#### *Transit Research Update -- May 2008* 

# *Contents*

*To view any article listed, use the mouse and control/click on the
title.*

[SPECIAL](#special)

[APTA Rail Conference, San Francisco, CA 6/2/08
2](#apta-rail-conference-san-francisco-ca-6208)

[Security Manpower Planning Model -- New
2](#security-manpower-planning-model-new)

Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit Projects in North America- Metro's BRT
25.........\.........3

[FROM THE TRI RESEARCH CORNER](#from-the-tri-research-corner)

[International Conference on Weather and Transportation
3](#international-conference-on-weather-and-transportation)

[US/France Public Private Partnership Workshop
3](#usfrance-public-private-partnership-workshop)

[FEDERAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS](#federal-research-publications)

[Annual Report on Funding Recommendations: Proposed Allocations of Funds
for Fiscal Year 2009
3](#annual-report-on-funding-recommendations-proposed-allocations-of-funds-for-fiscal-year-2009)

[AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update. TCRP Synthesis 73
4](#avl-systems-for-bus-transit-update.-tcrp-synthesis-73)

[Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the Transit Industry.
TCRP RR Digest 87
4](#emergency-preparedness-response-and-recovery-in-the-transit-industry.-tcrp-rr-digest-87)

[FTA Ridership Forum 4](#fta-ridership-forum)

[Successes in Stewardship Newsletter
4](#successes-in-stewardship-newsletter)

[Transit Agency Security and Emergency Management Protective Measures
5](#transit-agency-security-and-emergency-management-protective-measures)

[TMIP Connection: Travel Model Improvement Program Newsletter --Spring
2008 5](#__RefHeading___Toc200519367)

[UNIVERSITIES](#universities)

[Access to Destinations: How Close is Close Enough? Estimating Accurate
Distance Decay Functions for Multiple Modes and Different Purposes
5](#__RefHeading___Toc200519369)

[Connecting Transportation Decision Making With Responsible Land Use:
State and Regional Policies, Programs, and Incentives
6](#connecting-transportation-decision-making-with-responsible-land-use-state-and-regional-policies-programs-and-incentives)

[INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH](#international-research)

[Automatic Buses in France: end of story?
6](#automatic-buses-in-france-end-of-story)

[National Spatial Data Infrastructure Implementation Strategies
6](#national-spatial-data-infrastructure-implementation-strategies)

[New Eye on Transport Issues -- Transport Expertise
7](#new-eye-on-transport-issues-transport-expertise)

[RESEARCH NEWS & INFORMATION](#research-news-information)

[Call for Papers for the TRB 88 Annual Meeting January 11-15, 2009
7](#call-for-papers-for-the-trb-88-annual-meeting-january-11-15-2009)

[Federal Transit Administration Online Calendar of Events
7](#federal-transit-administration-online-calendar-of-events)

[Alabama Puts Mashups to Work 7](#alabama-puts-mashups-to-work)

[Dallas to Unveil New Rail Vehicles
8](#dallas-to-unveil-new-rail-vehicles)

[Fuel Cell Today Fortnightly Newsletter - 21 May 2008
8](#fuel-cell-today-fortnightly-newsletter---21-may-2008)

[L.A. MTA Budget Would Add 6 Rapid Bus Lines
8](#l.a.-mta-budget-would-add-6-rapid-bus-lines)

[Metro's Bus Rapid Transit Center 8](#metros-bus-rapid-transit-center)

[New York Opts for Hybrid Driver\'s Licenses
8](#new-york-opts-for-hybrid-drivers-licenses)

[San Diego to Upgrade With New Articulated BRTs From NABI
9](#san-diego-to-upgrade-with-new-articulated-brts-from-nabi)

[Transit Lending Library a Novel Concept
9](#transit-lending-library-a-novel-concept)

===============================================================

## SPECIAL 

### APTA Rail Conference, San Francisco, CA 6/2/08

**Remarks for James S. Simpson Administrator, Federal Transit
Administration**

Jim Simpson's, FTA Administrator, opening statement at the APTA Rail
Conference in San Francisco applauded APTA and its members for their
effort "to provide transit options for Americans, to keep our citizens
mobile and our economy moving forward."

