TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee (AP055)kutc/pdffiles/AP055/2013-JanAP055CommitteeMtgNotes.pdf · TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee (AP055) Tuesday, January

AP055 Annual Meeting Notes January 15, 2013 Page 1 of 11

TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee (AP055) Tuesday, January 15, 2013

8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Columbia Hall 2

Notes

Roster (See Attachment 1) Meeting convened at 8:00 a.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions

Committee members introduced themselves and sign-in sheet distributed

2. Research Report – Will Rodman (See Attachment 2) a. Paper Submissions & Reviews. 11 papers were submitted for presentation, 6 were accepted. Two

sessions are sponsored by AP055: January 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Intercity Bus and January 16, 2:30-4:00 p.m. Rural Public Transportation

b. Syntheses, Problem Statements and Quick Responses. Discussion of schedule for syntheses, problem statements and quick response proposals. Syntheses are due March 15; Full Problem Statements are due June 15. Quick Response Proposals no specific deadline. Discussion by the committee of a draft quick response study request prepared in October 2012 by Pat Piras as outcome from Town Hall Meeting at the 2012 National Conference, entitled “Identifying ‘State of Good Repair’ Needs for Rural Public Transit Capital Programs.” Motion by Isaacs, seconded by Montgomery to endorse the proposal, passed unanimously. Asked David Chia, chair of the Paratransit Committee to present for potential endorsement by AP060. He agreed to discuss at their committee meeting. An Ad Hoc committee was formed to develop the proposal further. Volunteers included Pat Piras, Jackie Montgomery, Jonathan Brooks and Linda Cherrington. Target deadline for completion is February 15, submit to AP060 Research Sub-Committee by March 1.

c. Paper Reviews for 2014. Rodman passed around a sign-up sheet for paper reviewers for the 2014 Annual Meeting. Those agreeing to review (or those who have reviewed in the past) include the following: Papers on rural public transportation:

Lname Fname Organization Email Weaver Patricia University of Kansas [email protected]

Brooks Jonathan TTI [email protected]

Caldwell Nathan US Fish & Wildlife [email protected]

Cherrington Linda TTI [email protected]

Cook Tom ITRE-NCSU [email protected]

Fravel Fred KFH Group, Inc. [email protected]

Kissel Carrie NADO [email protected]

Monahan Patti National RTAP [email protected]

Ballard Lisa Current Transportation Solutions, Inc. [email protected]

Belz Nathan University of Vermont [email protected] Kerschner Helen Beverly Foundation [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]










Abernathy Stephen WSDOT [email protected]

Akoto Eunice V. EDVACO Consulting/Henderson State University [email protected]

Antrim Aaron Trillium Solutions, Inc. [email protected]

Barboza Jr. Reyes KFH Group, Inc. [email protected]

Chandra Shailesh TTI [email protected]

Ferris Caroline TranSystems [email protected]

Kinzel Christopher HDR Engineering [email protected]

Matsuo Miwa University of Iowa [email protected]

Menninger Heather AMMA Transit Planning [email protected]

Papers on Intercity Bus:

Lname Fname Organization Email Weaver Patricia University of Kansas [email protected]





Honeysett Karen MCI Coach [email protected]

Abernathy Stephen WSDOT [email protected]






Buchanan Brandon ABA [email protected]

Isaacs Randy Isaacs & Associates [email protected]

Goldberg Bruce USDOT/RITA/BTS [email protected]

Gonterman Stephanie Isaacs & Associates [email protected]

Lewis Paul ENO [email protected]

d. Discussion of Rural and Intercity Bus Research Needs Rodman asked for volunteers to serve on Research Sub-Committee. Volunteers included the following:

Lname Fname Organization Email Cook Tom ITRE-NCSU [email protected]






































Burkhardt Jon Westat [email protected]

Edrington Suzie Texas A&M Transportation Institute [email protected]

Rodman Will Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates [email protected]

