November 24, 1975 Request

DOT Policy

Question 2: Summary of inputs of WMATA for implementing plan for improving efficiency of transit services of the National Mass Transportation Act of 1974.

Assuming this request refers to Section 5(d) (2) of the National Transportation Act of 1974 the following information is submitted.

On September 17, 1975 the Secretary of Transportation promulgated rules and regulations for the Transportation Imporvement Program (Federal Register, Vol 40 No. 181 p. 42976-42984) effective October

17, 1975.

These regulations among other things made the Metropolitan planning Organization in cooperation with the State and with publicly owned operators of Mass Transportation services responsible for carrying out the Urban Transportation Planning process. Therefore the Washington Council of Governments is developing the Transit Improvement Program (TIP) including the Transportation Systems Management (TSM) element. These regulations also established

a target date of March 30, 1976 for the development of the TSM element and the programming for its implementation.

Accordingly WMATA is developing information and plans for those categories of items under the direct control of the transit authority. Suggestions for actions to ensure the efficient use of existing road space and actions to reduce vehicle use in congested areas are being submitted to the appropriate govermental agencies. WMATA plans to submit during January the componets for the TSM

elements.

These will include:

A. Actions to increase Internal Transit Management efficiency

1. A description of the Metrobus radio equipment and Vehicle

(2)

Beginning early in 1976 two-way radios will be installed on all operating equipment. With this installation, service to the public will be vastly improved. Through two-way communication, ability--in the areas of schedule adherence, service dependability and public safety--can be maintained. WMATA also proposes to install a vehicle locating facility which will provide continuous monitoring capability for the entire bus fleet without the need of voice transmission. Installation of this system will require funding through the UMTA Capital Grant Program. As of this date, UMTA is not providing funds for the system.

WMATA has developed a large scale transit map showing bus routes and fare zones for use of Information Personnel, Bus Drivers Orientation and route planning purposes.

3. Revised Bus Condition Report

In an effort to more completely and effectively report mechanical defects observed by operating personnel, a revised bus condition report and a new reporting procedure was implemented on September 28, 1975.

In September 1975, a revised operation Guide was distributed to all operating personnel. The guide includes an outline of the peak/offpeak fares, fare zone maps, hours of peak/off peak fares, off peak senior citizen and handicapped fares, rules and regulation concerning ticket sales, scrips, fare transportation, issuance and acceptance of transfers and others. In addition, the guide includes a listing of all Metrobus routes and the fare

(3)

5. Standard Block Number Systems

6.

7.

A standard block number system is being developed consisting of a leading letter and three numerals. Such block numbers are to be displayed on permanently affixed roll type signs on the bus. This program will be an improvement over the present system in that it will assure the presence of a block number on the bus at all times, thus facilitating positive identification. This will improve the efficiency

of the traffic checking function and supervisory control. It will also serve as the base for identification of buses

in radio communication upon installation of two-way radios. Metrobus Courtesy Program

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has initiated a systemwide campaign to bring meaningful recognition to all Metrobus operators they find to be especially courteous in their duties. This program is geared to improve and stress courtesy, attitude and morale which in turn will improve the efficiency of transit services.

Metrobus Standard Operating Procedures

Goals of the program are to improve the operating safety record, operating fuel consumption, relations with other users of the street and to facilitate and standardize the training of bus operators. The method for achieving the stated goals are to issue the procedures in a convenient package to each operator and supervisor for ready reference and to use the procedures as a base for the training of new operators. "Standard Operating Procedures" create a common base of communications between operators and supervisors that can eliminate misunderstandings when supervisors* observe improper

(4)

8. System Safety Program

JMATA is developing a System Safety Program which will include

4. Assessment of training needs, development of safety training resources and programs and the conduct and evaluation of safety training programs.

5. Development and review of written safety procedures

6. Development and review of safety standards

7. Conduct safety inspections of system installations and work

practices.

9.

8.

Conduct hazard analysis and evaluation

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Documentation of safety engineering data, hazard data catalog,

reports,

safety analysis reports and data, risk assessment

accident/incident

safety performance comparative data

Revised Maintenance Program

On January 15, 1976, WMATA instituted revised maintenance procedures which will assure faster turnaround maintenance and bus repairs, thereby improving the efficiency of the

system.

B. Actions to Improve Transit Service Through:

1. Simplified Fare Collection Systems and Policies

On September 1, 1975, the Authority implemented a new