In addition to designing new services, it is important for transit agencies to monitor existing services to ensure that they continue to function as efficiently and effectively as possible. To do this, many agencies generate and analyze regular performance reports and/or establish performance metrics by which to track and measure how their routes are doing. TOA has worked with a number of Florida transit properties in the development of performance monitoring systems that include service analysis processes. These processes have prescribed the timeframe for performance reviews, the process for reviewing performance, the standards to measure performance, and the steps to be taken when the performance lags. Monitoring processes that are relatively simple to apply have been developed for several agencies as part of their TDP Major Update processes. More rigorous service analysis processes also have been developed for larger transit systems.

TOA also has completed a variety of operational analyses on routes and entire networks. Conducting these analyses involves a more intricate and detail-oriented examination of existing public transportation services. Such efforts typically are called a comprehensive operations analysis (COA) and require a high level of examination and detailed service analysis for selected routes and/or service areas. The analysis typically involves ridecheck data collection to highlight route utilization and potential load issues, windshield surveys to view the character of the route corridor, and on-time performance checks, among many other analyses. These extensive service planning efforts also may include detailed scheduling support, including blocking, run cutting, and rostering to help "operationalize" suggested modifications to the existing service network. TOA has considerable experience in the operational analysis of various transit services, including both fixed-route and paratransit services. In the last three years, TOA has completed six operational analysis studies, resulting in numerous recommendations for service enhancements and modifications that have helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit services.

Representative operational analysis projects include:

• Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) COA (2008, 2011)
• Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) COA (2010-2011)
• Lee County Transit (LeeTran) COA (2010)
• PCPT Operations Plan (2002, 2005, 2008)
• Greensboro (NC) Transit Authority Transit Services Plan (w/Dan Boyle, 2008)
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Service Analysis Process (2008)
• Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Service Analysis Process (2007)
• Lake County Transit Operations Plan (2006)
• HART Assessment of Route 200X (2005)
• PSTA Assessment of Route 100X (2004)
• Hernando County Transit Operations Plan (1997, 2001, 2004)
• West Pasco County Route Realignment and Scheduling (2000)
• Collier County Public Transportation Operations Plan (2000)

Additional Information

TOA Florida Transit Experience (PDF)

TOA National Transit Experience (PDF)

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