Research Project:

GIS-Based Integrated Rural and Small Urban Transit Asset Management System

Final Report

PDF version 345k
HTML version 688k

Principal Investigator

Carl E. Kurt
University of Kansas
(785) 864-3787
ckurt@ukans.edu

External Project Contact

David Plazak
Iowa State University
(515) 296-0814
dplazak@iastate.edu

Project Objective

To develop a computerized asset management system specifically for use by rural and small urban transit systems.

Project Abstract

This study developed a methodology for improving the practice of making transit asset investment decisions at state departments of transportation and local transit agencies. The results of a literature review indicated that the majority of studies find there are significant differences in vehicle operating costs between road types (i.e., bituminous versus gravel versus earth), age, mileage, and vehicle type. Vehicle repair/maintenance cost is found to be primarily affected by vehicle condition. In terms of non-vehicle operating costs, vehicle downtime due to maintenance work and road calls due to vehicle breakdowns on the road were extensively studied in relation to vehicle condition.

The major capability of the new vehicle deterioration model developed under this study is to predict the future condition of the vehicle based on the historical records of the selected dependent factors, such as vehicle’s age, mileage, and current conditions. The contribution of possible variables was analyzed, and the factors that affect the vehicle future conditions were specified. The model can identify the relative importance of the independent variables with the given condition ratings shown. In addition, predictions can be made for individual vehicles or a group of vehicles at different condition ratings, both of which are important for the management system. Knowing the percentages of vehicles at different condition ratings in the future, based on the present and historical conditions, a transit fleet manager can allocate the budget more efficiently and accurately.

This study also developed relationships between vehicle conditions and the cost of preventive and corrective maintenance and a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methodology incorporating these cost relationships into network-level and project-level decisions. One can use these relationships and LCCA to select the best maintenance strategies for short- and long-term operations. The models can help in making decisions regarding which applicable maintenance to use on the basis of minimizing total cost. The software developed implementing this system is called RSUTAMS. RSUTAMS is generic in nature, employing a visual interface that allows users to customize it to suit their particular transit asset management database structure and practice through a series of models.

Task Descriptions

Conduct Literature Review
Assemble and Convene Project Advisory Committee
Develop Asset Management System Requirements
Develop Proposed Asset Management System
Final System Development
Prepare the Final Report

Milestones, Dates

Project Start: July 2000
Task 1: September 2000
Task 2: August 2000 (Meet semi-annually thereafter)
Task 3: February 2001
Task 4: July 2001
Task 5: October 2001
Task 6: December 2001
Project End: December 2001

Student Involvement (e.g., Thesis, Assistantships, Paid Employment)

(2) 50% FTE Research Assistants; 2 months
(2) 50% FTE Research Assistants; 12 months
(2) 37.5% FTE Research Assistants; 4 months

Relationship to Other Projects

The activities of this project are focused on "supply-side" issues in that they will result in a management and simulation technology that will be directly applicable to transit providers. Standardizing asset management data needs on the supply side will provide an "output basis" for the activities of other researchers.

Technology Transfer Activities

A project advisory committee will be a key resource in implementing the asset management and simulation tool. Investigators envision this tool to be useful for individual systems, with potential application to statewide transit asset management. Additional technology transfer activities will be managed through LTAP and the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), both of which are managed by the University of Kansas Transportation Center. Technology transfer will be provided through the Multi-State Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), AASHTO's technology sharing effort among state DOT transit units and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Resource Center.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Approximately 30 rural and small urban transit systems have been identified in the four-state region (Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri). The first phase of this project will yield a system that can be readily integrated by some of the larger systems; the second phase of the project will be to adapt the system for smaller systems.

Budget

$225,000

TRB Keywords

transit, rural, geographic information system, asset management