Addition discussion on research needs. Randy will complete notes from the 2012 Conference Town Hall Meeting and send them out. Additional Topics for Research Problem Statement Development

1. How well is Rural American Served by Rural Transit: The State of Rural Transit. Additional data needed

2. Tourism: Impact of International Tourism on Rural Communities (Carrie Kissel) 3. Rural Livability: The Role of Public Transportation and Economic Development (Linda

Cherrington, Jon Burkhardt, Carrie Kissel) The format for a research problem statement is provided under Attachment 3

3. Membership Report – Pat Weaver and Pat Piras

AP055 completed its 3-year rotation in 2012. Currently we have 21 regular members, 4 young members and 1 Emeritus. The young members do not count against our total membership maximum of 25.

4. Committee Communications Report – Jill Hough, Communications Chair (See Attachment 4) a. What is TRB Standing Committee Communications? b. Developing a plan for 2013-2015 Jill Hough was unable to attend due to illness. Weaver delivered the report on her behalf. This is a new appointment, with emphasis from TRB to create communications chairs for each committee and a set of resources on the TRB web site available to committees to enhance communication efforts.

Accomplishments in 2012 included Jill added to TRB CCC roster to provide access to communication tools. The Committee website was updated to reflect TRB requirements: http://www.trbruralcommittee.org An online form added to conference website and to committee website to help maintain Friends list. iContact list so that individuals can manage entry and exit to the mailing list.

Communication will go out to the committee in the next few months to identify additional communication/outreach priorities for the committee.

5. Rural Conference Report

a. 20th National Conference Committee Report – Randy Isaacs Randy Isaacs provided a report on the 20th National Conference held in Salt Lake City on October 14-17, 2012 at the Little America Hotel. Utah DOT was a local host and URSTA was a local sponsor. The conference was a great success with approximately 325 attendees. Evaluation results from the conference were extremely positive. See Attachment 5 for an evaluation summary report.

b. 21st National Conference Committee Report – Jackie Montgomery. The vote from the committee was to hold the 2014 conference in Monterey, California. Jackie Montgomery and Patti Monahan have





http://www.trbruralcommittee.org/


agreed to serve as conference co-chairs. Planning is already underway with the hotel, the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Negotiated room rate is $160 per night. Program planning will begin in May with the conference planning committee meeting scheduled for October 2013. CalACT will participate in this conference in lieu of a 2014 Fall Conference which should have a significant positive impact on attendance at this conference. The local transit agency, Monterey-Salinas Transit, is enthusiastic and an experienced host for conference events. Tentative date for the conference is October 26-29, 2014 which should avoid any conflict with APTA Annual Meeting.

6. Status of Related TCRP Research Projects

Six TCRP FY13 projects have been identified for funding (See Attachment 1 for the list). Panel nominations are due January 18, 2013 and development of requests for proposals will begin subsequent to their selection.

7. TRB Annual Meeting Schedule for AP055 Sessions

Monday 7:30PM- 9:30PM

Session 456

Smarter, Better, and Faster in Planning and Operating Intercity Bus Services Robert R. (Randy) Isaacs, Isaacs & Associates, presiding Lectern Session

Hilton, Columbia Hall 6

AP055

Tuesday 8:00AM- 9:45AM

Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Committee Patricia Weaver, University of Kansas, presiding

Hilton, Columbia Hall 2

AP055

Tuesday 1:30PM- 3:15PM

TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Conference Planning Subcommittee, AP055(1) Robert R. (Randy) Isaacs, Isaacs & Associates, presiding

Hilton, Kalorama AP055

Wednesday 2:30PM- 4:00PM

Session 797

Smarter, Better, and Faster in Planning and Operating Rural Public Transportation: National and International Experience Patricia Weaver, University of Kansas, presiding Lectern Session

Hilton, Georgetown East

AP055

8. Other TRB/TCRP Business – Jennifer Rosales and Steve Silkunas

Jennifer reported that the attendance at the 2013 Annual Meeting is approximately 11,500, an all-time record. She reported on some of the Young Member Council activities. A meeting of the Young Members Council is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:15 in the Hilton Jay Room. New and enhanced tools are available for conference attendees including flash drives for all papers which will be sent out to conference participants in a few weeks. The Transit Caucus is the Transit/Rail Caucus this year and is being held at the Omni Shoreham today at 5:45 p.m.


