Assessment of METROLift Automatic Vehicle Location System

This report examines the use of an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system with the paratransit services operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO). METRO provides specialized paratransit services to individuals with special needs within the Houston metropolitan area. The service, which is called METROLift, provides pre-scheduled, curb-to-curb transportation for individuals who are unable to ride accessible fixed-route buses. METROLift provides approximately 2,300 daily trips utilizing 153 vehicles. In 1993, METRO initiated the use of an AVL system with the METROLift service. This report examines the use of the AVL system and its impact on the METROLift service. It includes an assessment of the performance of the AVL system; changes in METROLift response times, customer complaints, backup taxi service, and the ratio of passenger miles to revenue miles; and the reaction of operating personnel. It also identifies additional enhancements to specialized transportation services through the application of ITS technologies. Transit systems throughout the United States and the world are examining methods to improve the responsiveness of specialized paratransit services, while at the same time maximizing the efficiency of the services. The results from this research study indicate that an AVL system can help in meeting these objectives.