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/836656 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01049388 AU - Bahr, Nick AU - Gorrie, Erin AU - Zannoni, Mark AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Security and Emergency Management Technical Assistance for the Top 50 Transit Agencies PY - 2007/04//Final Report SP - 30p AB - Between May 2002 and July 2006, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided technical assistance to the top 50 transit agencies through the Security and Emergency Management Technical Assistance Program (SEMTAP). The scope and purpose of the program were: Review the transit agency’s environment for security and emergency management; Review, analyze, and make recommendations on security documents; Develop methods to enhance security and emergency management procedures and training; Develop and refine counter-terrorism tools; Assess training needs and provide technical assistance for training; Develop materials for security briefings and awareness; Provide technical assistance for emergency tabletop exercises and planning for actual drills; and Provide guidance on how to conduct threat and vulnerability assessments (TVAs). This report includes a program background and summary, the methodology used, findings and results gathered during the technical assistance visits and a description of the next generation technical assistance program. KW - Emergency management KW - Risk assessment KW - Security KW - Security and Emergency Management Technical Assistance Program KW - Technical assistance KW - Terrorism KW - Threats KW - Training KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/security/SEM_TechAssistance/pdf/FTA_SEMTAP.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/808919 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462950 TI - Practical Measures to Increase Transit Industry Advertising Revenues AB - Practical Measures to Increase Transit Advertising Revenues provides strategies to significantly increase transit's share of total advertising expenditures. The report describes advertising decision makers' perceptions about transit advertising products (current and future products) and includes a strategic responsive communications plan and recommendations to improve those perceptions and increase transit revenue. This report will be helpful to transit agencies, transit marketers, transit advertising sales organizations, media planners, media buyers, and advertisers. Recent trends in the advertising industry have weakened traditional advertising media. Television advertising, in particular, which has long dominated national advertising sales, faces both media fragmentation due to a mushrooming spectrum of cable and satellite channels and commercial-skipping technologies such as TiVo. These trends tend to decrease the attractiveness of TV as a medium for advertisers. In this context, transit advertising stands out as one of the last truly affordable mass media. Advertisements on transit cannot be turned off, deleted, fast forwarded, or easily ignored. With more than 370,000 bus; 13,000 subway and rail; and 32,000 shelter and kiosk displays; transit advertising can deliver an advertiser's message on a local, regional, and national stage. Transit advertising can also be targeted geographically to allow for ad message customization along demographic and psychographic lines. Transit offers various advertising products that can target nearly any segment of metropolitan populations, including bus riders, train riders, and motorists and pedestrians (via advertising on the outside of transit vehicles and facilities). In addition, transit increasingly uses new media and technologies that may offer additional opportunities for advertisers. Sale of advertising in public transit facilities and vehicles is a nearly $1 billion industry generating approximately $500 million annually to transit agencies. Yet transit advertising revenue was less than one-half of 1% of total U.S. advertising expenditures in 2003. The other 99.5% of advertising revenues went to television, radio, billboards, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and other media. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), as a service to its transit agency members, has an objective to boost transit's share of national advertising expenditures. This self-help, revenue-generating strategy is one of several to enable the transit industry to keep fares down and sustain service to its customers. Research is needed to understand the viewpoints of advertising decision makers and identify ways to influence them to purchase more transit advertising. Each additional tenth of 1 percent of advertising market share will generate upwards of $125 million in annual revenue to transit agencies. The objective of this project is to recommend strategies to increase transit's share of total advertising expenditures to at least 1% of the advertising industry total. The research will be designed to (1) understand advertising decision makers' perceptions about transit advertising products (current and future products) and (2) develop a strategic responsive communications plan and recommendations to improve those perceptions and increase revenue. KW - Advertising KW - Advertising campaigns KW - Bus transit operations KW - Expenditures KW - Financial analysis KW - Public transit KW - Research projects KW - Revenues KW - Transit authorities KW - Transit centers KW - Transit cooperative research program KW - Transit Cooperative Research Program UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1056 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1231175 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01486789 TI - Connecting Communities TSA $ 06 AB - No summary provided. KW - City planning KW - Communities KW - Connectivity KW - Highway design UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256575 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01489210 TI - Advanced Vehicle Emission Reduction Sensor Program AB - This project enables Orbital Research to develop a combustion pressure sensor that allows for cylinder-by-cylinder control of diesel combustion in real time, resulting in reduction of NOx and particulate matter emissions from diesel engines. Controlling combustion based on measured pressure is the acknowledged gold standard for cylinder-by-cylinder control and the associated improvement in fuel economy (approximately 3%) and reduced emissions. To date, adoption of a combustion pressure based engine control system has been thwarted by the lack of a low cost sensor. FTA supports development and testing of new and innovative concepts and strategies for advancing public transit practice. KW - Air quality management KW - Diesel engine exhaust gases KW - Diesel fuels KW - Emission control systems KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Research projects KW - Transit operating agencies UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1258229 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01462596 TI - Legal Aspects of Airport Programs. Topic 1-02. Theory and Law of Airport Revenue Diversion AB - Airports receiving Federal Assistance must restrict their use of airport revenue for strictly prescribed airport purposes (see generally the Airport and Airway Improvement Act, 49 USC §§41707(b), 47133). When airport revenue of a federally assisted airport is used for other than airport capital costs and operations, with few exceptions, it is generally considered an unlawful airport revenue diversion. Limited information on this subject can be found in DOT Inspector General Reports and Congressional Hearings held prior to Congressional enactment of stricter provisions governing airport revenue diversion. See the Federal Aviation Administrations Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-105 (August 23, 1994)), and the Airport Revenue Protection Act of 1996, Title VIII of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-264 110 Stat.). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a policy statement on this issue, which went into effect February 16, 1999 (Fed. Reg. 7695 (Feb. 16, 1999). According to the policy, any airport that receives Federal Assistant must sign assurances, as part of the Grant Agreement, that the revenue generated by the operator will be used only for purposes related to the airport. The assurance also prohibits the diversion of airport revenue to non airport use. Many provisions in the policy codified policies and practices already in existence at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The policy statement tends to offer general guidance, with only limited discussion of the application of the airport revenue-use restriction to specific situations. KW - Airport and Airway Development Act KW - Airport operations KW - Airport planning KW - Airports KW - Federal aid KW - Operating revenues KW - Research projects KW - Revenues KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration UR - http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2538 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1230817 ER -