ROLES FOR TRANSIT IN TEXAS

This report describes three roles for transit in Texas. These roles are public transportation (services designed to serve transportation disadvantaged individuals), mass transportation (services for the rapid movement of large volumes of persons between fixed points of concentrated activity along high-density urban corridors), and internal circulation (services within large downtown areas, universities, airports, and major activity centers). This report also identifies some of the basic challenges facing the state's and nation's transit service providers. These include the need for increased efficiency throuh improved internal management practices, and greater cooperation and coordination between public transit and highway agencies and the private sector. Funding and cost control measures are clearly concerns shared by the state's and the nation's transit operators. The development of a broader conception of transit that permits more effective pursuit of diverse market opportunities also appears to be a vital concern of the entire transit industry. General topical areas where the Public Transportation Division may wish to clarify and refine its roles and functions are also outlined. These areas include transit funding, the administration of federal and state transit programs, technical assistance and training programs, transit planning and improved communication and coordination between local, state, and federal transit agencies.