STATEWIDE TRANSIT EVALUATION IN MICHIGAN

Abstract

The objective of this report is to share the experience gained during the development of a performance evaluation methodology for public transportation in the State of Michigan. This report documents the process through which an evaluation methodology was developed including a review of project objectives, milestones, meetings, and products. Two major lessons learned during the development of the evaluation methodology for mid-size transit systems in Michigan are (1) that there is a need to establish the groundwork for conducting performance evaluation; and (2) the concerns and perspectives of public transportation systems regarding performance evaluation must be addressed and integrated into the development and implementation of the evaluation program. Although the paper is based on the experience of one state government agency, the findings and conclusions are generally applicable to other organizations that may evaluate public transportation performance, especially those that provide/administer funding.