The Administrator said, "It's great to be back in one of America's
greatest cities. The San Francisco Bay Area is an amazing laboratory for
transit...This is exactly the right moment for everyone who has the
power to affect the transit industry, local operators, state and local
governments, Congress, and we at FTA, to take stock of where we are, and
where we need to go --- financially, operationally, environmentally, and
politically..." [\[More
Online\]](http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/speeches/news_events_8247.html)\]

### Security Manpower Planning Model -- New 

The new FTA Security Manpower Planning Model is a flexible
decision-support tool created to enable transit security planners the
ability to estimate costs and coverage requirements of their security
force. The Security Manpower Planning Model is flexible, and can be used
by any transit agency with existing or planned security resources,
regardless of security structure (e.g., transit police, security
contractors), operating mode(s), or size. The Excel-based tool is
designed to be as user friendly and intuitive as possible. Online
\[<http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Security/Default.asp>\]

### Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit Projects in North America- Metro's BRT 25 

This report highlights the New Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects that
have emerged across the United States. The results of METRO's BRT 25
Survey for 2008 highlight 30 projects in 25 cities across the U.S., as
well as in Canada, where the BRT systems of two cities are covered. FTA
Small Starts program will fund a wide array of new transit projects,
including five proposed BRT systems. Hybrid-electric and clean diesel
vehicles are leading choices for propulsion systems. According to the
survey, agencies will purchase a total of 254 vehicles in 2008, or an
average of eight buses per project listed. Survey respondents are
looking to use hybrid-electric propulsion in significantly higher
numbers this year\--56.6 percent compared to last year's 28 percent

--- with clean dieselchosen second at 43.3 percent. Only two agencies
were undecided. The majority of respondents expect to begin revenue
service at the end of 2008, with the latest year projected being 2017.
Available Online

\[<http://www.metro-magazine.com/images/brt/top25_2008.pdf>\]

## FROM THE TRI RESEARCH CORNER

### International Conference on Weather and Transportation

Ron Boenau will moderate a session and make a presentation on 511
implementation in the U.S. at the Safety In Mobility Conference in
Klagenfurt, Austria from July 9-11. On July 8-9, he will meet with
representative of the Austrian Department of Transport along with Paul
Pisano of FHWA who will also be speaking at the conference. The
conference will focus on weather and transportation issues and will
provide an opportunity for U.S. firms to expand their market to the
growing Central and Eastern European area. The US Commercial Service CS
is the key U.S. Government organization helping to organize the
conference. The conference will feature weather impacts upon the
transportation system and will include evacuation activities. The USCS
distributed a flyer identifying assistance opportunities for US
transportation firms in conjunction with the conference. These
opportunities include a unique matchmaking service including customized
market research, establishing pre-screened one-on-one discussions, and
technical assistance with follow-up activities. Sponsors of the
conference include the Austrian Traffic Telematics Cluster, AustriaTech,
and the Lakeside Science and Technology Park. Contact
\[Ronald.Boenau@dot.gov\].

### US/France Public Private Partnership Workshop

FTA Deputy Administrator Sherry Little will lead the US delegation to a
US/France workshop on the financing and operation of transit projects
through public private partnerships (PPP), from July 6-8. France is a
world leader in PPPs, and local governments and transit authorities
there have extensive experience in public/private financing, leasing,
concessioning, franchising, and contracting out. The workshop, which
will take place in Lyon and St. Etienne, France, will feature
presentations by US and French experts on these topics, and a discussion
of best practices in PPPs in both countries. It will include visits to
successful PPP and other transit projects in the Lyon area. FTA and the
French Embassy Washington are now planning a follow-uo PPP workshop, to
be held during the American Public Transportation EXPO in San Diego, CA,
in October 2008. Contact \[Rita.Daguillard@dot.gov\]

## FEDERAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

### Annual Report on Funding Recommendations: Proposed Allocations of Funds for Fiscal Year 2009

This report provides the U.S. Department of Transportation's
recommendations to Congress for the allocation of funds for the design
and construction of fixed guideway New Starts and Small Starts capital
investments for fiscal year (FY) 2009. These programs are part of the
Capital investment Grant provisions of 49 USC 5309, reauthorized by the
SAFETEA-LU in August 2005. The report also contains a summary of the
allocation of funds to FY 2007 projects under the Alternative
Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program under 49 USC 5320. In
addition to funding recommendations, *Appendix A* of this *FY 2009
Annual Report* provides (1) descriptive profiles of New Starts and Small
Starts Program Projects by development phase and state, and (2)
alphabetical listing of projects by state and city. *Appendix B*:
describes the FY 2008 Evaluation and Rating process. *Appendix C*
describes FTA's FY 2007 Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public
Lands program. Available Online
\[<http://www.fta.dot.gov/index_5221.html>\]

### AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update. TCRP Synthesis 73

Tra*nsit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 73: AVL Systems
for Bus Transit: Update* documents the state of the practice of
computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) systems in
fixed-route and demand-responsive services (referred to in this
synthesis as bus AVL systems), as well as changes in agency practices
related to the use of AVL systems. Synthesis 73 provides a literature
review, documents survey results, and summarizes findings from case
study interviews. Also, information is presented on how transit agencies
implement and use AVL systems as well as on benefits and costs.
Available Online \[<http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9051>\]

### Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the Transit Industry. TCRP RR Digest 87 

*Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Research Results Digest 87:
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery in the Transit Industry*
explores emergency preparedness programs in public transportation
systems in several Asian cities. In all cities visited, local transit
operators are focused fully on system performance, and other, separate
public agencies (local/regional/national) take the lead in providing for
passenger safety and security. Transit operators in Hong Kong, Seoul,
Kobe, and Tokyo plan for disasters and partner with police, fire,
emergency response, and defense agencies. The systems visited do not
have their own transit police forces; nor do their executives have the
authority or funding for disaster preparedness. In Beijing, preparing
for and responding to disasters appear to be roles exclusive to the
central government.

Available Online \[<http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9048>\]

### FTA Ridership Forum 

Turn the Wheel of Ridership information to learn more about Ridership,
including What's New, Ridership Data, Best Practices, Awards, Training,
and more. Available Online \[<http://www.fta.dot.gov/index_4396.html>\]

### Successes in Stewardship Newsletter 

The June 2008 edition of *Successes in Stewardship* features the "New
Professional Development Tool Introduced by the Environmental Competency
Building (ECB) Program." The article introduces the **Competency
Navigator**, an Online resource and tool developed by the ECB Program in
collaboration with a steering committee of transportation and
environmental leaders. The Competency Navigator is intended to assist
professionals in identifying key environmental and technical topic areas
associated with the delivery of environmentally sustainable
transportation programs. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
created ECB to support professional development opportunities in the
transportation and environmental disciplines.

An *environmental competency* refers to the set of knowledge and skills
needed to perform a specific technical or legal obligation in the broad
range of transportation-planning and delivery processes. The Navigator
customizes tools and recommendations around nine disciplines or roles in
the transportation and environmental professions: Senior-level manager,
Project manager, Environmental specialist, Planner, Right-of-way
specialist, Design engineer, Construction/maintenance staff, Legal
staff, and Civil rights staff

More Online
\[<http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng/newsletters/jun08nl.asp>\]

### Transit Agency Security and Emergency Management Protective Measures

This report provides a systems approach for transit agencies to use in
developing their security and emergency management programs. It replaces
the \"Federal Transit Administration Transit Threat Level Response
Recommendation.\" This document provides a more comprehensive systems
approach and framework for a transit agency to use in integrating its
entire security and emergency management programs with the Department of
Homeland Security\'s Homeland Security Advisory System\'s five
color-coded graduated threat conditions. In addition, this document
provides protective measures to be implemented in the event of an Attack
or Active Incident and during the Recovery phase following an
incident. Available Online
\[<http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Security/SecurityInitiatives/default.asp>\]

