Analysis Tools
Archived Data
Arterial Operations and Traffic
Control Systems
Commercial Vehicle Operations
Freeway Management and
Operations
High-Occupancy Vehicle Facilities
Intermodal Freight
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices
National Transportation Operations
Coalition
Planning and Integration
Road Weather Management
Rural Issues
Tolling and Pricing
Traffic Incident Management
Transit
Transportation Management
Centers
Transportation Security
Travel Demand Management
Traveler Information
Work Zones
| System Operations |
Transit
 | Transit Points-of-Contact |
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 | FTA's Safety & Security Website |
| This site is a compilation of resources related to safety and security of all aspects of public transportation. Sponsored by the FTA Office of Safety & Security, the site contains listings of publications, training courses, and upcoming conferences. Topics addressed include rail safety, bus safety, emergency management, fire safety, and human factors, as well as the Drug and Alcohol Management Information Statistics (DAMIS) and Safety Management Information Statistics (SAMIS) programs. In response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, the site includes a "Dear Colleague" letter from the FTA Administrator outlining public transportation security resources that FTA has made available or are in development. Available transit security resources include a one-page primer on lessons learned by transit agencies in emergency response in New York City and Washington, DC; a registration form to sign up for a mailing list with information on upcoming security awareness and training workshops; and a transit security survey that FTA is asking the members of the community to fill out. The "Dear Colleague" letter also describes a Safety and Security Tool Kit mailed to transit agencies in October 2001 containing several key transit security publications and other resources. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov. | |
| FTA's Bus Rapid Transit Website |
| This site is a compilation of resources related to bus rapid transit (BRT), which combines priority for transit vehicles at traffic signals, cleaner and more quiet vehicles, automated fare collection, and integration with land use policy. This site contains information on BRT projects, upcoming workshops and other events, the winners of a BRT design competition adjudicated by FTA, and a BRT evaluation project being conducted in Honolulu, Hawaii. Several documents are available for downloading from the site, including brochures, reports, and a reference guide. The site also contains BRT news items and related links. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.fta.dot.gov/assistance/technology/research_4234.html. | |
 | Transit ITS Benefits Impacts Matrix |
| This matrix serves as a single source for displaying the impacts – benefits, disbenefits, and costs – of ITS technologies for transit. Entries in the matrix are brief summaries of the potential impacts of transit ITS technologies, as well as actual examples of impacts experienced where available. Users can view the matrix by impact area, such as safety and security, service quality, customer satisfaction, capital costs, operations and maintenance costs, increase in revenue, and ridership and market share. Users can also view the matrix by technology, such as fleet management, electronic fare payment, traveler information, transit safety and security, transportation demand management, Transit Intelligent Vehicle Initiative, bus rapid transit and communications-based train control. Users are invited to contribute new information, and the website has instructions on how to do so. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://itsweb.noblis.org/aptsmatrix. | |
| TransitWeb |
| This website is a compilation of information designed to help transit agencies that provide advanced traveler information services (ATIS) to their customers. Resources available through the website include guidelines on the usability of transit websites, a discussion of transit website characteristics, a report on the customer preferences for transit ATIS, guidelines on the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in bus signage, and related links. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.transitweb.its.dot.gov. | |
 | ITS Applications for Coordinating and Improving Human Services Transportation: Brochures (2006) |
| These two brochures are part of a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. These brochures profile ITS technologies used in providing human services transportation to special populations – older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals – sometimes called "transportation disadvantaged." One brochure focuses on the benefits of these technologies to passengers; another focuses on the benefits to transit agencies.
Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| ITS Applications for Coordinating and Improving Human Services Transportation: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-JPO-05-056) (2006) |
| This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. This study profiles six examples of ITS technologies used in providing human services transportation to special populations – older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals – sometimes called "transportation disadvantaged." This study examines in depth six examples of the use of ITS technologies to coordinate and improve all aspects of transportation provided to these groups: operations, information dissemination, fare payment, safety and security. The study concludes with keys to success and lessons learned from the six sites. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Advanced Public Transportation Systems Deployment in the United States: Year 2004 Update (2005) |
| This report is a compilation of existing and planned deployments of advanced public transportation systems (APTS) technologies and services. The information was collected during the summer and fall of 2004 through contacts with representatives of each transit agency. A total of 516 agencies provided information for this study. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:.
