Managing During Hard Times: Lessons Learned in Transit Efficiencies and Non-Traditional Revenue Generation

Abstract

This research provides information to those who plan public services, particularly public transportation and alternative forms of transportation, during times of tight budgets and declining revenues. Dozens of techniques used by transit agencies to either generate new revenue or reduce costs are described. References are made to better planning of resource allocation through “Comprehensive Operations Analysis” to help reduce service hours without severely impacting transit users negatively. The research also emphasizes the importance of partnerships between transit agencies and highway agencies and how they can provide facilities and services that are of mutual benefit to private vehicle operators and public transit users. It also provides examples of how public transit agencies can partner with a multitude of public-private and public-public partnerships. The reserach explains the significance of non-traditional methods of maintaining as much transit service as possible even when general revenues are down, which will be a benefit to the economy of a community through continued mobility for those who are in most need of public transit. 

Sponsored by: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), University Transportation Centers Program (UTC)

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, findings and conclusions reflected in this presentation are the responsibility of the authors only and do not represent the official policy or position of the USDOT/OST-R, or any State or other entity.

For more information, contact Denise E. Dunn at denise.e.dunn@dot.gov