Using Transit Research in University Transit Service

1. Bullet Points Using Transit Researchin University Transit Service BUSCON Chicago September, 2011

2. Scientific approach to examine behavior in travel decisions Research Practices Case Studies What is Transit Research?

3. Research Topics

4. Research Jokes • We lose a penny per passenger, but make it up in volume – Joe DiJohn • 3 out of 4 Americans make up 75% of the population. • Sometimes we let facts get in the way of our opinions.

5. Myers - Briggs • Psychology 101 Research • Work group compatibility • Four personality types • Director • Analytical • Expressive • Amiable

6. 1970 Research

7. Assumptions for University Applications of Research • Good infrastructure • Reasonable Equipment Program • Good Maintenance • Student Involvement • Good Communication • Desire to move from C average to B above average or maybe A

8. Transit Research Centers • Transportation Research Board (1962) • Transit Cooperative Research Program (1992) • 65 University Research Centers • USF (CUTR) • ND State (Rural and Small Urban) • UC Berkley - ACCESS • 62 others

9. Transit CooperativeResearch Program • Reports - research • Synthesis – current practice • Legal Digest – for attorneys • Research Results Digest – interim info

10. TCRP Research Areas A. Operations B. Service Configuration C. Engineering of vehicles and equipment D. Engineering of fixed facilities E. Maintenance F. Human Resources G. Administration H. Policy and Planning J. Special Projects

11. Early Example - 1954

12. TCRP Report 191996 Texas A&M The big picture Street side factors Curb side factors Near side, far side stops, mid-block

13. Easter Seals Project Action

14. TCRP Synthesis 39Transportation on College and University Campuses (2001) • Update of 1992 Survey • Identified parking – transit relationship • Identified role of transit in campus development • Peer group data • Revenue sources, fee levels • Student control issues

15. TCRP Synthesis 78(2008) • Transit Systems in College and University Communities • High ridership issues • Labor options/issues • Parking/campus development issues • Partnership with local transit • Case studies

16. TCRP 36Market Segmentation • Demographics and Psychographics • Segmentation • 12 elements of segmentation plan • 16 questions • Responsive product, effective promotions, insight on advertising, data on resource allocation, long range planning info • Strategies, Three step process • Cautions of using the process

17. TCRP 95Traveler Response to Transportation System Change • Frequency • Routing • Marketing • Pricing

18. TCRP 111Elements Needed to Create High Ridership Systems • Internal factors quantified • Fares, service, marketing, quality of service • External factors quantified • Population, land use, mode comparison, economics

19. TCRP 100Transit Capacity andQuality of Service Manual • Level of Service Standards • Schedule Adherence • Travel Time Comparison • Frequency • Passenger Loading Density • Span of Service • Area Coverage

20. TCRP 100LOS Schedule Adherence

21. TCRP 100LOS Travel Time Comparison

22. Frequency and Loading

23. TCRP Report 47Measuring Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality Satisfaction vs Importance Quadrant Analysis • High satisfaction, high importance • High satisfaction, low importance • Low satisfaction, low importance • Low satisfaction, high importance

24. Satisfaction vs. Performance Frequency on Sat/Sun and Weekdays Short wait time for transfers Availability of shelters and benches Real time information

25. Synthesis 75Use of High Capacity Buses • Infrastructure • Acceleration • Turning issues • Fuel Economy • Dwell Time • Scheduling

26. TCRP Report 28Transit Markets of the FutureUniversity of Arizona • Low income workers • Workers without cars • Workers with college education • Workers with graduate school • Workers, age 17 to 29 • Immigrants, less than 10 years in USA • Workers with mobility limitations • Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Women

27. CUTR • Center for Urban Transportation Research • University of South Florida • www.cutr.usf.edu • Created in 1988 • 45 full time faculty

28. CUTR Transit Areas • National Center for Transit Research • National Bus Rapid Transit Institute • Transit Management Institute • TDM Research and Training

29. Recent Research • Analysis of Contracting Fixed Route Service • 79% partial contracting in 2009 • 29% complete in 2009, none in 1998 • Competing data • Benefits and Risks • Best Practices 1998 to 2009

30. Florida Privatization Study

31. Recent Articles University Traveler Value of Potential Real-Time Transit Information (July, 2011) Evaluate benefits, determine modal changes Clemson (CAT) study, 19,000 students Reducing waiting anxiety greatest benefit Perceived wait time (9% vs.30%) Positive individual experience yields more transit trips

32. Recent Articles Style versus Service? An Analysis of User Perceptions of Transit Stops and Stations Frequent service preferred Safe environment Appearance not important

33. Recent Articles Pedestrian Environments and Transit Ridership Composite index of walkability based on land use, density, and street patterns Changes in built environment produce changes in travel mode

34. ACCESS – UC Berkley Quarterly Report World View Transit, Auto, Land Use Research Dr. Shoup – Unlimited Access Parking pricing

35. When am I Going to Study Research? • Dwie godziny w tygodniu • Dwy awr yr wythnos • Два часа в неделю • 每週兩小時 • Dos horas a la semana • Dve uri na teden • Hai giờ mỗi tuần • Two hours per week

36. Next Steps • APTA University – Transit Conference • Fargo, ND April, 2012 • Discuss ideas with your peers • Commit two hours per week to research • Call Bob: 515-231-1370