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FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Success factors in the reduction of highway-rail grade crossings incidents. (4 page PDF)
The USDOT and FRA tasked the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to determine the safety factors that were responsible for the reduction of highway-rail grade crossing incidents. The study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, an examination of the reduction of highway-rail grade crossing incidents during the 1994-2003 period was completed. In the second part of the study, an analysis of success factors for the 2003 through 2007 period was completed. |
MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
Integration of Bicycling and Walking Facilities into the Infrastructure of Urban Communities (166 page PDF)
Several manuals, handbooks and web resources exist to provide varied guidance on planning for and designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, yet there are no specific indications about which of the varied treatments in these guides work well for users. This project highlights best practices and identifies program characteristics associated with high levels of non-motorized travel, with an emphasis on bicyclists and pedestrians. It highlights practices in the California communities of Davis, Palo Alto and San Luis Obispo. The case studies are used to illustrate how urban communities have integrated non-motorized transportation modes into the physical infrastructure and worked to educate community residents and employees. The most salient themes that emerged from this study are linked to the following user preference: (a) distance to desired land uses and activities; (b) route directness; (c) route connectivity; (d) the separation of motorized and non-motorized transportation modes; (e) safety; (f) convenience; and (g) education and outreach. The aforementioned themes are integrated into key guiding principles that correspond to the trip-making cycle, from the decision to engage in an activity through the choice of route to arrival at the destination.
Neighborhood Crime And Travel Behavior: An Investigation Of The Influence Of Neighborhood Crime Rates On Mode Choice -- Phase II (104 page PDF)
There are considerable environmental and public health benefits if people choose to walk, bicycle, or ride transit, instead of drive. However, little work has been done on the effects of neighborhood crimes on mode choice. Instinctively, we understand that the threats posed by possible criminal activity in one's neighborhood can play a major role in the decision to drive, take transit, walk or ride a bicycle, but so far little empirical evidence supports this notion, let alone guides public infrastructure investments, land use planning, or the allocation of police services. This report describing Phase 2 of a research study conducted for the Mineta Transportation Institute on crime and travel behavior--finds that high crime neighborhoods tend to discourage residents from walking or riding a bicycle.
Promoting Bicycle Commuter Safety (176 page PDF)
A basic premise in this report is that cycling should be encouraged because as the number of cyclists increases, the attention of motorists and safety improves; however, an important caveat is that the number of cyclists has to be commensurate with the infrastructure built for cycling to enhance their safety.
Understanding Transit Ridership Demand for a Multi-Destination, Multimodal Transit Network in an American Metropolitan Area: Lessons for Increasing Choice Ridership While Maintaining Transit Dependent Ridership ( 100 page PDF)
This study examines the factors underlying transit demand in the multi-destination, integrated bus and rail transit network for Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta provides an opportunity to explore the consequences of a multi-destination transit network for bus patrons (largely transit-dependent riders) and rail patrons (who disproportionately illustrate choice rider characteristics). Using data obtained from the 2000 Census, coupled with data obtained from local and regional organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area, we estimate several statistical models that explain the pattern of transit commute trips across the Atlanta metropolitan area.
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NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM
Attracting, Recruiting, and Retaining Skilled Staff for Transportation System Operations and Management (163 page PDF)
This report presents guidance to help transportation agencies recruit and retain qualified professional staff in the Systems Operation and Management (SOM) area. It is based on an analysis of SOM career paths, skill requirements, and training needs to identify successful programs, state-of-the-art initiatives, and best industry practices. This report will be useful for all transportation professionals working in the SOM area and the Human Resources staff who address their personnel requirements.
Guide for Managing NEPA-Related and Other Risks in Project Delivery (70 page PDF)
This study was conducted for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Guidelines on the Use of Auxiliary Through Lanes at Signalized Intersections 60 page PDF
Lanes for through movements that begin upstream of a signalized intersection and end downstream of the intersection-auxiliary through lanes (ATLs)-are recognized as a moderate-cost approach to increase intersection and overall corridor capacity. NCHRP Report 707 provides guidelines to use for justification, design, and analysis of ATLs at signalized intersections. The report is aimed to assist transportation professionals in the effective and safe use of intersection auxiliary through lanes.
