TCRP 91 Use and Deployment of Mobile Device Technology for Real-Time Transit Information
Accession Number: 01359149
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_91.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166249.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309143462
Abstract: The purpose of this report was to document the state of the practice in the use and deployment of real-time transit information on mobile devices using the following five dimensions: (1) the underlying technology required to generate the information to be disseminated, (2) the mobile technology used for dissemination, (3) the characteristics of the information, (4) the resources required to successfully deploy information on mobile devices, and (5) the contribution of mobile messaging to an overall agency communications strategy, including “information equity.” One of the key results of the survey indicated that many of the respondents are using either third-party mobile content/applications providers or individuals to provide real-time information on and develop applications for mobile devices. This result confirms that many transit agencies have limited internal resources to develop, manage, and maintain real-time mobile applications. The report offers a literature review; results of a survey conducted about items in the five dimensions, as well as questions regarding lessons learned; and the results of telephone interviews conducted with key agency personnel. The results of four of these telephone interviews are presented as case studies with noteworthy agency approaches to providing mobile information. Twenty-eight completed survey responses were received from 28 transit agencies around the world, a 100% response rate. The 15 U.S. transit agencies that provide real-time information on mobile devices responded, as well as 13 survey responses from international agencies.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SA-25 TCRP 92
Practices to Protect Bus Operators from Passenger Assault
Accession Number: 01359805
Record Type: Monograph
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_93.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166431.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309143516
Abstract: The purpose of this synthesis was to document the state of the practice and report on the practices and policies implemented by transit agencies to deter and mitigate assaults on bus operators. The report incorporates workplace violence issues and up-to-date information on bus operator security measures and practices. The report offers a literature summary of relevant materials; results of a survey distributed to transit agencies in different regions in the United States and Canada; and the results of interviews conducted with key agency personnel. The results of these telephone interviews are presented as profiles with increased coverage of specific security methods and practices used by selected transit agencies. Survey responses from 66 of 88 transit agencies in the United States and Canada, a 75% response rate, are discussed. Twenty-two transit agency profiles offer increased coverage of special security methods or practices of operator security measures used by selected transit agencies, and an appendix of supplemental information contains information about state laws.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SF-14 TCRP 94
Innovative Rural Transit Services
Accession Number: 01359806
Record Type: Monograph
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_94.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166363.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309143523
Abstract: The focus of this synthesis was on transit’s response (including rural intercity bus service) to changing rural community transportation needs. The synthesis placed an emphasis on innovative and/or entrepreneurial spirit, the innovator, and the conditions required for innovation. The unique nature of most rural transit systems requires management to adapt to their specific needs, making innovation important to rural transit. The real innovation appears to be the change and re-invention of the organization to meet ever-changing dynamics in demographics, technology, and economic factors. Most innovators did not realize that what they are doing is innovative. They replied that what they were doing was “just common sense” or “the logical thing to do.” A literature review was conducted; however, overall few publications related directly to rural transit. There are two TCRP reports that provided case studies of innovative systems and included more than 40 innovations. A selected survey of state departments of transportation, state and national associations, as well as rural transit agencies known by the consultant and expert panel to operate innovative service yielded an 82% response rate; 27 of 32 agencies responded. The five case study agencies offer a range of rural transit services from around the country, including large and small-sized systems, as well as FTA Section 5311 (f)- funded intercity services.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SB-17 TCRP 95
Practices for Wayside Rail Transit Worker Protection
Accession Number: 01367738
Record Type: Monograph
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_95.pdf
Record URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166925.aspx
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166925.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309222884
Abstract: The purpose of the synthesis was to report the state of the practice to aid transit agencies and other entities in deciding how to develop successful wayside rail track worker protection practices. The topic panel directed the consultant to conduct in-depth telephone interviews and site visits with selected transit agencies’ staffs to provide a comprehensive look at how representative agencies provide successful wayside worker safety programs, covering multiple items. The goal was to aid streetcar, light and heavy rail providers, and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed in developing and/or revising track worker protection practices. A review of the relevant literature was conducted to identify available and relevant documents and resources drawn from the FTA, GAO, and NTSB reports; FRA regulations and APTA standards resources; as well as numerous state, regional, and local agency issued publications. Thirty- nine publications are listed. It was determined that in-depth case studies for SF-15 would provide more thorough synthesis reporting of subject areas at select agencies and be more beneficial and useful to other transit agencies than cursory synthesis survey reporting of numerous subject areas across a larger number of agencies. The transit agencies studies were part of a Track Safety Task Force formed by New York City Transit as a result of track worker fatalities to evaluate safety culture, identify deficiencies and strengths, and develop recommendations for improvement. This task force was later joined by the Toronto Transit Commission in a Track Level Safety Team and charged with further improvements for workers at track level. Other systems soon formed or reconstituted “Rules Committees.” Thus, these five transit agencies afforded the SF-15 panel with a range of modal, operational demographic, size, and historical context from which to look at proven practices and processes in implementing wayside rail track worker protection.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SF-15 TCRP 96
