PROCEEDINGS OF THE WORKSHOP ON MICROCOMPUTERS IN TRANSIT: AND DIRECTIONS, AIRLIE HOUSE, VIRGINIA, 4-6, 1984. OPENING COMMENTS

Three reasons for this conference are exchange of information, transmission to the general transit industry of insights developed, and assistance to UMTA in focusing the agency's limited assets. UMTA is interested in hearing about staff training, support needs, and the federal role in transit. Two training aspects are in technical use of computers and need to develop functional skills. The administration is asking UMTA to look at charging for technical assistance, most of which has previously been free. Support groups need to identify good ideas not likely to go to the industry without subsidy, a possible role for UMTA and/or the American Public Transit Assn. Technology is changing rapidly and a frequent mistake is application of microcomputer technology to every problem. Technology should be focused only on appropriate problems. another area is expert systems, the so-called artificial intelligence, which can be useful in market research and service design. Many potential applications in the high-tech area are risky and not likely to be undertaken by individual agencies. Microcomputers are new to many small systems which need assistance on proper applications and applicable documentation. UMTA and state departments of transportation can help small operators. Large operators have real opportunities for using microcomputers but introducing them can be difficult. One large-agency problem is that such organizations are not willing to start small. They actually need to introduce microcomputers slowly, department by department. If the transit industry is ready, opportunity for computer-based operating and management support is almost limitless.

• Digital Copy:
  • Purchase a digital copy of this publication for $25 USD
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Urban Mass Transportation Administration

  400 7th Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Paules, G
• Publication Date: 1985-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 1-3
• Monograph Title: PROCEEDINGS OF THE WORKSHOP ON MICROCOMPUTERS IN TRANSIT: ISSUES AND DIRECTIONS, AIRLIE HOUSE, VIRGINIA, NOVEMBER 4-6, 1984

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Federal government; Information processing; Institutional issues; Microcomputers; Policy making; Subsidies; Technological forecasting; Training; Transit operating agencies
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Education and Training; Policy; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00399750
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 31 1985 12:00AM