Indicators and Peer Groups for Transit Performance Analysis

Data from the second year (1979-80) of the Section 15 statistics are used, first to test the validity of a small set of performance indicators for fixed-route bus operations, and second to define relatively homogeneous groups of operators (peer groups) that can be compared. Agencies operating 304 bus systems are included. Rail operations were excluded, as were exclusive, demand-responsive operations. The second year data are both more complete and accurate than that reported for the inaugural year. However, data from the magnetic tape had to be reorganized before it could be used with any of the major statistical software packages. A large set of performance variables are analyzed with factor analysis to establish seven dimensions of transit performance. Seven marker indicators were chosen rather than the nine proposed in previous research. Cluster analysis is used to create a typology for transit based upon characteristics of operations that are available in the Section 15 statistics. Agency size (measured by total vehicle miles and number of peak vehicles operated), peak to base demand and average bus speed are used to create 12 peer groups. Results from this research confirm the validity of using a small set of indicators to represent dimensions of transit performance. They will also allow meaningful comparisons between similar systems.