TRANSIT OPERATING GUIDELINES: DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC CRITERION

This paper examines the interrelationships and compatibility of transit operating standards for Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Efforts concentrated on determining a control or global criterion which would identify a systematic and consistent governing mechanism for measuring efficiency and effectiveness of transit service. In light of current economic constraints, the global criterion was based on a minimum rate of return by time period of day developed from the existing economic performance of the Edmonton public transit system. The criterion is compatible with city policy identifying system side operating cost recovery objective of 50% from the farebox. The paper also describes the role of the global criterion towards transit service delivery in Edmonton. Further discussion outlines the relationship of the global criterion with other operating guidelines in the development of a cohesive rationalization of transit service planning and route evaluation. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 286189. (TRRL)