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| Transit Signal Priority: A Planning and Implementation Handbook (2005) |
| This handbook lays out the steps one should follow to implement a successful transit signal priority (TSP) project, including planning, design, implementation, operations, maintenance, evaluation, verification, and validation. The handbook uses eight in-depth case studies to communicate lessons learned in system architecture, equipment, software, communications, simulation, optimization, institutional issues, and public reaction to TSP. The case studies are presented in their entirety in the handbook's appendices, along with a list of resources and glossary of terms. This handbook was developed by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) with funding from the U.S. DOT. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/TSPHandbook2005.pdf. To order a hardcopy, contact David Ridgley, ITS America, (202) 721-4228, DRidgley@itsa.org. | |
| Best Practices – Bus Signage for Persons with Visual Impairments: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Signs (FTA-VA-26-7026-2003-1) (2004) |
| An increasing number of transit authorities are installing light-emitting diode (LED) signs on their transit buses to display route and destination information. However, these LED signs can be difficult to read by people with visual impairments. This report presents best practices that make LED signs more easily read by all passengers, both visually impaired and non-impaired. The report covers system design and implementation, and offers lessons learned and recommended practices for successful deployments. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| An Overview of Transit Signal Priority (2004) |
| First published in 2002 and updated in 2004, this 27-page brochure provides an overview of transit signal priority (TSP). The brochure covers what TSP is, why it is important, what the costs and benefits are, how to plan for TSP deployment, and what issues to consider in the design, implementation, operations and maintenance of TSP. This brochure was developed by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America with funding from the U.S. DOT. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/FinalTSPOverviewUpdate.pdf. To order a hardcopy, contact David Ridgley, ITS America, (202) 721-4228, DRidgley@itsa.org. | |
| FTA National ITS Architecture Consistency Policy: Additional Grantee Guidance (2003) |
| In 2001, the Federal Transit Administration published its National ITS Architecture Policy on Transit Projects to meet the requirement in Section 5206(s) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The policy requires that ITS projects conform to the National ITS Architecture and related standards, and recommended activities that transit agencies should be carrying out in order to meet the policy's requirements. This document contains additional guidance resulting from feedback received since the policy went into effect. The additional guidance recommends that transit agencies take several key steps: familiarize themselves with the policy, assess how the policy is applicable to their own projects and grants, participate in the ITS architecture development process in their own region, and develop an ITS project architecture for all major ITS projects. The additional guidance recommends that this last step be accomplished by conducting a systems engineering analysis for the ITS and communications components of any major ITS project. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Customer Preferences for Transit ATIS: Research Report (FTA-OH-26-7015-2003-1) (2003) |
| This report presents findings from a series of customer preference workshops on the topic of transit information. Twelve (12) workshops were held in four metropolitan areas with more than 250 transit customers in November 2002. The study found that riders prefer traditional forms of paper-based information and traditional wayside signage such as schedules, maps, and fares. Inaccurate information was perceived as worse than no information, and high-quality traditional forms of information were considered more important than high-technology delivery media. Awareness of advanced transit information services was low, even in geographic areas where these services are available, suggesting that transit agencies need to do more to promote their existing information services. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Guidance for Developing and Deploying Real-Time Traveler Information Systems for Transit (FTA-OH-26-7017-2003-1) (2003) |
| This document offers guidance to transit agencies on the development and deployment of real-time transit information systems. The report presents the current state-of-the-practice in real-time transit information systems, components of successful systems, deployment issues and challenges, recommended practices for successful deployment, and a look toward the future of this promising technology. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/23000/23600/23663/RTTIS_Final.pdf. | |
| Ventura County Fare Integration: A Case Study (FHWA-OP-01-033/FTA-TRI-11-01-01) (2001) |
| This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. Starting in 1996, transit agencies in Ventura County, California, field-tested an electronic fare payment system called "Smart Passport." The demonstration ended in 1999 without Ventura County transit operators experiencing many of the program's anticipated benefits. The demonstration was conducted when the National ITS Program was in its early stages and few resources were available to assist the local participants. Today, the experiences of Ventura County have much to teach us. This case study contains insights gained in institutional needs, technical requirements, and customer acceptance techniques that can be helpful to those deploying any new technology in an operational setting. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| Advanced Public Transportation Systems: Update 2000 (FTA-MA-26-7007-00-1) (2000) |
