Metro-Magazine.com Articles

Women In Transportation

This year we profile the achievements of seven women, who have used skills in planning, business, leadership, communications and industry advocacy to make their mark on the industry.

What sustainable practices have you adopted?

See GM's response to this question.

What Europe Can Teach America about HSR Development

European and Asian success in this mode have the essential elements that California and the U.S. seek to emulate: strong government funding and policy oversight roles that show consistent public commitment over decades. All this must also be coupled with private sector funding participation, project delivery and service operation in a managed competition.

Transit Art Optimizes Form and Function

From initial station design to final installation and opening to the public, the process of incorporating works of art into transit systems involves both transit and art professionals, as well as community members.

TOD Poised to Push Past the Recession

Walkable urban communities are growing in popularity, due to changing demographics and the current economic climate. As a top economic driver, transit is in an optimal position to help bring the route to recovery closer to home.

Tire leasing contracts help agencies save cash

A significant cost for many transit agencies, some in the industry have begun leasing tires and reaping a large savings, annually.

Report: Unsafe motorcoach carriers "reincarnate' to resume risky service

Many operators, such as the operator involved in a crash in Sherman, Texas in August 2008, continue to operate under new name or sometimes even the same name.

Hiring Practices, Training Key to Effective Transit Security

For some larger metropolitan areas a transit police force is necessary, while other agencies often work with their local police departments. Other agencies may choose to hire a private security firm with the authority to enforce a transit agency's rules and regulations.

Health and Wellness Programs Help Keep the Doctor Away

Experience has shown that employees do react when employers make wellness a priority. Building blocks to a good wellness program may include providing personal leadership, access to nutrition classes and incentivizing healthy lifestyles.

GM Survey: Recession Impacting Operations, Capital Programs

Fourth annual survey finds that one out of four respondents tabbed stimulus funds for operating assistance, while one-third plan to buy vehicles with the money. Meanwhile, the average GM salary is $156,605.

Facing the real 'crisis' in public transportation

What I am suggesting is that maybe it is time, especially when we are trying to figure out what our next authorization bill will look like, to look at international examples.

Digital Signage Delivers On-the-Spot Information

Displays with predicted arrival times in shelters and stations have led to increased rider convenience, allowing for better time management and possibly increased ridership. New features include intensity controls, multi-color displays and customizing messages for service changes.

Despite Stimulus, Funding Issues Remain for Top 100

Sixty-five percent of this year's respondents report difficulty providing services due to steady ridership demands and decreased funding. New York City Transit holds down number one slot.

Budget, taxes will determine next transportation bill

Some D.C. observers believe that the outcome of larger issues, like health care reform and energy policies, will affect transportation funding.

What to Consider Before Equipping Your Fleet with Video Surveillance

While technological advances are happening at a faster rate, when looking for a video system that fits your needs, considering the basics such as video quality, user-friendliness and video storage are still key.

TriMet to build first multi-use transit bridge in U.S.

TriMet has chosen a cable-stayed bridge type and is in the design phase in its work on a bridge that will connect both sides of the Williamette River with transit and pedestrian access.

Striking a Delicate Balance Between Demand and Funds

Paratransit operators are once again feeling the budget pinch, with more riders boarding and funding vanishing. More providers are relying on scheduling software and the Internet to accommodate customers. New survey questions provide information on productivity, billing and denial reporting.

Soubry Sets Sights on Taking New Flyer to the 'Next Level'

Employing what he calls a "participatory" style of management, Soubry has rebranded his executive leadership team, devised a new company intranet system and is writing a weekly blog. Development of a training institute, technology management and the readying for the launch of the company's first hydrogen bus fleet are in the works.

Report: ARRA transit funds not being used effectively

A report found that only 0.9 percent of STP funds are being used on public transportation.

Rail Systems Flip the Switch on Electrification

Numerous benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the ability to achieve faster speeds and accelerate more quickly, storing energy through regenerative braking and easing maintenance. The high price tag for capital costs may be the only downside.

Private bus and motorcoach industry working on future

Bus and motorcoach travelers generate more than $55 billion annually in economic transactions and create employment for nearly 800,000 people.

NTSB urges D.C. Metro to install backup safety technologies

The NTSB recently wrapped its investigation of the crash site in August.

Motorcoach Operators See Benefits from Diverse Driver Training Options

Supplementary driver training -- including classroom, online and simulator training -- can lead to improved fuel economy, lowered maintenance and insurance costs, and accident reduction.

Is Enough Being Done to Stop the Assault on Bus Operators?

Many assaults stem from confrontations involving passengers who refuse to pay the proper fare. To help mitigate the problem, some transit systems have turned to offering self-defense training and equipping vehicles with driver shields, and supplying operators with pepper gel.