**Transit Safety & Security Statistics & Analysis Annual Report**

*Transit Safety & Security Statistics & Analysis Annual Report* provides
uniformly collected comprehensive safety and security data. These data
are collected from all recipients or beneficiaries of the Urbanized Area
Formula funds through the [**National Transit Database
(NTD)**](http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/top_level_pages/RedirectOSSFTA.asp?RedirectedURL=http://www.ntdprogram.com/ntdprogram)
Reporting System. Available Online

\[[[http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Data/Samis.asp]{.underline}](http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Data/Samis.asp)\]

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc200519367 .anchor}**TMIP Connection: Travel Model
Improvement Program Newsletter --Spring 2008**

The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit
Administration have released the latest issue of their travel model
improvement program newsletter. Articles in this issue of the newsletter
include:

1.  Commentary on TRB Special Report 288, Metropolitan Travel
    Forecasting: Current Practice and Future Direction

2.  Boise, Idaho, Peer Review

3.  Web Knowledge and Information Exchange - Update

4.  Correlation Coefficient vs. Coefficient of Determination

Available Online
\[<http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/clearinghouse/tmip_newsletter/spring08_issue29/spring08_issue29.pdf>\]

## UNIVERSITIES

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc200519369 .anchor}**Access to Destinations: How
Close is Close Enough? Estimating Accurate Distance Decay Functions for
Multiple Modes and Different Purposes**

The University of Minnesota\'s Center for Transportation Studies (CTS)
has released a report that explores the relationships between actual
travel behavior and mean distance to various services. Available Online
\[<http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=916>\]

### Connecting Transportation Decision Making With Responsible Land Use: State and Regional Policies, Programs, and Incentives 

The Norman Y. Mineta International Institute for Surface Transportation
Policy Studies at the San José State University College of Business has
released a report that examines tools that can be used by planning
agencies at various levels of government to strengthen the connection
between transportation and land use planning. This report highlights
activities in 17 jurisdictions in the United States that have developed
policies, programs, and incentives to connect transportation funding
with various \"smart growth\" efforts.

Online
\[<http://transweb.sjsu.edu/mtiportal/research/publications/documents/07-03.pdf>\]

## INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

### Automatic Buses in France: end of story?

*Despite the successful demonstration of the French ParkShuttle system,
a magnetically guided minibus, nothing happened since 2004.* This study
reflects the (do nothing) inability of entities to bridge the gap
between the world of research and the world of application. In 2004, the
first attempt to implement ParkShuttle was successfully tested in
Antibes (South of France). The Antibes demonstration purported to show
the people the operational feasibility and efficiency of the ParkShuttle
system (using Frog vehicles: see the pictures on Cybercars website
[here](http://www.cybercars.org/pictures.html)). ParkShuttle was
controlled automatically, and the required destination was selected by
pushing on a control panel in the vehicle. During a 10-days testing
period, the shuttle took about 3,000 persons on a 320-metre long
section, in front of the Vauban port. The hybrid shuttle, with a
20-passenger capacity, was guided by magnets implanted in the road;
obstacle detection was assured by a laser beam with a 30 metres
outreach. This experimentation was a success: very good reliability,
easy set-up, control system never failed, comfort better than a
mechanically guided system, and the obstacle detection a great
success...But nothing happened. More Online

\[<http://en.transport-expertise.org/index.php/2008/05/30/automatic-buses-in-france-ended-story/>
\] 

### National Spatial Data Infrastructure Implementation Strategies

By [Asmat Ali](http://www.directionsmag.com/author.php?author_id=484) ,
Survey of Pakistan, May 24, 2008

More than half of the countries in the world are developing a *National
Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)* ([Masser,
2005](http://gis.esri.com/esripress/display/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&websiteID=89)).
However, research conducted by
[Georgiadou](http://sdi.jrc.it/ws/BeyondSDI/abstracts/Georgiadou-BeyondSDI-GI-Science2006.pdf)
(2006) and others shows that such initiatives are only partially
successful and lack in systematic benefits. This situation calls into
question the usefulness of such initiatives and casts doubt on the NSDI
implementation strategies which have already been adopted. It poses the
question, \"What are the strategies to implement NSDI?\" The purpose of
this paper is to address this fundamental question. Available Online

\[<http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=2775>\]

### New Eye on Transport Issues -- Transport Expertise 

*Transport Expertise* is an innovative and unique Website dedicated to
the "*transport sphere."* Transport Expertise provides readers with
topical news, studies, and analysis using a comparative "touch of
French-American way of thinking" on how transport is managed on both
continents. Two sections are available: "[*TIG in
English*](http://en.transport-expertise.org/)" (French and European
news, in English) and "[*TIG en
français*](http://fr.transport-expertise.org/)" (North American and
world news, *en français*). *Transport Expertise* publishes the
Transport Information Group Newsletter weekly.
\[[www.transport-expertise.org](http://www.transport-expertise.org/)\]

## RESEARCH NEWS & INFORMATION

### Call for Papers for the TRB 88 Annual Meeting January 11-15, 2009

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transportation Education and
Training Committee (ABG20) has put forth a *Call for Three Papers* for
the TRB Annual Meeting January 11-15, 2009 in Washington, D.C.  Click on
the links below for more information, including submission deadlines.  

1.  Adaptive Transportation Organizations and Employees 

\[<http://www.trb.org/utils/CFPDetail.asp?cid=935>\]

2.  Attracting Talent; Keeping Talent - What works for building and
    maintaining a skilled workforce in transportation? 

<http://www.trb.org/utils/CFPDetail.asp?cid=930>\]

3.  How to Get People Interested in Transportation  (Poster proposals or
    full papers)

\[<http://www.trb.org/utils/CFPDetail.asp?cid=931>\]

For further clarification about the TRB Transportation Education and
Training Committee calls, please contact Dr. Emily Parkany
(<emily.parkany@noblis.org>) or the committee co-chairs, Dr. Chandra
Bhat (<bhat@mail.utexas.edu>) or Gregory P. Benz (<benz@pbworld.com> ). 

### Federal Transit Administration Online Calendar of Events 

\[<http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_415.html>\]

### Alabama Puts Mashups to Work

*Virtual Alabama*, created by the state's Homeland Security Department,
uses Google's Earth Enterprise software to generate 3-D representations
of geospatial and related data to help first responders and other
government officials analyze complex situations in an intuitive fashion.
Agencies can create data mashups by quickly pulling together information
from an array of sources across the state's 67 counties, using one data
layer or another, depending on the situation. For example, in a natural
disaster, authorities might need maps that show the location of
utilities and water, power and gas lines. Later, they might need to pull
up high-resolution aerial photos and information on property values in
the region. In other cases, they might pull in video from cameras along
a highway or in schools. More Online
\[<http://www.fcw.com/print/22_15/technology/152677-1.html>\]

### Dallas to Unveil New Rail Vehicles

[Dallas Area Rapid Transit](http://www.dart.org/) has begun modifying
its current fleet of light rail vehicles with the addition of a new,
low-floor section. The modified cars are known as *Super Light Rail
Vehicles (SLRVs)* because of the greater length and added passenger
capacity. The SLRV will seat approximately 100 passengers compared with
75 on the current vehicles. Standing passengers on the vehicle can
nearly double the capacity. A new center section has been added to the
vehicles to increase seating capacity and improve access through level
boarding. The newly modified cars will begin service in early summer
2008. The vehicle conversion is scheduled for completion by the end of
2010.

\[<http://www.metro-magazine.com/t_newspick.cfm?id=9069539>\]