| This report is the latest in a series of "State-of-the-Art" reports, the last of which was published in January 1998. These reports catalogue the extent of adoption of advanced technology in the provision of public transportation service in North America. The first report was published in 1991, and subsequent updates have been published every other year since 1992. This report focuses on some of the most innovative or comprehensive implementations, categorized into one of four types of services or technologies: fleet management, traveler information, electronic fare payment, and transportation demand management. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/13583.pdf, EDL# 13583. To order a hardcopy, contact the FTA Office of Mobility Innovation, (202) 366-4995. | |
| Advanced Public Transportation Systems Publications (2000) |
| This CD-ROM contains nearly 100 advanced public transportation systems (APTS) reports published in the 1990s as part of the Transit ITS Program. The reports cover topics such as fleet management, traveler information, electronic payment systems, transportation demand management, and the Transit Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a copy of the CD-ROM, contact the FTA Office of Mobility Innovation, (202) 366-4995. | |
| Automatic Vehicle Location Successful Transit Applications: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-OP-99-022/FTA-TRI-11-99-12) (2000) |
| This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. Transit agencies across the country are turning to automatic vehicle location (AVL) to increase the safety and efficiency of their operations. This report provides an in-depth examination of six agencies' experience with AVL, including the challenges they faced, how those challenges were overcome, and the benefits gained from AVL implementation. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/11487.pdf, EDL# 11487. To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
| Benefits Assessment of Advanced Public Transportation System Technologies: Update 2000 (FTA-MA-26-7007-00-4) (2000) |
| This report presents "order-of-magnitude" estimates of the expected benefits to the transit industry of the application of advanced public transportation system (APTS) technologies. The study identifies and quantifies major benefits derived from current applications of APTS technologies and projects benefits to a national level, based on forecasts and reasonable assumptions. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/13334.pdf, EDL# 13334. To order a hardcopy, contact the FTA Office of Mobility Innovation, (202) 366-4995. | |
| What Have We Learned about Intelligent Transportation Systems? Chapter 5: What Have We Learned about Advanced Public Transportation Systems? (2000) |
| This document is an excerpt from a compendium report that looks back on the 10 years of the National ITS Program to examine which ITS technology applications have been successful, which have not been successful, and what the underlying factors that determine success versus failure are. This section examines advanced public transportation systems (APTS) such as automatic vehicle location; operations software; computer-aided dispatching; mobile data terminals; silent alarms/covert microphones; surveillance cameras on transit vehicles; automated passenger counters; pre-trip, en route, and in-vehicle passenger information; vehicle diagnostic systems; transit traffic signal priority for transit vehicles; and electronic fare payment. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/13321.pdf, EDL# 13321. | |
| Better Service, Greater Efficiency – Transit Management for Demand-Responsive Systems (FTA-TRI-10-98-2) (1999) |
| This brochure, one in a series designed to encourage decision-makers to invest their own budget resources in ITS, examines the efficiency and service benefits of using automatic vehicle location (AVL) and computer-aided dispatching (CAD) systems in demand-responsive transit fleets. The brochure quotes from managers of paratransit systems about the benefits they have experienced using CAD/AVL. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/brochure/6876.pdf, EDL# 6876. To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
| Better Service, Safer Service – Transit Management for Fixed-Route Systems (FTA-TRI-10-98-1) (1999) |
| This brochure, one in a series designed to encourage decision-makers to invest their own budget resources in ITS, examines the safety and improved service benefits of installing automatic vehicle location (AVL) on fixed-route transit fleets. The brochure quotes transit agency executive directors, drivers, and dispatchers about the benefits they have experienced from using these systems. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/brochure/6875.pdf, EDL# 6875. To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
| Strategies for Improved Traveler Information (TCRP Report# 92) (2003) |
| This report summarizes the state of the practice in the provision of advanced traveler information services (ATIS) to transit riders. This report identifies transit traveler information needs, assesses the state of the art in providing transit traveler information, contains examples of customer information systems for both within and outside the transit industry, discusses transit traveler information as part of a larger continuity of information systems, and looks to the future of this promising new facet of the transit industry. Cost: $22 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC092," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_92.pdf. | |