Steven Silkunus, Group Chair for AP000 Public Transportation greeted the committee and introduced David Wilcox. Steve is the outgoing chair of AP000, David Wilcox is the incoming chair. Steven reported that 4,800 papers were submitted, almost all on August 1. Discussion is ongoing on how to improve the process. 2014 Theme for the Annual Meeting is Transportation Research and Innovation: Celebrating Our Legacy and Anticipating Our Future. A focus on the difference research has made. The William Millar Award celebrates the best paper. The Burgraf Award focuses on papers submitted by individuals 35 or younger. The 2015 Annual Meeting will be held at the Convention Center with all sessions held there; The Marriott Marquis will be one of the official conference hotel s (1,000 rooms) Additional hotels are in the vicinity. Effort is being made to identify non-traditional stakeholders beyond the traditional ones, for example, APA, ASCE. • Other TRB/TCRP Business

2013 Transportation Hazards and Security Summit and Peer Exchange (Stephan Parker) August 19-23, 2013 Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering Irvine, California Stephan reported on this conference. Will include table top exercises and train-the-trainer. Also noted that TCRP Report 160 on Paratransit Emergency Preparedness and Operations Handbook is about to be released and is available on the TRB and/or TCRP website. www.tcrponline.org GIS in Transit Conference October 16-18, 2013 Keck Center, TRB, Washington, D.C. If you have ideas for submission, talk to Linda Cherrington.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

AP055 Annual Meeting Notes January 15, 2013 Page 6 of 11 Attachment 1 Attendance Roster 2013 Annual Meeting

Lname Fname Organization Email Members in Attendance


Buchanan Brandon ABA [email protected]

Burkhardt Jon Westat [email protected]


Cherrington Linda TTI [email protected]



Isaacs Randy Isaacs & Associates [email protected]

Kissel Carrie NADO [email protected]


Montgomery Jacklyn CalACT [email protected]

Piras Patricia Pat Piras Consulting [email protected]

Rodman Will Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates [email protected]

Weaver Patricia University of Kansas [email protected]

Friends in Attendance Abernathy Stephen WSDOT [email protected]





Chia David The Collaborative, Inc. [email protected]

Edrington Suzie Texas A&M Transportation Institute [email protected]

Ferris Caroline TranSystems [email protected]

Goldberg Bruce USDOT/RITA/BTS [email protected]

Gonterman Stephanie Isaacs & Associates [email protected]

Graham La Tonya Pritchett Engineering [email protected]

Harmin Larry Bridgewater State University [email protected]


Lewis Paul ENO [email protected]

Matsuo Miwa University of Iowa [email protected]

Menninger Heather AMMA Transit Planning [email protected]

Mosbah Simon University of Pennsylvania [email protected]
































AP055 Annual Meeting Notes January 15, 2013 Page 7 of 11 Members Unable to Attend Ahmad Mokhtee FTA Region VII [email protected]


Belz Nathan University of Vermont [email protected] Green Jason Utah DOT [email protected]

Honeysett Karen MCI Coach [email protected]

Hough Jill NDSU [email protected] Kack David MSU [email protected] Kerschner Helen Beverly Foundation [email protected] Lagerberg Brian WSDOT [email protected]

Phillips Robin ODOT [email protected]

Rutkowski Charles CTAA [email protected]

Szyperski Mark On Your Mark Transportation [email protected]









AP055 Annual Meeting Notes January 15, 2013 Page 8 of 11 Attachment 2 Research Sub-Committee Report Will Rodman, Chair

Attachment 3 Research Problem Statement Format

OUTLINE FOR TCRP PROBLEM STATEMENTS

I. PROBLEM TITLE The title should be no more than 10 words. II. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT In no more than three paragraphs, provide a general description of the problem or need. III. OBJECTIVE Include a clear, concise statement of the objectives (anticipated products) that are expected to be met by this particular

research. IV. RESEARCH PROPOSED Provide a statement of the specific research proposed, how it relates to the general problem statement in Section II

and, if possible, the research approach and the tasks envisioned. V. ESTIMATE OF THE PROBLEM FUNDING AND RESEARCH PERIOD Recommended Funding: Include an estimate of the funds necessary to accomplish the objectives stated in Section III.

