WTI

Paratransit Operations Review (MET match)

Primary Investigator Contact Information

David Kack
  • Western Transportation Institute
  • PO Box 174250
  • Bozeman, Montana 59717
  • 406-994-7526
  • dkack@coe.montana.edu

External Project Contact(s)

Kathy Barr

Report(s)

  1. Billings MET Transit Paratransit Technology Review
    1. David Kack
    2. 426939_Technology_Review.pdf

Project Objective

To identify technologies that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Billings MET Transit paratransit system.

Project Abstract

This project is based on the desire of MET Transit in Billings, Montana to explore the options available to increase the efficiency of its paratransit operations by incorporating new software, with the potential of adding additional technologies such as Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s).

Task Descriptions

  1. Final Report
    1. Summarize the findings and recommendations to MET Transit in a formal report. Identify logical follow-on strategies, including the possible purchase of technologies that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of MET Transit’s paratransit operations. This would include outlining a basic architecture of the possible system for Billings.
  2. Develop Technology Enhancement Program
    1. Identify technologies that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of MET Transit’s paratransit operations. This would include contacting other transportation providers to access the benefits they gained in utilizing the new technologies
  3. Review MET Transit's Operations and Work Flow
    1. Determine how rides are requested and assigned to vehicles, with an emphasis on how technology may improve the process.
  4. Review National ITS Architecture Relating to Transit Management Centers
    1. Identify all technologies relevant to public transportation providers, with an emphasis on demand-responsive/paratransit services
  5. Develop Resource Library
    1. Identify and provide reports, articles and technical papers relating to demand-responsive/paratransit operations and technologies that are applicable to MET Transit’s operations.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Start Date:1/1/2003
End Date:7/30/2003

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

TRB Keywords

Public Transportation, Transit, Paratransit, Demand-responsive Transportation

Partners