Transit Operational Performance--Exploring Non-traditional Performance Indicators and Methods for Analyzing Policy Impact on Non-urbanized/Rural Transit Operations

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on improving rural transit operational performance. However, the indicators and methodologies employed in analyzing transit performance outcomes do not always favor the rural transit systems due to the unique characteristics of rural transit operations such as the long mileage and service hours involved. Consequently, the utilization of traditional performance measurement constructs that mostly analyze transit operational efficiency may present skewed outcomes compared to the urban transit systems. This study explores the use of both traditional and non-traditional performance indicators and methodologies to assess level of improvement in rural transit operational performance during the implementation of “Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act-legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) policy. Traditional indicators include effectiveness and efficiency constructs while non-traditional constructs were mobility/impact constructs. Combinations of these variables are used to capture the unique attributes of rural transit operational performance and reveal the socioeconomic impact on transit operational performance during the period of policy implementation. The study followed a before-and-after study design with an evaluative case study using Mississippi’s FTA Section 5311 program as the unit of analysis. Methods of analysis include: t-test with time series with regression analysis. A performance index was created to rate the level of improvement of each indicator analyzed. The results of the analyses suggest an improvement in the non-traditional mobility indicators, followed by slight implementation in operational effectiveness indicators, and declining improvement in resource efficiency during SAFETEA-LU implementation. This paper is a part of a broader study, which analyzes the impact of the SAFETEA-LU policy provisions and strategies. This extract from the study, focuses on the performance indicators; offers useful implications for policy and practice and should assist in motivating continuous investment in transit programs. It also has the potential to be used in analyzing the operational performance of other FTA formula programs.