| e-Transit: Electronic Business Strategies for Public Transportation, Volume 4: Advanced Features of Transit Websites (TCRP Report# 84) (2003) |
| This report is the fourth volume in the TCRP 84 series, which examines the application of electronic business strategies to public transportation and mobility management. This report examines the use by transit agencies of the Internet and other Web-based services, such as automated itinerary planning systems, real-time transit information, and e-mail notification. The report also discusses the application of customer relationship management concepts to these services. The report provides covers technology options, implementation considerations, best practices, and lessons learned. Cost: $15 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy report and CD-ROM, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC084D," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_84v4.pdf. | |
| Guidebook for Selecting Technology for Rural and Small Urban Public Transportation Systems (TCRP Report# 76) (2002) |
| This guidebook helps public transportation professionals identify appropriate technologies for their transit systems, which can range from off-the-shelf computer software to automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems. The guidebook encourages readers to conduct a self-assessment of the services, character, and environment of their own transit system in order to select the technology best suited to their needs. The guidebook lists grants and revenue sources that can be used to pay for these technologies. Finally, the guidebook offers recommendations on developing an implementation plan, conducting the procurement process, and installing the new technology system. Cost: $17 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC076," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_76.pdf. | |
| Simulators and Bus Safety: Guidelines for Acquiring and Using Transit Bus Operator Driving Simulators (TCRP Report# 72) (2001) |
| Driving simulators hold great promise to train student bus operators more efficiently and safely than traditional training methods. However, only a handful of transit agencies are using driving simulation, and even among these agencies, different types of simulations are being used. This report provides guidelines for transit agencies to determine if they should procure and use simulators and associated advanced technology training tools. Cost: $25 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC072," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_72.pdf. | |
| Using Geographic Information Systems for Welfare to Work Transportation Planning and Service Delivery: A Handbook (TCRP Report# 60) (2000) |
| The purpose of this handbook is to facilitate use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool among organizations responsible for planning or providing transportation services in response to welfare reform, including trip itinerary planning. This handbook includes guidance on how agencies can either implement GIS or enhance their current GIS applications for this purpose. Accompanying the handbook is a CD-ROM containing three case study descriptions and color illustrations of GIS application for transit planning and welfare-to-work. Cost: $30 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy report and CD-ROM, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC060," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| Understanding and Applying Advanced On-Board Bus Electronics (TCRP Report# 43) (1999) |
| This report provides an overview of electronics and their application to bus operations and other transportation sectors. The report addresses electronic integration, potential benefits offered by integration, and transit agency experiences with the technology. The report concludes with guidelines for implementing bus transit electronics. This report is intended to be a primer on the subject, providing essential background information to serve as a starting point for acquiring additional knowledge. The intended audience of this report is transit managers, operations and maintenance professionals, bus procurement specialists, bus manufacturers and suppliers, and others interested in the application of advanced electronics to transit buses. Cost: $30 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC043," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_43.pdf. | |
| Multipurpose Transit Payment Media (TCRP Report# 32) (1998) |
| This report examines the potential for introducing multipurpose payment smart cards that can be used to purchase transit services from multiple operators, as well as other goods and services such as parking and retail products. Topics covered include smart card technology, the legal and institutional issues associated with introducing multipurpose smart card programs, cost and revenue impacts, and customer acceptance. The report presents guidelines for the development of multipurpose fare payment programs. The intended audience for this report is transit managers, transit operations personnel involved with fare collection, parking professionals, and representatives of the financial services industry. Cost: $36 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC032," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_32.pdf. | |
| A Handbook for Acquiring Demand-Responsive Transit Software (TCRP Report# 18) (1996) |