As a general guideline, the present cost for research usually averages approximately $200,000-$250,000 per professional staff-year. TCRP projects typically are in the $400,000-$600,000 range. A detailed budget is not necessary.

Research Period: Provide an estimate of the period of time needed to complete the research, including 3 months for review and revision of a draft final report.

VI. URGENCY AND PAYOFF POTENTIAL Include a statement concerning the urgency of this particular research. Identify and, if possible, quantify the potential

and magnitude of payoff from the achievement of the project objectives. Any institutional, political, or socio-economic barriers to implementation of the anticipated research products should also be identified.

VII. RELATIONSHIP TO FTA STRATEGIC RESEARCH GOALS and/or TCRP STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Categorize this problem statement using the FTA strategic research goals and/or the TCRP Strategic Priorities. VIII. RELATED RESEARCH If available, provide information on other research—completed, in progress, or pending—that is closely relevant to the

proposed problem. IX. PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM Provide the specifics (i.e., name, title, address, telephone, and fax numbers) for the person(s) who developed the

problem. X. PROCESS USED TO DEVELOP PROBLEM STATEMENT State whether this problem statement is the product of an individual, a formal committee, or another group. XI. DATE AND SUBMITTED BY Provide the specifics (see Section IX) of the person(s) who submitted the problem and the date of submission. Submit to: Christopher W. Jenks, Director Cooperative Research Programs Transportation Research Board 500 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 202/334-3089 FAX 202/334-2006

Attachment 4 AP055 Communication Report January 15, 2013 Communication Action Items from AP055 Triennial Strategic Plan 2012

To Improve Communication Within and From the Committee • Disseminate information on upcoming events with rural transportation content to the mailing list of

Committee contacts and friends. • Utilize new communication tools as a means to enhance education, outreach and information

exchange on the concepts, practices and costs/benefits of rural public and intercity bus transportation such as blogs, podcasts, etc.

Committee Communication Coordinator (CCC) appointed through TRB. Jill Hough was The role of the Communications Coordinator is to work with TRB staff and other committees to help accomplish the following: Identify existing tools that have been, or can be, applied by committees and TRB Identify how

communication tools can encourage broader participation in TRB and committee activities Determine how the committee can support members’ and friends’ communications and facilitate

increased information exchange in support of committee and TRB activities Share and evaluate experiences with other committees Identify communications options that are

most appropriate for different audiences Identify and evaluate new options that may be available in the future; and how committees and TRB should be preparing for them

Develop and deliver a portfolio of communications options are the most appropriate for a specific committee Identify possible TRB actions that can help to facilitate committees’ communications portfolios

Achievements in 2012 Jill added to TRB CCC roster to provide access to communication tools. Committee website updated to reflect TRB requirements: http://www.trbruralcommittee.org Online form added to conference website and to committee website to help maintain Friends list.

iContact list so that individuals can manage entry and exit to the mailing list.

Discussion What are the priorities to improve communication within and from the committee in 2013?

http://www.trbruralcommittee.org/

Attachment 5 20th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Evaluation Summary Report January 15, 2013

1 of 46

20th National Conference on Rural Public and

Intercity Bus Transportation Follow Up Evaluation

1. Conference Program: Please rate how satisfied you were with the program content of

the conference (1=not at all satisfied to 5=extremely satisfied).

