Standardizing operations data allows transit agencies to share tools to organize and validate data to make actionable decisions. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that discussed various tools for transit data as well as the development and adoption efforts for new specifications that will allow agencies to better organize information. Presenters explained the process researchers and practitioners used to develop a data specification for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Automatic Passenger Count (APC), and fare data. Presenters also shared tools to leverage location, asset, and passenger data for planning, maintenance, and other uses.

This webinar is based on TCRP Report 235: Improving Access and Management of Public Transit ITS Data and TCRP Synthesis Report 153: The Transit Analyst Toolbox: Analysis and Approaches for Reporting, Communicating, and Examining Transit Data.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program and the Standing Technical Committee on Transit Data.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. The transit analyst toolbox – Polly Okunieff, GO Systems and Solutions LLC

2. Process and findings from a national effort – Cecilia Viggiano, EBP

3. Data specification and next steps – Sandy Brennan, Foursquare ITP

4. Question and answer session moderated by John Levin, Metro Transit

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Access proposed data specification for AVL, APC, and fare data

2. Follow the development and adoption of the proposed data specification for AVL, APC, and fare data

3. Identify strategies, resources, and processes transit agencies are adopting to become more data driven

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.