| This handbook is intended to assist providers of demand-responsive transit (DRT) in the selection, acquisition, and implementation of software for DRT operations and administration. The purpose of this handbook is to advise providers of DRT services about computer software and other technology appropriate for DRT applications, and to assist software vendors in understanding the market for DRT software and technologies. Cost: $26 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC018," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_18.pdf. | |
| The Impact of Radio Frequency Refarming on Transit Communications (TCRP Report# 11) (1996) |
| This report examines the impact of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules governing the refarming of the land mobile radio spectrum on current and future transit communication system requirements. The intended audience for this report is general managers, operations managers, and communication specialists responsible for communications systems within transit and paratransit organizations. Cost: $20 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC011," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_11.pdf. | |
| Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems (TCRP Synthesis# 48) (1998) |
| This synthesis report examines real-time bus arrival systems, including technological capabilities, agency experience, cost, and reactions of transit passengers. The report describes the state of the practice in the U.S. and internationally. Cost: $15 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TS048," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_syn_48.pdf. | |
| Passenger Counting Technologies and Procedures (TCRP Synthesis# 29) (1998) |
| This synthesis report summarizes information from selected transit agencies about the benefits and problems associated with passenger counting technologies. The report also provides advice for agencies considering the purchase of a passenger counting system, discussing such issues as data collection methodology, data processing, end uses of ridership data, organizational responsibilities, and resource requirements. The intended audience is transit agency general managers; their planning and schedule, operations and maintenance, computer services, and budget and finance staffs; as well as passenger counting technology providers. Cost: $24 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TS029," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tsyn29.pdf. | |
| AVL Systems for Bus Transit (TCRP Synthesis# 24) (1997) |
| This synthesis report addresses various aspects of developing and deploying automated vehicle location (AVL) systems for bus transit. Current practice, AVL architecture and technologies, and the institutional context of AVL, in terms of funding, justification, staffing, and procurement, are discussed. This report describes different approaches to AVL deployment used at selected transit agencies. The intended audience for this report is transit agency general managers, bus operations, planning, scheduling, safety, and procurement staff, as well as agency communications and engineering staff. Cost: $16 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free. To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TS024," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tsyn24.pdf. | |
 | ITS for Transit: Applications, Costs and Benefits |
| This course presents case studies with examples of the costs and benefits experienced by transit agencies that have implemented ITS technologies. The course provides an overview of the range of capabilities of ITS technologies for transit and a methodology for determining their value to an organization. In the course, participants will review common transit problems and the potential solutions offered by ITS technologies and learn how to apply cost-benefit analysis methodologies using real-life applications. Target Audience: Managers, service planners, senior operational, maintenance and fleet management staff, and senior customer relations and security staff. Course Length: Two days. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $300 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID005 or contact Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| Rural ITS |
| The purpose of this course is to provide transit, and health and human service agencies with an overview of ITS as well as the costs and benefits of applying ITS to transit operations. This course emphasizes the use of technologies to improve operations, customer service, maintenance and management for agencies with small fleets, agencies that operate over wide geographic areas and agencies that have challenges in coordinating their services with other transportation providers. Providing transit agencies with this information is crucial as agencies search for cost-effective and innovative ways to provide better service and administer services more efficiently. Agencies armed with this knowledge can successfully determine whether the deployment of new technologies is needed and can then pursue the procurement and deployment. Target Audience: Agency managers, lead maintenance staff, customer service staff and others interested in learning about useful technologies. Course Length: One day. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $150 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID035 or contact Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| Managing Information for Success |
| This course emphasizes the importance of efficient handling of data and information to transit operations. Modern operations using transit ITS technologies generate a large amount of data that can be not only used within the agency but also shared with other partners in an integrated system. The course outlines the benefits of having trained staff make full use of the information available and having means to efficiently process and archive this information. Course Length: One day. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $150 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID027 or contact Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| Intelligent Transportation Staffing |
| Human resources are the key to a successful deployment of ITS in a transit agency. It is important that organizations have people in place that know how to create disparate parts of an organization into a team, set realistic goals, implement and use the technology, interpret the data, and derive the optimum benefits from the system. These staffing needs transcend all departments. How does an agency that is planning an ITS deployment ensure that its organization is appropriately staffed to ensure a successful and profitable implementation? This course will address these questions and provide participants with a toolkit to recruit, interview, hire, train and retain employees who are critical to an ITS purchase and deployment. Target Audience: Transit managers, human resource personnel, employees assigned to an ITS project who need additional personnel, consultants, decision-makers, project management managers, and staff of agencies participating in regional ITS projects. State departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and county and municipal government staff would also benefit from this course. Course Length: Two days. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $300 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID050 or contact Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| Flexible Community Transit Services: Planning, Design, and Technology |
| Transit operators increasingly need to serve markets for which conventional bus and rail modes can be too expensive, inefficient, or inflexible. Many operators are finding that flexible services such as route deviation have an important role to play in serving low-density areas, dispersed trip patterns, and travel by seniors and people with disabilities. This course presents the wide variety of innovative services now in use at transit systems in North America and Europe and examines and how ITS technologies can help implement flexible services. Other topics covered in the course include current efforts in Europe to use technology to create better flexible transit services, coordination of conventional transit service and paratransit to reduce the cost of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the benefits of technology as applied to flexible services, and the use of market research and performance data to determine where flexible services are appropriate. The course will also explore implementation issues, such as contracting, community relations, and technology procurement. Target Audience: Transit and paratransit managers, service planners, transportation planners from metropolitan planning organizations, social service agencies, and others concerned with effective and efficient service delivery. Course Length: Two days. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $300 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID008 or contact Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| Complying with the Federal Transit Administration's Policy on ITS Architecture Consistency and Its Impact on Project Planning and Implementation |
| In 2001, the Federal Transit Administration published its National ITS Architecture Policy on Transit Projects to meet the requirement in Section 5206(s) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This policy requires that ITS projects conform to the National ITS Architecture and related standards. This policy applies to all ITS projects that are funded in whole or in part with the Highway Trust Fund, including the mass transit account. Additionally, FTA encourages the coordination of local ITS strategies and projects to help meet national and local goals. This course focuses on providing transportation agencies and Federal field staff with an understanding of the policy, the intent behind the policy, the impact of transit ITS planning and development, practical benefits of conformity, and guidelines for meeting policy requirements. Course Length: One day. Cost: Free for Federal, state, and local government employees; $150 for contractors and consultants. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID019 or Myrna Sirleaf, National Transit Institute, (723) 932-1700 x228, MSirleaf@nti.rutgers.edu. | |
| System Security Awareness and Security Incident Management |
| This series of four courses is designed to help transit systems better handle a potential terrorist incident as well as improve their security and reduce crime on their properties. Participants will learn how to improve their innate common sense abilities to observe, determine, and report people and things that are suspicious or out of place. Separate courses are available for employees of commuter railroads, passenger vessels, transit and transportation agencies. The course emphasizes prioritizing actions that must be taken at the scene of a threat or incident. Target Audience: Frontline employees and supervisors who have direct contact with the public for the vehicles and facilities used by the public. A train-the-trainer option for all four courses is available. Course Length: Three to four hours for the regular version; five to six hours for the train-the-trainer version. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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