Productivity benefits and cost efficiencies from ITS applications to public transit : the evaluation of AVL.

In this study, the authors examine the impact of automatic vehicle location (AVL) applications on productivity and resource in transit agencies by using Total Factor Productivity (TFP) techniques. The report first reviews Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications in public transportation. The modelling methodology is then described. Data used from the Federal Transit Commission's database is augmented with information on AVL applications. The results of an empirical assessment of applications of AVL are reported. The authors conclude that AVL has a positive impact on transit firm productivity when output is measured as revenue vehicle miles or passenger miles. (Author/publisher)