### Fuel Cell Today Fortnightly Newsletter - 21 May 2008 

*Fuel Cell Today newsletter*, a bi-monthly online guide to the latest
news and information from the fuel cell community, highlights the
current state of the world of fuel cells. The May 21, 2008 edition
highlights include: 1) Toshiba's plan to mass produce Direct Methanol
Fuel Cells (DMFCs) by March next year and to build production facilities
with the first product due out of the plant by March 2009; and from 2)
Sharp's release of information about its new generation of high density
DMFCs. The prototype is claimed to increase surface area and maximize
air flow resulting in a power density of 0.3W/cc. Researchers have used
a technique known as layer by layer assembly to develop the alternative
thin film material to Nafion. This thin film is claimed to be much less
permeable to methanol but compares favorably to Nafion in proton
conductivity; however no release date has yet been set for a commercial
product. Available Online

\[<http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/newsletters;jsessionid=053D9982691456910906EFAA586A08BF%5D>
. See also Glossary of Fuel Cell Terms

### L.A. MTA Budget Would Add 6 Rapid Bus Lines

MassTransit Magazine, May 2008. Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (MTA) proposes to add six more Rapid bus lines and extend the
Gold Line east of downtown. MTA unveiled its proposed \$3.37 billion
budget for the next fiscal year. The draft 2008-09 spending plan
includes no calls for fare hikes; promises more money for bus service
than rail projects; and less funding for highway improvements. Online

\[<http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Top-Transit-News/LA-MTA--Budget-Would-Add-6-Rapid-Lines/3$6089>\]

### Metro's Bus Rapid Transit Center

The latest in transportation, bus rapid transit (BRT) is still finding
its way as a new mode. Metro Magazine BRT Center contains all the latest
information on this mode, from links to projects around the globe to
breaking news to industry resources. More Online

\[<http://www.metro-magazine.com/t_brt_home.cfm>\]

### New York Opts for Hybrid Driver\'s Licenses

New York State has reached an agreement with federal authorities to
issue enhanced driver\'s licenses that double as U.S. border-crossing
cards. (Washington Technology)

<http://www.1105newsletters.com/t.do?id=1280934:10193165>\]

### San Diego to Upgrade With New Articulated BRTs From NABI

With a fleet of articulated vehicles already extended past its
retirement point, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System ordered
replacement vehicles from [North American Bus Industries
Inc.](http://directory.masstransitmag.com/buyersguide/Bus/Bus_Builders_Rebuilders_Distributors/NABI_A_Brand_of_North_American_Bus_Industries_Inc._1023.html)
Twenty-six (26) [NABI 60-foot
BRTs](http://directory.masstransitmag.com/productguide/Bus/Bus_Builders_Rebuilders_Distributors/Model_60_-_65_BRT_274.html)
with CNG powerplants.

"These buses are going to add an exciting new dimension to our transit
service here in San Diego," said Paul Jablonski, chief executive officer
of MTS. "When people see them and ride on them, they are definitely
going to create a 'wow' factor...We chose CNG as our fuel path, and have
been converting our fleet over from diesel engines. [NABI's
BRTs](http://directory.masstransitmag.com/productguide/Bus/Bus_Builders_Rebuilders_Distributors/Model_60_-_65_BRT_274.html)
were the only articulated vehicles that met our requirements and offered
a CNG option. So it's a great fit for us," Jablonski said.

Available Online
\[<http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=6109>\]

### Transit Lending Library a Novel Concept 

Contra Costa Times. With a couple pushes of a
[computer](http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=6224#%23)
touch screen, riders can make their daily train trips to San Francisco
more enjoyable. Riders can borrow a novel or any other book from the
*Library-A-Go-Go book-lending machine at the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART
station.* The beginning of the line for East County BART commuters is
the first transit station in the nation to offer such a service. State
and county library officials, along with BART and civic leaders,
gathered Thursday morning to unveil the new *European-inspired service*
and see it in action. More Online
\[<http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_9417981>\]