The New York MTA isn't the only transit system to spend valuable time evaluating ways to evaluate service, and it certainly won't be the last. TransitCenter suggests one metric to end these kinds of debates.
A post by TransitCenter examines the question of how to properly measure transit performance, in response to a "longstanding internal debate over how best to evaluate subway performance" at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The TransitCenter post argues that in debating whether to use "on-time performance" or "wait assessment" to measure the performance of the city's subway system, the MTA is having the wrong debate.
The agency could quickly adopt a performance indicator that would better reflect reality from the rider point of view and help the MTA more effectively manage its service — excess journey time. Lauded by transit experts around the world as best practice, excess journey time legibly measures the types of delay mentioned above, and can be calculated using information the MTA already collects and analyzes.
The remainder of the post explains the "excess journey time" metric in more detail and makes the case for the MTA to quickly adopt the metric and get back to work on improving the system.
Read the full story: Memo To MTA Board: You’re Measuring Performance Wrong. Here’s What To Do Instead.
What Is Good Transit?
Good Transit is frequent. Good Transit is reliable. Good Transit is (reasonably) fast. Good Transit feels safe.
Wow, These Bus Stops are Close Together! The Case for Bus Stop Balancing.
Appropriate bus stop spacing keeps the bus moving and ensures people get where they need to be in a reliable amount of time.
Madison Launches Redesigned Transit System
Transit riders in Madison, Wisconsin are navigating an entirely new system this week.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello