MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2012

COVER STORY

Paratransit Survey: Customer Service a Growing Concern
By Nicole Schlosser, Senior Editor

Survey showed demand down slightly from last year, but still high, with nearly two-thirds seeing an increase. More operators reported customer expectations and behavior as hurdles to providing good service. Scheduling software comes in handy and travel training saw a slight bump.

Features

8 Essentials of MAP-21

In July, Congress passed a new two-year bill – MAP-21. Highlights contained include an expanded TIFIA program as well as streamlined New Starts and project delivery processes.

Artificial Intelligence Targets Bad Behavior

San Francisco’s Muni is one of several transit operations using DHS grant monies to bolster its program with the use of video surveillance technology software that analyzes abnormal behavior, and thereby alerting systems to potential security and safety issues.

Motorcoach Express Services Flourish

Capitalizing on tech-savvy consumers who are looking to stretch their dollar and take advantage of added value, quicker trip times and online ticketing, express services have expanded their services from the Northeast to the West.

Universities, Transit Partner to Share Strengths

Universities bring the ridership and cities get the system funding. Constant communication, offering unlimited access and focusing on service instead of governance structure are touted as factors in successful systems.

Starcraft Brings Back, Updates Allstar XL

The company’s newest vehicle will be introduced at BusCon in September of this year.

Digital Signage Trends Take Hold for Transit

As technology evolves even more quickly, companies look into the future for ways to develop better products, such as infotainment systems and information kiosks to better serve their customers.

Design-Build Creates New R.I. Links

Commuters from the new Wickford Junction station, a $24.5 million multimodal facility consisting of a single-side commuter rail platform on a restored siding track, can now reach Providence in 35 minutes and Boston in less than two hours.

DEPARTMENTS

Mich. operator adds 'hearing loop' tech

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Owosso, Mich., motorcoach operator Indian Trails Inc. partnered to install “hearing loop” technology on a fleet of 17 motorcoaches, operating 34 scheduled routes that serve passengers throughout Michigan.

Innovative approach to creating app

Greater Good’s plan for the innovative app stems from co-founder George Aye’s experience as lead designer at CTA.

Private public transportation operators get another look

Congress should make it easier to use private contractors, consortia or financing so that agencies can better develop the best strategies that work for them.

Transit systems reunite owners with lost items

Transit agencies’ lost and found departments catalog, store and sometimes track down the owners of items left on buses and railcars.

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METRO Magazine - August 2012

METRO Magazine
Here are the Highlight:

Paratransit Survey

Public Transportation Bill

Rail Security Technologies
And much more…

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