Off-Board Fare Payment Using Proof-of-Payment Verification
Accession Number: 01366180
Record Type: Monograph
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_96.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166757.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223416
Abstract: The objective of this synthesis was to document the state of the practice in terms of experiences related to the application of proof-of-payment (PoP) on transit systems in North America and internationally, updating the information provided in the 2002 TCRP Report 80, "A Toolkit for Self-Service, Barrier-Free Fare Collection." The subject is more complex than evasion rates. It involves related subjects such as inspection rates, enforcement techniques, duties of fare inspection personnel, adjudication processes, and the kinds of penalties involved for evasion. In addition, there is the need for acquiring capital equipment and, perhaps, handheld verification devices if smartcards are used. PoP fare collection has evolved to where it can be found on bus rapid transit, regular bus service, heavy rail transit, streetcars, passenger ferries, and commuter rail. A literature review, organized into five issue groupings related to PoP fare collection, is provided, as well as the results of a selected, on-line survey of transit agencies in the United States and Canada that yielded a 100% response rate (33 of 33 responses). Seven case studies offer detailed reviews of transit agency PoP fare collection experiences in Buffalo and New York City, New York; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Phoenix, Arizona. Six areas deserving future study are identified as well.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SA-27 TCRP 97
Improving Bus Transit Safety Through Rewards and Discipline
Accession Number: 01366181
Record Type: Monograph
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_97.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166870.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223423 Abstract: This synthesis addresses the current practices and experiences of public transit agencies in applying both corrective actions and rewards to recognize, motivate, and reinforce a safety culture within their organizations. The synthesis may be used to aid public transit agencies and other stakeholders in deciding how to proceed in this area. A literature review summarizes reports and documents, addressing the connection between employee safety performance and reward programs, as well as the effectiveness of reward/discipline initiatives in transit organizations. The survey of selected transit agencies yielded an 83% response rate, 25 of 30. Follow-up telephone interviews held across the country included a range of small to large transit agencies, rural and urban, and multimodal systems and addressed such issues as organizational commitment to safety, engagement of the work force, labor partnerships, safety standards and practices, rewards and discipline, and operations and maintenance. Nine case studies offer additional insight on active and innovative practices and related issues on the use of reward and discipline programs to promote and improve bus transit safety. Case study agencies were: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Texas); Fayetteville Area System of Transit (North Carolina); GO Transit (Ontario, Canada); King County Metro (Seattle, Washington); Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (Twin Cities, Minnesota); River Cities Public Transit (Pierre, South Dakota); SouthWest Transit (Eden Prairie, Minnesota); Utah Transit Authority (Salt Lake City, Utah); and Wind River Transportation Authority (Riverton, Wyoming). Report/Paper Numbers:Project J-7, Topic SF-16 TCRP 98 Ridesharing as a Complement to Transit
Accession Number: 01367737
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166923.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_98.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166923.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223539 Abstract: The purpose of the synthesis was to report the state of the practice, as well as to aid transit agencies and other entities in deciding how to enhance ridesharing and public transit. Key results show that closing gaps and penetrating difficult to serve areas are the top reasons that transit agencies integrate ridesharing into public transit; however, the agencies involved in this effort remain modest in number. A review of the relevant literature was conducted for this effort. Although much has been written about ridesharing, only a few documents appear to discuss the public transit and ridesharing linkage. As of July 2010, there were approximately 384 ridematching programs in the United States, but only 32 operated by public transit agencies. A selected survey of public transit agencies of varying sizes and serving different areas, such as regions, single counties, and entire states, as well as non-transit agencies linking ridesharing and public transit, yielded an 84% response rate (41 of 49). Brief agency profiles, achieved through interviews, highlight successful or innovative approaches offered at ten transit providers: Pace in Illinois; King County Metro, the state of Washington legislature, and the Washington State Department of Transportation and Avego Corporation pilot program in Washington State; Des Moines Area Rapid Transit in Iowa; Kings County Area Public Transit Agency, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Bay Area Rapid Transit in California; Space Coast Area Transit in Florida; and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission in Virginia. Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SB-19
TCRP 99
Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation
Accession Number: 01369761
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167067.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...epubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_99.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167067.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223577 Abstract: This synthesis explores the use of social media among transit agencies and documents successful practices in the United States and Canada. Social media are defined as a group of web-based applications that encourage users to interact with one another, such as blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Foursquare, and MySpace. Transit agencies have begun to adopt these networking tools to provide transit information as timely update, public service, citizen engagement, employee recognition, and entertainment. A review of the relevant literature was conducted. Because the field is new, there is not yet a large body of research available on social media. Relevant information was obtained from online sources, including blog posts, websites, conference presentations, online journals, and publications covering technology and governance. A selected survey of transportation providers in the United States and Canada known to use one or more social media platforms, and located in large metro, small urban, and rural areas, yielded a 90% response rate (34 of 39). Six transit providers participated in telephone interviews, highlighting more in-depth and additional details on successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned. These included providers in San Francisco, California; Dallas, Texas; Allentown, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SB-20