Find what makes you unique at this year's BusCon

Our 140,000-square-foot show floor will have everything from cutaway vehicles to luxury motorcoaches, with many of those models more environmentally friendly then they have ever been.

Tapping the International Traveler Influx

With the weaker dollar, visitors from overseas are showing renewed interest in the U.S. as a vacation hot spot. Motorcoach carriers are increasing their presence at travel trade shows and forming relationships with overseas counterparts to maximize gains in this growing market.

Maximizing Route Efficiency with Software

With today's technology, routing software is used to create efficient schedules for dozens to hundreds of routes, factoring in numerous variables that include road conditions to union contracts.

Florida's Tri-Rail loses budget battle

Tri-Rail is looking to operate with an $18M deficit, caused by a loss of $3 million-plus per county and the $9M in matching FDOT funds.

Fed encouragement of Hatch Act loopholes worsens worrisome trend

At a time when there is a growing recognition that our infrastructure is in dire need of repair or rebuilding, we need to hire the best to do the work.

Despite hesitant buyers, coach builders forsee sales uptick by year's end

Slow sales expected to pick up with economy.

Consultant Industry Keeps Eye on Federal Funding Stream

With a record investment and renewed interest in public transportation by the new presidential administration, the consultant industry is seeing a vast number of opportunities opening up. One major hurdle that must be negotiated is funding the upcoming transportation authorization bill.

Consultant Achievements

METRO highlights a sampling of consultant firms with descriptions of how they provide support and expertise. Includes detailed project information.

Combining AVL/APC technology

Advantages of a combined APC and AVL system include real-time passenger information, on-board announcements and traffic signal priority.

Chicago RTA launches multi-modal trip planner

Chicago RTA's new multi-modal trip planning tool provides side-by-side comparisons of transit, driving and walking travel options. It includes Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace routes.

Aiming to be the 'next rail president'

President Obama's focus on rail harkens back to the days of the first 'rail president' and fellow Illinois native, Abraham Lincoln.

Transit Taps Resources to Enhance Emergency Response Role

The development and execution of a comprehensive transit emergency response plan can be optimized by training all levels of personnel, participating in practice exercises, and pursuing local and federal resources.

Track Inspection, Maintenance Ensures Safety and Comfort

From preventive rail inspection to renewing damaged tracks, track maintenance is essential in keeping trains running safely and on time.

Recession Creates High Anxiety for Transit Workforce

Layoffs, salary freezes and other cutbacks have battered morale at many transit systems. Open communication and investment in workforce development are key to keeping staff engaged and focused on the future.

No quick bounce from TIGGER

TIGGER's energy reduction category can include various projects ranging from replacement of existing buses with more energy efficient buses, such as hybrids.

New Jersey Transit Reaches No. 1 in Top Rail Projects

With $14.6 billion worth of projects in the works, New Jersey moves ahead. ARRA funds have big impact on transportation, with many dormant projects now ready to roll. This year's total purse reaches past $70 billion.

New Jersey Transit Digs Deep for Project Success

The agency is investing $420 million in ARRA funding on several capital projects including the Mass Transit Tunnel, a new transit center, signal improvements, rail line interlocking and bus shelters.

NBC installs mini-network on N.Y./N.J. Port Authority trains

PATH riders waiting for their trains will now be entertained by NBC Everywhere.

Locking in Today's Fuel Prices for Tomorrow: Is it Worth the Risk

Although fuel prices have gone down after going through the roof last summer, many believe they will rise once the economy begins to level off. By using Energy Price Risk Management, transit agencies may be able to create budget certainty and protect themselves from market volatility.

Greyhound Leads the Way by Equipping Fleet with Seat Belts

The North American carrier recently added advanced seating technology, which combines three-point lap-and-shoulder belts with compartmentalization, further enhancing the safety of their Northeastern fleets.

Getting out the vote for rail transit initiatives

There are numerous forms of identifying your voters, from door-to-door canvassing to paid phone banks.

Credit crisis impacting transit

If fear overtakes that trust, and we fail to deliver, then the wrath we will face will make the current crisis seem mild.

Coach parking options shrink, rules increase

Many cities have made it difficult for motorcoaches to determine where they are able to park after dropping off its passengers.

Wireless Power Systems Enhance Global Tram Projects

Alstom's catenary-free technology offers safety for pedestrians and road users as power delivery only occurs once the conducting segment of the track is covered by the tram. Its design also allows for the preservation of urban environments and unique historic heritage of communities where it is implemented.

Transit Travels to Cyberspace to Reach Riders

Transit authorities are increasingly discovering the cost-saving benefits of social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter to help market their services and the the next generation of riders on board.

Transit fuel hedging sees winners, losers

Kansas-based Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority entered into a fuel-hedging contract last May before prices dropped, causing the agency to pay $215,000 more over eight months.