Synthesis of GIS Applications in Transit Planning and Operations

This paper provides a state-of-the-practice review of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) among transit properties in the USA. The review is based on a synthesis report that the author completed in 2004 sponsored by the Transportation Research Board and the Transit Cooperative Research Program. The synthesis includes a detailed literature review, extensive questionnaire based survey of transit properties, and detailed case studies of six transit agencies that are leading-edge users of GIS in their planning and operations. The synthesis project is the most comprehensive review of GIS applications in transit agencies ever undertaken in the USA. The paper quantifies the use of GIS in transit agencies and presents a typology of transit GIS practice based on the size of the GIS programs, spatial and attribute data management, types of applications in use, and the level of integration between the GIS and other software programs, such as those used in transit scheduling, trip itinerary planning or vehicle tracking. The typology defines GIS in transit archetypes based on their deployment of GIS programs, which indicate how GIS programs typically develop and evolve in transit agencies. On the qualitative side, the paper discusses organizational issues that affect GIS implementation including staffing, resource allocation and GIS program management within the organizational structure. Finally, the paper will draw some conclusions on the impact of GIS in transit planning and operations and how transit agencies are benefiting from GIS. Although based on USA practice, the paper will be of interest to practitioners in transit planning and operations in other countries.