TCRP 100
Elevator and Escalator Maintenance and Safety Practices
Accession Number: 01372240
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167224.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...pubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_100.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167224.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223584 Abstract: The purpose of this synthesis is to document highly specialized elevators/escalators (El/Es) maintenance, safety practices, and passenger communication efforts at five U.S. transit agencies: MARTA (Atlanta, Georgia), NYCTA (New York City), SEPTA (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), CTA (Chicago, Illinois), and BART (San Francisco, California). These five agencies together operate 1,418 elevators and escalators throughout 850 rail stations. Together, they are part of a Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-sponsored consortium with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Amalgamated Transit Union, and the Learning Center, engaged in developing a Transit Elevator/Escalator Maintenance Training and Apprenticeship Program. The Topic Panel directed the consultant to survey and conduct in- depth telephone interviews with these transit agencies' staffs to provide a comprehensive look at how representative agencies provide El/Es services, the specific challenges they face in doing so, and the steps taken to provide safe and reliable access to all their customers and, particularly, the disabled community. The goal is to allow others to benefit from the successful experiences of their peers in providing safe and reliable access to users and lessen unnecessary expenditures. A review of the relevant literature was conducted for this effort. Collected literature was useful, but somewhat limited. It was determined that in-depth case studies would provide more thorough synthesis reporting of El/Es subject areas at select agencies and be more beneficial and useful to other transit agencies than cursory synthesis survey reporting of numerous subject areas across a larger number of agencies.
TCRP 101
Implementation and Outcomes of Fare-Free Transit Systems
Accession Number: 01374581
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167498.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...pubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_101.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167498.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223614 Abstract: The purpose of this synthesis was to document the past and current experiences of public transit agencies that have planned, implemented, and operated fare-free transit systems. The report concentrates on public transit agencies that are either direct recipients or sub-recipients of federal transit grants and provide fare-free service to everyone in their service area on every mode they provide. The report will be of interest to transit managers and staffs, small urban and rural areas, university, and resort communities, as well as stakeholders and policy makers at all levels who would be interested in knowing the social benefits and macro impacts of providing affordable mobility through fare-free public transit. A review of the relevant literature was conducted for this effort. Reports provide statistics on changes in levels of ridership associated with fare-free service. White papers or agency reports identified by the topic panel or discovered through interviews with fare-free transit managers were also reviewed. Through topic panel input, Internet searches, listserv communications, and APTA and TRB sources, the first comprehensive listing of public transit agencies that provide fare-free service in the United States was identified. A selected survey of these identified public transit agencies yielded an 82% response rate (32/39). The report offers a look at policy and administrative issues through survey responses. Five case studies, achieved through interviews, represent the three types of communities that were found to be most likely to adopt a fare-free policy: rural and small urban, university dominated, and resort communities.
Report/Paper Numbers:Project J-7, Topic SA-26 TCRP 106
Energy Savings Strategies for Transit Agencies
Accession Number: 01489140
Record Type: Monograph
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/169294.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...pubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_106.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309270830
Abstract: This synthesis describes how transit agencies in the United States and Canada are reducing their energy use. This is being done not only by providing alternatives to travel in personal vehicles but also in other categories of energy savings strategies such as those dealing with vehicle technologies; vehicle operations, maintenance, and service design; non-revenue vehicles; stations and stops; building; indirect energy use; and renewable power generation. These strategies can reduce both an agency’s costs and its’ environmental footprint, and some can also improve service quality. A review of the relevant literature of a variety of academic and professional publications was conducted for this effort. A selected survey of 51 respondents out of 74 transportation providers located in large metro, small urban, and rural areas yielded a 69% response rate. Four transit providers highlighted more in-depth and additional details on successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; King County Metro Transit, Seattle, Washington; Foothill Transit, West Covina, California; and 9 Town Transit, Connecticut River Estuary, Connecticut.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SA-29
TCRP 109
System-Specific Spare Bus Ratios Update
Accession Number: 01522120
Record Type: Monograph
Blurb URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/170537.aspx
Record URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org...pubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_109.pdf
Availability: Transportation Research Board Business Office 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/170537.aspx Find a library where document is available Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309271196 Abstract: This report 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 objective is to update the findings of TCRP Synthesis 11: System-Specific Spare Bus Ratios, as significant changes have occurred in the transit industry since 1995. This synthesis provides valuable guidance to transit agencies on how various factors may affect optimal fleet size. The intended audience for this synthesis can be bus transit management, operations, and all supporting staffs and stakeholders. A literature review, a survey of selected transit agencies with an 80% response rate, and four case examples report on agency bus fleets with numerous unique attributes, service demands, environmental factors, and maintenance issues.
Report/Paper Numbers: Project J-7, Topic SA-