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Among the most difficult tasks for a new student bus operator to perform on the training bus is a “right turn into a bus stop.” On a scale of one to five, with five being most difficult, I rank it a five. Right turns, in general, rank at the top of the list, but having to successfully enter a bus stop “immediately” after a right turn comes as a result of several instructional steps — demonstrated properly by the trainer.
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Rising and fluctuating diesel and gasoline prices cause stress and uncertainty for fleet operation bottom lines. Fortunately, transit fleet operators may choose from several alternative fuel and vehicle technologies that can provide price stability, lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.
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Transit can play a role in helping to stop human trafficking, considering the number of people using it 24 hours a day. SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel was recently joined by representatives from local social service agencies and a former human trafficking victim to discuss signs of the crime, law enforcement efforts and how the public can help.
Read More →Finding Wi-Fi access on a moving vehicle is still a thrill for many transit riders. But with dozens of municipal public transportation systems across the country offering on-the-go Internet access — for example, Boston Oakland, Calif. — it’s clear the future of transportation in this country involves increasing Internet connectivity.
Read More →It has been more than 20 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and many transit agencies continue to struggle with the quality of service, costs and the difficulties encountered in contracting the service. One of the most basic policy decisions an agency must make involves whether to provide door-to-door, or only curb-to-curb service.
Read More →This topic builds on conversations I had with a variety of training professionals throughout 2013, so I hope this information helps those who were interested to know how to implement a simulator into an existing curriculum.
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Transit agencies increasingly want third-party validation of their sustainability efforts. They understand that to make improvements, they need to measure what they’re doing. And, that takes special skills and a trained eye. But, finding just the right fit between an agency and an outside advisor/auditor can be challenge.
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The U.S. walks a daily tightrope between the need for security and the ability to move goods and people as freely as possible within immigration policy parameters. In the transportation world, we are working to develop technologies to move cross-border traffic more efficiently while ensuring secure borders.
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Jobs in the transportation industry can be highly specialized, requiring employees to have very specific training and numerous certifications. Transit systems can ensure that the workers they are hiring are well-prepared for open positions by partnering with technical schools to collaborate on curriculum and create a pipeline of qualified job candidates.
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Agencies striving to meet service demands and overcome budgetary pressures are continuing to make safety of operators and riders a priority, however, it’s not always something that can be given a huge investment. What we’ve seen, though, is that investing in safety can actually work to the benefit of agencies in terms of efficiency increases and cost reductions.
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San Antonio is among the fastest-growing cities in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio was ranked fourth in population growth from July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012. An expanding population can represent a positive shift for a city; however, every community still faces challenges when managing rapid growth. For San Antonio, one significant challenge has been a marked increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
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When the frigid weather makes it too hazardous to stay outside, many homeless seek shelter in train stations, bus depots and other public facilities. SEPTA has partnered with an organization that works to end homelessness to create the "Hub of Hope," which offers a variety of services and housing, especially for those experiencing long-term street homelessness.
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