1 (Not at

all

satisfied)

2 3 4

5

(Extremely

satisfied)

No

opinion

Rating

Average

Response

Count

Sunday Pre-Conference Training

(Cost Allocation)1.4% (1)

1.4%

(1)

0.0%

(0)

16.7%

(12)6.9% (5)

73.6%

(53)4.00 72

Sunday Pre-Conference Training

(State Management Review)1.4% (1)

0.0%

(0)

1.4%

(1)

7.2%

(5)7.2% (5)

82.6%

(57)4.08 69

Variety of sessions at the

conference0.0% (0)

0.0%

(0)

9.2%

(7)

42.1%

(32)47.4% (36) 1.3% (1) 4.39 76

Overall quality of the content of

break-out sessions0.0% (0)

1.3%

(1)

6.5%

(5)50.6%

(39)37.7% (29) 3.9% (3) 4.30 77

Format of the sessions 0.0% (0)0.0%

(0)

6.5%

(5)57.1%

(44)33.8% (26) 2.6% (2) 4.28 77

Keynote speaker: John Inglish 0.0% (0)0.0%

(0)

10.7%

(8)

28.0%

(21)42.7% (32)

18.7%

(14)4.39 75

Special topic roundtables (Tuesday

morning breakfast)0.0% (0)

3.9%

(3)

13.2%

(10)34.2%

(26)21.1% (16)

27.6%

(21)4.00 76

Michael Melaniphy/Dale

Marsico/Peter Pantuso Plenary

Session

1.3% (1)4.0%

(3)

14.7%

(11)

28.0%

(21)38.7% (29)

13.3%

(10)4.14 75

Tuesday Luncheon Program (FTA

Administrator Awards)2.6% (2)

2.6%

(2)

18.4%

(14)42.1%

(32)27.6% (21) 6.6% (5) 3.96 76

Town Hall Meeting: The Future of

Rural America0.0% (0)

4.0%

(3)

8.0%

(6)34.7%

(26)33.3% (25)

20.0%

(15)4.22 75

FTA States' Program Meeting 0.0% (0)0.0%

(0)

13.5%

(10)

20.3%

(15)14.9% (11)

51.4%

(38)4.03 74

Vendor Displays 0.0% (0)4.0%

(3)

21.3%

(16)36.0%

(27)34.7% (26) 4.0% (3) 4.06 75

2 of 46

3. Conference Communication: Please rate how satisfied you were with communication

leading up to and during the conference (1=not at all satisfied to 5=extremely satisfied).

1 2 3 4 5No

opinion

Rating

Average

Response

Count

Information on web site0.0%

(0)

2.6%

(2)

15.4%

(12)

28.2%

(22)51.3%

(40)2.6% (2) 4.32 78

Information mailed to you1.3%

(1)

3.9%

(3)

11.8%

(9)

23.7%

(18)39.5%

(30)

19.7%

(15)4.20 76

Information distributed at other

meetings

0.0%

(0)

4.0%

(3)

17.3%

(13)

21.3%

(16)

22.7%

(17)34.7%

(26)3.96 75

On-line registration0.0%

(0)

2.6%

(2)

2.6%

(2)

28.6%

(22)55.8%

(43)

10.4%

(8)4.54 77

Printed program0.0%

(0)

0.0%

(0)

7.7%

(6)

28.2%

(22)60.3%

(47)3.8% (3) 4.55 78

Signage at Little America Hotel and

Conference Center

0.0%

(0)

2.6%

(2)

6.5%

(5)

39.0%

(30)48.1%

(37)3.9% (3) 4.38 77

3 of 46

5. Conference Special Events and On-Site Arrangements: Please rate how satisfied you

were with special events and local arrangements (1=not at all satisfied to 5=extremely

satisfied).

