Metro-Magazine.com Articles

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.

Specialized Training Boosts Technicians' Hybrid Bus Knowledge

New curriculum, which should be ready this fall, focuses on the entire operation of the hybrid system, including electronics, component identification, energy storage, manual discharge, regenerative braking and energy flow, as well as the cooling system.

Specialized Services Expand Mobility to Communities

Disabled individuals and those who live by infrequent bus lines benefit from Denver Regional Transportation District's expanded transit options.

Pierce Transit buses equipped with tracking, 'talking' technology

The transit agency's technology investment is expected to increase safety and convenience and streamline schedules for fixed routes.

Motorcoach Operators Draw from Past to Survive the Crumbling Economy

Riding out the aftereffects of 9/11 made the motorcoach industry more resilient and better equipped to handle this economic downturn. Assessing costs and charging competitive prices as well as rethinking marketing techniques are some practices being employed.

Making it a Lil' Easier to Navigate the 'Big Easy'

Post-Katrina's Lower 9th Ward has finally begun to pick up the pieces and found a way to transport its slowly re-growing population using a flexible-route, on-demand neighborhood circulator that combines elements of fixed route, flex route, paratransit and neighborhood circulators.

LYNX Restructures Service to Complement Revamped Image

Replacing its aging fleet with new vehicles, -- including low-floor BRT buses -- as well as working to obtain ARRA funding for 120 bus shelters and partnering with neighboring counties to expand service, play integral parts in the overhaul plan.

Industry needs to deliver results

For those who think there is no connection between how we spend the extra money now and what we will get from that next bill, guess again.

Feds finally see housing connection

A new task force will develop federal housing affordability measures that include housing, transportation and other costs that affect location choices.

D.C. releases online data to developers

Metro has released route, stop and schedule data for download, hoping to make the information useful to more riders.

Vehicle Wash Systems: Keeping Fleets Clean & Green

Applications range from simple, single-brush models to fixed drive-through options. In an effort to go 'green,' some company's systems reduce the amount of water or chemicals used and feature high-efficiency motors to reduce energy usage.

Securing Rail Systems From The Ground Up

Austin, Texas' Capital Metro and Phoenix-based Valley Metro employed special crime prevention tactics when designing their systems, as well as CCTV cameras and manpower to secure their rail systems' passengers, trains and other infrastructure.

S.D. MTS develops 30-second commercial

The MTS' 30-second spot, created by multimedia production company Groovy Like A Movie, coincided with "National Dump the Pump Day" and attempted to boost ridership at a time when gas prices soared over the $4.50 per gallon mark.

Rethinking The Greening of Transit

Sustainability is being looked at in a more comprehensive way, with a new focus on economic and social impacts in addition to environmental. Growing trends include committee development and creating long-term strategies.

Operators slow to receive funds for Hurricane evacuations

Although some operators have begun to receive funds for Hurricane Gustav, Ike evacuations, many are still left waiting.

Motorcoach travel: the greenest

In a green time, motorcoach travel holds its weight.

Implementing BRT: Making the Busway Work for You

Flexible in the extreme, BRT can be implemented in stages and allowed to develop its ridership over time -- either as an end unto itself or as a prelude to a rail system. That underlying reality is one of BRT's most appealing virtues: even in the most difficult of financial times, small and large metropolitan regions alike still need public transportation.

Charter Rules Position Motorcoach Industry on Fast Track to New Business

Many in the motorcoach industry say that the new opportunities are excellent for generating new revenues and working cooperatively with other operators and even local transit properties.

Cell phone bus tracking applications developed

A new cell-phone based system enables transit agencies, such as King County Metro, to enable riders to track the status of their bus in real-time.

Buy America gets challenged again

Countries all over the world recognize the need for government investment to jump-start their economies, build their heavy industry, and keep or add more higher-wage jobs.

BRT Projects Roll Along Despite Economic Slump

Across the U.S., bus rapid transit system plans are moving along at a healthy speed. While funding is a concern for many, two newly operating systems are already experiencing unanticipated ridership increases.

Updating Fare Collection Systems Help Transit Operations Increase Efficiencies, Revenue

Revamped systems have helped many agencies attain the information they need to implement fare increases, improve routes and scheduling, and increase revenues.

Travel Software to Aid Disabled Riders

To use the Travel Assistance Device, riders simply plan their trip online and follow the visual and verbal instructions on their cell phone.

Seating Options for Today's Passenger Transportation Systems

The latest industry models combine cutting-edge technology with modern design to enhance numerous vehicle interiors. Current features include three-point seat belts, “back-to-back” configurations, and anti-microbial/anti-bacterial vinyl and stainless steel structures.

Safety at the Crossroads: Eliminating Dangerous Roadway and Rail Crossings

With the removal of six rail crossings and the elevation of a Long Island Rail Road crossing, both the safety and quality of life of drivers and nearby residents in the village of Mineola in Long Island, N.Y., have been dramatically improved.

Krapf Turns Family Bus Route into Multi-Faceted Business

Working on motorcoaches and buses nearly his entire life has taught METRO magazine’s Operator of the Year award winner Dale Krapf, chairman of the board, Krapf Bus Companies, how to adapt and grow in an industry that is constantly in flux and comes with multiple opportunities disguised as challenges.