Transforming Public Transportation Institutional and Business Models
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2012
Subject Area
organisation - management, organisation - structures, place - north america, organisation - governance
Keywords
Administration and Management, Public Transportation, I10, Economics and Administration, I70, Traffic and Transport
Abstract
This report provides an analysis of and strategy for defining and implementing transformative change in institutional and business models for operating and maintaining public transportation systems. It addresses a wide range of issues important to continued efficient operations, including responding to the needs of affected customer markets, improving operating procedures, implementing effective capital asset management, carrying out long-term planning and mission definition, improving and expanding functional areas as well as expertise and technical skill sets of the workforce, identifying and improving necessary business practices, identifying and implementing innovative funding mechanisms, implementing performance measures and improved governance models, identifying required organizational structures, and instituting effective area-wide collaborative practices. The report identifies the components of transformative change and develops a substantive typology to assist agencies in organizing and structuring an approach to defining and implementing components of productive change. The report further examines potential consequences of change that should be considered by agencies or organizations contemplating new institutional and business models. The analysis is based on a detailed case study approach that examines experience in 13 locations throughout the country and one in Canada, representing a diverse set of agencies with widely varying demographic and operational characteristics. These case studies are described in detail, and case study outcomes are used to help define what contributes to successful implementation. Each of the case studies describes background conditions and agency characteristics, type and nature of transformation undertaken, rationale for change, approaches to planning and infrastructure development, methods of community and agency collaboration and cooperation, outcomes and consequences of change, and lessons learned. The target audience for this study includes leaders who are seeking to transform public transportation organizations. Within transit agencies, the audience includes general managers, deputy general managers, and other senior leadership. Outside of transit agencies, the target audience includes political leaders, regional business leaders, leaders in partner transportation and planning agencies, and other key stakeholders that have the ability to influence the direction of public transportation.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Transportation Research Board, Washington, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Henkin, T., Padgette, R., Knapp, S., Fetting, E., Baker, S., & Stanley, R.G. (2012). Transforming Public Transportation institutional and business models. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report No. 159, 84 pp. Published by Transportation Research Board, Washington.