1 2 3 4 5No

opinion

Rating

Average

Response

Count

Opening reception0.0%

(0)

0.0%

(0)

9.1%

(7)

28.6%

(22)45.5%

(35)

16.9%

(13)4.44 77

New Attendees Scavenger

Hunt/Trivia Contest

0.0%

(0)

5.3%

(4)

10.5%

(8)

23.7%

(18)

6.6%

(5)53.9%

(41)3.69 76

Monday night Vendor Reception0.0%

(0)

1.3%

(1)

13.2%

(10)

35.5%

(27)40.8%

(31)9.2% (7) 4.28 76

Conference Registration and

Check-In

1.3%

(1)

0.0%

(0)

2.6%

(2)

39.7%

(31)56.4%

(44)0.0% (0) 4.50 78

Conference meals1.3%

(1)

0.0%

(0)

6.5%

(5)

29.9%

(23)61.0%

(47)1.3% (1) 4.51 77

Little America facility0.0%

(0)

1.3%

(1)

2.6%

(2)

20.5%

(16)75.6%

(59)0.0% (0) 4.71 78

Hotel accommodations0.0%

(0)

1.3%

(1)

2.6%

(2)

23.4%

(18)66.2%

(51)6.5% (5) 4.65 77

Information about Salt Lake City0.0%

(0)

1.3%

(1)

11.8%

(9)

36.8%

(28)43.4%

(33)6.6% (5) 4.31 76

4 of 46

7. Which of the general topic areas were most useful to you? (Check all that apply)

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Planning, Program Design and

Coordination54.1% 40

Funding and Financial Management 54.1% 40

Technology and Training 33.8% 25

Rural Operations and Program

Management77.0% 57

Tribal Transit 12.2% 9

Intercity Bus 43.2% 32

Federal programs 45.9% 34

Human service transportation 37.8% 28

10. Is there one particular session from the conference that is or will be the most useful to

you?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

No. 62.9% 39

Yes. 37.1%

23

5 of 46

17. The registration fee for this conference is (check all that apply).

Strongly

disagree

Somewhat

disagree

Somewhat

agree

Strongly

agree

Rating

Average

Response

Count

A good value for the money. 4.2% (3) 1.4% (1) 45.8% (33) 48.6% (35) 3.39 72

More affordable than other

comparable national conferences.2.9% (2) 12.9% (9) 60.0% (42) 24.3% (17) 3.06 70

Too expensive for me to attend

each time (every two years).39.7% (27) 38.2% (26) 16.2% (11) 5.9% (4) 1.88 68

Affordable for my agency. 4.2% (3) 5.6% (4) 52.1% (37) 38.0% (27) 3.24 71

18. Did you benefit from this conference?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

No 0.0% 0

Not sure yet 7.8% 6

Yes 92.2%

71

21. Are you likely to attend the next conference in California in 2014?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Likely 85.5% 65

Unlikely 14.5%

11

6 of 46

23. On the basis of your experience at this conference, would you recommend this

conference to others?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

No 2.6% 2

Yes 97.4%

74

25. The organization I represent is:

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Local or Regional Transit

Agency24.7% 19

Local or Regional Human Service

Agency 0.0% 0

Local or Regional Planning Agency 1.3% 1

Intercity Bus Company 7.8% 6

State Agency 13.0% 10

Tribal Government 0.0% 0

Federal Agency 1.3% 1

Consultant 15.6% 12

University 14.3% 11

Student 0.0% 0

Industry/Commercial 2.6% 2

Association/Non-Profit 13.0% 10

Other:

6.5%

5

7 of 46

26. Number of National Conferences on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation I have

attended (including this one):

Response

Percent

Response

Count

1 42.1% 32

2 18.4% 14

3-5 26.3% 20

6-10 1.3% 1

11 or more 9.2% 7

I can't remember 2.6% 2

answered question 76

skipped question 2

27. If you were a first-time attendee, did you feel welcome and included in this conference?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Not a first-time attendee 32.7% 18

Yes, extremely welcome 50.9% 28

Somewhat welcome 16.4% 9

Not at all welcome 0.0% 0

answered question 55

skipped question

23

Documents

TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee (AP055)kutc/pdffiles/AP055/2013-JanAP055CommitteeMtgNotes.pdf · TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee (AP055) Tuesday, January