Assessment of Information Systems and Technologies at California Transit Agencies

Abstract

Research identifying and investigating the current technical and institutional frameworks for information systems and technologies at public transit agencies in California is described. With the rapid development of new information systems and technologies over the past 10 years, there are many opportunities for public transit agencies to improve data collection, processing, and dissemination. The current state of the practice for the use and sharing of data for operations monitoring, service planning, performance measurement, and customer information is examined. To investigate these topics, a broad survey of transit agencies in California was conducted; this was followed by detailed site visits and interviews with several representative agencies. The survey results are presented, and some conclusions for improving current practice are generated. First, the current means of data collection, processing, and dissemination are reviewed, and strategies for the application of new information systems and technologies are identified. A second element of the research involves reviewing the technical and institutional environments for data sharing both within a transit agency and between the transit agency and other organizations. Finally, innovative transit agencies and third-party organizations are also working to enhance data coordination and use among transit agencies and between transit agencies and other transportation organizations. On the basis of this inventory, it appears that many California transit agencies are strategically expanding the capabilities and use of these new information systems and technologies.