A NEW DIRECTION IN TRANSIT RESEARCH. TRB ISSUES NEW REPORT

A strategic research study launched by the Transportation Research Board made a critical review of the public transportation research program of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Several key recommendations were made by the study committee for a new direction in transit research: operator sponsorship of a joint program of problem-solving research focused on high-priority topics of common interest to transit managers; an assured source of funds for problem-solving research from a required set-aside of federal formula grants by local operators; and a dominant role for transit agencies in managing and implementing the research program. The background of the current UMTA research program is described, and its deficiencies are noted. The research agenda is reviewed, and 7 topics that reflect the research issues of most concern to transit managers are listed. The financing of an operator-oriented research program is discussed. It was recommended that a governing board with strong operator representation be created to give direction to the research program.