MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

COVER STORY

LYNX Restructures Service to Complement Revamped Image
By Camella Lobo

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.

Features

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DEPARTMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

E-NEWSLETTER

Receive the latest Metro E-Newsletters in your inbox!

Join the Metro E-Newsletters and receive the latest news in your e-mail inbox once a week. SIGN UP NOW!

View the latest eNews
Express Tuesday | Express Thursday | University Transit

Have you missed an interesting article?
Don’t worry, we keep an archive of all our past issues.

White Papers

Hazard Analysis: The Practice of Using Cell Phones While Operating a Transit Vehicle Examining system safety principles, available information in the public domain, recent transit incidents and policies.

More white papers

Photo Galleries

May 2012 in Pictures

April 2012 in Pictures

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Program Operation of Union Station FlyAway Bus Service

STORE

View Entire Store

Metro Magazine - Fact Book 2012

This Year’s Buyers Guide 2011

Industry Outlook

Industry Data

Bus & Chassis Manufacturers
And much more…

DIGITAL EDITION

The full contents of Metro Magazine on your computer! The digital edition is an exact replica of the print magazine with enhanced search, multimedia and hyperlink features. View the current issue