2011 Summary of Progress Report (171 page PDF)
50 Anniversary At NCHRP (4 page PDF)
Models To Support State-Owned Park And Ride Lots And Intermodal Facilities (46 page PDF)
The report addresses the needs and issues associated with state park and ride intermodal commuter facilities and programs. It identifies deficiencies, best practices, and promising innovations. Research was conducted over an 8-month period and involved interviews with a small but representative sample of managers responsible for administering these programs.
This digest has four chapters, organized as follows:
- Program Surveys-A synthesis of each of the surveyed programs.
- Key Findings and Best Practices-An analytical assessment and identification of best practices.
- Conclusions-Researcher suggestions for managers challenged by the demands for and the costs of public park and ride/intermodal commuter facilities.
- Suggested Research-A short list of suggested topics for additional study.
New IDEAS for Highway Systems (208 page PDF)
Section 1 of this report presents short descriptions of projects completed before the 2011 program year. The products and results from these projects have been applied or are available for further investigation for application to highway practice. The product status is described under each project. Because of limitations on IDEA resources, not all IDEA concepts that prove feasible can be accommodated for follow-up funding by the NCHRP-IDEA program for product transfer. Section 2 presents reports of investigations on projects active or completed during the 2011 program year; several projects in this section are in the initial stages of inves- tigation. Section 3 presents IDEA projects performed under a cost-sharing initiative with the National Science Foundation. |
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
To effectively address traffic congestion across the country,increase traveler mobility,and reduce wasted time and fuel, transportation infrastructure policies must be flexible and multi-dimensional. Some may be well-suited for widespread implementation, others less so, and still others may simply not be practical given local or regional conditions. The broad range of options available to policymakers can be grouped into four primary categories:
» Pricing and other flow management techniques to reduce or eliminate recurring congestion
» Accident/incident management for mitigating the likelihood and effect of non-recurring congestion
» Improved public transit service and other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel
» Strengthened long-term urban planning and development initiatives
Road Pricing Can Help Reduce Congestion, but Equity Concerns May Grow (60 page PDF) United States Government Accountability Office: Report to the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
Highlights (Website)
GAO examined (1) the federal role in supporting congestion pricing, (2) results of U.S. congestion pricing projects, and (3) emerging issues in congestion pricing. Eight project sponsors have current and completed evaluations on at least 1 project, for a total of 14 evaluated projects, all of which GAO reviewed. GAO interviewed officials about the performance of their pricing projects and effects. DOT provided technical comments, which GAO incorporated as appropriate. Con
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TRANSIT REPORTS
Community Health Impact Assessment of Transit-Oriented Development Policy in Saint Paul, Minnesota
The goals of the Healthy corridor for All Health impact Assessment were to:
- Assess the impacts of the rezoning proposal on community health, health inequities, and underlying conditions that determine health in the central corridor.
- Ensure positive health benefits are maximized and negative health impacts are addressed in the decision-making process.
- Empower central corridor local communities to meaningfully engage in the rezoning process.
The core values that guided this HiA included equity, community empowerment, collaboration, accountability, and scientific integrity.
Performance Measures For Public Transit Mobility Management (202 page PDF) Texas Transportation Institute
Mobility management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinated public transportation services that embraces the full family of public transit options. At a national level, there are currently no industry recognized performance indicators to measure and monitor performance of mobility management programs. This research looks at the state of mobility management practice throughout Texas, as well as national best practices in mobility management. Additionally, this research provides an overview of the varying roles of state departments of transportation in public transit mobility management efforts. The research also presents applied mobility management for agencies seeking to implement mobility management programs as well as a menu of performance measures that can be utilized based on the type and level of program implemented.
Understanding Transit Ridership Demand for a Multi-Destination, Multimodal Transit Network in an American Metropolitan Area: Lessons for Increasing Choice Ridership While Maintaining Transit Dependent Ridership ( 100 page PDF)
Mineta Transportation Institute - This study examines the factors underlying transit demand in the multi-destination, integrated bus and rail transit network for Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta provides an opportunity to explore the consequences of a multi-destination transit network for bus patrons (largely transit-dependent riders) and rail patrons (who disproportionately illustrate choice rider characteristics). Using data obtained from the 2000 Census, coupled with data obtained from local and regional organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area, we estimate several statistical models that explain the pattern of transit commute trips across the Atlanta metropolitan area. |
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD
Handbook for Considering Practical Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategies for Airports
(154 page PDF)
As a handbook and decision support tool that assists airport operators in identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and implementing practical, low-cost strategies to reduce and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The handbook and AirportGEAR, the interactive decision support tool developed in the research as a companion to the hand- book, consider a range of strategies that can be implemented by all types of airports- regardless of size, geography, or resources-either directly or in partnership with airport stakeholders, including airlines, airport tenants, and host communities. A user's manual to guide the user through the decision support tool is also included. In addition, fact sheets, which are the foundation and data source for the tool and provide pertinent information to implement the reduction strategies, and a presentation, which provides awareness training materials that can be used by airports to educate and inform stakeholders, were developed.
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VARIOUS REPORTS
Bicyling And Walking In The United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report (248 page PDF)
Alliance For Biking And Walking Media Fact Sheet ( 2 page PDF)
The Benchmarking Project is an on-going effort by the Alliance for Biking & Walking to collect and analyze data on bicycling and walking in all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities. This third biennial report reveals data including: bicycling and walking levels and demographics; bicycle and pedestrian safety; funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects; written policies on bicycling and walking; bicycle infrastructure; bike-transit integration; bicycling and walking education and encouragement activities; public health indicators; and the economic impact of bicycling and walking. The report is full of data tables and graphs that show how your state or city stacks up, and provides unprecedented statistics to help support your case for increasing safe bicycling and walking in your community.
From chaos to collaboration - insight into the future of travel
(48 page PDF) Research project by Amadeus
Their findings are divided into six sections, each of which covers a subject which is essential to the future development of a collaborative travel industry including:- The next generation of experience: The world of the traveller is, in some ways, contracting; travel is increasingly about depth rather than breadth of experience.
- Automatic transit: For the first time ever, checking-in could become the exception rather than the norm, as manual check-in security will be replaced by faster and more efficient systems that track flows of peopl
- Payment with memory: All data on payments made before and during a trip will be integrated, acting as a digital memory of expenditure and activity for individuals, groups and travel industry operators.
- Intelligent recommendation: As technologies make it easier for people to tag and review all aspects of travel experiences, travellers will be influenced by peer groups more
- Taking the stress out of travel: The rise of the wellbeing agenda and changing demographics will place greater emphasis on technologies that help to make travel a less stressful experience
- The business 'tourist': Continued emphasis on work-life balance and wellbeing at work may mean employers encourage people to take time off on either side of a business trip.
Handbook for Considering Practical Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategies for Airports (154 page PDF)
Distracted Driving Countermeasures For Commercial Vehicles
(81 page PDF) Commercial Bus And Truck Safety Synthesis Program
The purpose of this synthesis was to report the state of research and practice with the intent of examining both distractions, as well as any protective (safety enhancing) effects of particular devices. Distracted driving for commercial drivers was defined as attending to tasks not directly related to operating the vehicle
Performance Measures For Public Transit Mobility Management (202 page PDF)
Mobility management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinated public transportation services that embraces the full family of public transit options. At a national level, there are currently no industry recognized performance indicators to measure and monitor performance of mobility management programs. This research looks at the state of mobility management practice throughout Texas, as well as national best practices in mobility management. Additionally, this research provides an overview of the varying roles of state departments of transportation in public transit mobility management efforts. The research also presents applied mobility management for agencies seeking to implement mobility management programs as well as a menu of performance measures that can be utilized based on the type and level of program implemented.
Report Of Minnesota's Mileage-Based User Fee Policy Task Force (24 page PDF ) Minnesota State DOT
The goal of the Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF) Policy Study was "To engage stakeholders and a Policy Task Force, with the intent of identifying and evaluating issues for potential implementation of MBUF in Minnesota." The Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF) Policy Task Force was asked to stay true to this goal, and not expand it's scope to other transportation finance issues.
Safety Management in Small Motor Carriers (92 page PDF)
The report explores small motor carrier strengths and weaknesses and identifies potentially effective safety practices. It found that each company's safety outcomes are more reflective of its own safety practice and operating environment than whether it is large or small. The audience for this study includes small motor managers, as well as government and industry officials.
University of California Transportation Center ACCESS articles
Retrofitting the Suburbs to Increase Walking (pages 2-7) Parking Infrastructure and the Environment (pages 28 - 37)
Transportation Sustainability Program (26 page PDF)
San Francisco Planning Department / San Francisco Office Of Economic And Workforce DevelopmentUS Metro Economies: 2012 Employment Forecast and the Impact of Exports | Including Household Median Income January 2012 (91 page PDF)
US Conference of Mayors
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Marta Perales
Illinois MPO Advisory Council |
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