In many transit service regions, individual travel needs often extend beyond the service area of a single public transportation agency. As a result, a high percentage of public transit riders in these service areas use systems that interface with at least one other public transportation provider. These conditions occur not only in larger metropolitan areas but also in smaller communities; yet, full coordination of operations and services to meet these travel needs and service delivery challenges is often the exception. Under TCRP Project H-49, Nelson\Nygaard was tasked (1) to identify and document the motivations, benefits, and barriers to public transportation coordination and integration that facilitate seamless travel in areas with multiple transit service providers and (2) to provide guidance on how to integrate and coordinate delivery of transit services in areas with multiple transit providers. The Transit Integration Manual describes a range of possible integration activities, potential benefits of integration, and related management responsibilities for efficient delivery of integrated transit services. The Research Report reviews the steps used to prepare the Manual and, in a set of appendixes, provides detailed case studies and summarizes supporting literature that served as a background for the research project. The appendixes also include suggested guidance on overall evaluation of transit integration activities. By reviewing and evaluating lessons learned from past efforts, this report provides guidance to assist agencies in getting started and increase their chances of success in providing fully integrated transit service in areas with multiple transit providers. TCRP Report 173: Improving Transit Integration Among Multiple Providers presents a comprehensive set of guidelines and procedures to assist transit agencies in evaluating, planning, and implementing steps to integrate transit services in areas with multiple transit providers. The report comprises two volumes: the Transit Integration Manual and the Research Report. Together, these documents can help guide the process of transit service integration by (1) showing the benefits of integration; (2) illustrating the range of potential types of integration activities; and (3) describing procedures necessary to carry out integration efforts, including tips for success. This report will be of interest to transit operators, metropolitan planning organizations, and others interested in the coordination and integration of transit services to improve customer service in areas with multiple transit providers. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting