THE SIXTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RURAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. FINAL REPORT

The conference theme, Facing the Challenge of Productivity, resulted in extensive discussion of performance indicators. Different uses of indicators by states and local systems, applying performance indicators to personnel issues, and typical ranges for specific indicators were discussed. Whether performances of different rural systems could be compared and whether distribution of funds should be based on such statistics were debated. State officials need information generated by performance indicators to make the case for maintaining or increasing rural transit subsidies; Michigan, Iowa and Pennsylvania all have such programs which were described. Personnel performance can be affected by motivation and goal-oriented evaluations. Because the conference preceded the transfer of Section 18 funding from FHWA to UMTA, there was extensive description of the new procedures. Two alternatives for delivery of service which generate interest were use of private operators under contract to transit or social-service agencies, and the use of school buses to provide other services in rural areas. Computers are being used by rural systems for a wide range of operating and accounting procedures. Good accounting and financial management should allow managers to make decisions which can improve productivity. Transit operators should realize that their operations represent relatively insignificant issues for many local officials and it is important to gain support of the community so that political leaders will also respond by giving their support. Discussion of paratransit vehicles centered on rehabilitation over new purchases and on the unreliability of features incorporated in vehicles for transportation of the handicapped.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ecosometrics, Incorporated

  4715 Cordell Avenue
  Bethesda, MD  United States  20814

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Highway Planning, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Office of the Secretary of Transportation

  Technology Sharing Program, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1983-11

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; References;
• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Information processing; Local government; Management; Paratransit services; Performance; Personnel management; Persons with disabilities; Policy; Private enterprise; Public relations; Rural areas; School buses; Social service agencies; State government; Transit operating agencies; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: Urban Mass Transportation Act
• Uncontrolled Terms: Performance indicators
• Old TRIS Terms: Management policies; Umta section 18
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Design; Economics; Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390136
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-I-83-52 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 2003 12:00AM