The Transit Cooperative Research Program has funded a “Quick Response” project (TCRP J-6/Task 82, Standardizing Data for Mobility Management) to assess the exchange of (computer based) data among transportation providers, brokers, customers and human service agencies for successful mobility management undertakings. The goal of this research is to identify opportunities for the standardization of data relevant to mobility management, focusing on realistically achievable objectives that can be achieved in the near-term, including possible specifications, and which can also contribute to more ambitious outcomes over a longer time frame. This research examined the types of data that are used in technologies that are part of mobility management systems as well as the environment in which these software systems function. The recommendations address: • Where data standards will provide value for mobility managers; • The specific data and related protocols needed for improved functionality; and, • Guidelines for procurement specifications for agencies purchasing new technology for mobility management. This report presents the research findings and conclusions from TCRP J-06/Task 82. It includes a survey of both private vendors of scheduling and dispatch software and a range of transportation agencies judged to be on the advance edge of standardized data and/or are Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI) grantees. The survey was conducted using telephone interviews with written questions provided in advance to the participating individuals. A description of the survey and those contacted is contained in Appendix A. This report is organized as follows: • Chapter I: Introduction presents background information. • Chapter II: Context provides a context for understanding the problem, providing both a functional description and various perspectives on the problem. • Chapter III: Data Framework and State of the Practice begins with an in-depth look at the data requirements for discovery and transactional data. It then describes the current state of practice. • Chapter IV: Data Exchange Standards identifies common approaches to data exchange, illustrates practices in other industries, and provides examples of the development of standards in related situations. • Chapter V: Advancing Data Standards identifies considerations in advancing data standards, proposes a core set of data standards for the mobility management community to consider, and outlines work to be completed to advance data standards. A glossary is included at the end of the report with definitions of many terms used in the report. As used in this report, the terms “data standards” or “standardization of data” are used in the generic context to refer to commonly defined data. The term “specifications” refers to the descriptions of such standardized data in a manner that can be used by software developers. (Author/publisher)
Abstract