Transit Systems Analysis

Broad Mandates

Public transit systems analysis provides transit systems authorities with a means to continually gather and utilize data needed to monitor management performance and guide decision making. It also provides the information output needed to adequately report to government oversight agencies, funding sources, insurers and legal claims boards, tax panels, and similar bodies.

Systems analysis for transit operators is vital in order to contrast and compare the performance and quality of a particular transit network with those of networks in other jurisdictions. It is also vital for the twin needs of providing lawmakers with clear and verifiable feedback on transportation initiatives, and providing procurement management and staff with time-sensitive parts, equipment, personnel, and expertise needs so that appropriate contracts, invoices, and payment schedules can be supported.

All of these forms of utilization of various data streams are in essence mandates that must be fulfilled by the transit systems' analysis team and its tools. Without accurate and timely data, not only is the ongoing smooth operation of a transit network in jeopardy, but the future status of the network can be placed in doubt when the planning process is set back by missing, inaccurate, or misleading information.

Implemented, upcoming, or potentially available state and federal grant programs are one example of the type of critical financial support that cannot be obtained or sustained without provision of required data. The ability to research, attract, apply for, secure, deploy, and administer such critical funding resources is a core competency in any major urban transit agency or state or regional department of transportation.

Systems analysis helps support these efforts, directly affecting the agency's capacity to purchase rolling stock; improve byways; gain needed services for elderly, disabled, and indigent citizens; and other necessities. The data sets can also help make the case for the fiduciary or consulting assistance needed to assess the network's long-term soundness, to improve its accessibility, to develop partnerships with other public authorities for such projects as intermodal and regional transit links, and to forge mutually beneficial relationships with private entities.

Operational Oversight

In the ongoing, day-to-day operations of a transit system, managers need to dependably “look over the shoulder” of dispatchers, drivers, engineers, mechanics, conductors, ticket agents, safety and security officers, and other employee and associate categories of workers. The productivity of each individual, group, category, location, and department must be monitored, maintained, reviewed, and, if possible, improved.

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