TRANSIT BUS MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT. VOLUME 1: SUMMARY REPORT

Regression analysis was used to develop models of the reliability and maintenance labor statistics reported by 111 U.S. transit systems. From this group, eight bus systems were selected for intensive analysis on the basis of deviations from the expected pattern of performance. Detailed site visits were conducted to identify local factors which were responsible for the deviations from expected performance. Comparisons of the site visit case studies identified several factors which have significant effects on performance. These included tracking and periodic evaluation of maintenance outcomes, driver involvement in pre-run inspections, cooperative worker/manager relationships and avoidance of excessively diverse fleets. A summary of productive management actions was constructed by synthesizing the approaches used at selected case study systems. This report surveys the wide range of factors which influence transit bus maintenance. The survey is based on the eight case study systems which were selected after analysis of roadcall records and labor hours devoted to maintenance. Differences between the eight systems are illustrated by example in this report and factors which seem to differences between the eight systems are illustrated by example in this report and factors which seem to differentiate between the various levels of maintenance performance are identified. The contents of this report include a first-level analysis of Section 15 maintenance data which illustrates how selected factors affect maintenance performance, a description of the rationale used to identify the eight systems for intensive case analysis, a report of the results of these case sutides and a set of recommendations based on a synthesis of beneficial practices identified in the systems studied. Issues covered include: system management practices; local operating environments; budget levels and physical facilities. The eight case study sites are located at: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (The Milwaukee County Transit System); Dade County, Florida (The Metrobus System); San Antonio, Texas (VIA Metropolitan Transit); Syracuse, New York (CNY Centro, Inc.); Gary, Indiana (Gary Public Transportation Corporation); Madison, Wisconsin (Madison Metro); Tacoma, Washington (Pierce Transit) and Spokane Washington (Spokane Transit Authority). Each case study system is analyzed separately (volumes 2 through 9).

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Chicago

  P.O. Box 4348
  Chicago, IL  United States  60680
• Authors:
  • Foerster, J F
  • Kosinski, M
  • McKnight, C
  • Henle, T
  • CRNKOVICH, J
• Publication Date: 1984-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 95 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus drivers; Buses; Case studies; Indemnity; Maintenance facilities; Maintenance management; Performance evaluations; Productivity; Reliability; Vehicle maintenance
• Identifier Terms: Urban Mass Transportation Act
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bus maintenance; Maintenance costs
• Old TRIS Terms: Umta section 11
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Public Transportation; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00395243
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-IL-11-0030-84-1Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: IL-11-0030
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM