Center Identification Number:  77706    

 

Project Title:  Toolbox for Transit Event Investigation  

 

Co-Principal Investigators:

 

Deborah Sapper, Senior Research Associate

Phone: (813) 974-1446

E-mail:    Sapper@cutr.usf.edu

 

Fabian Cevallos, Senior Research Associate
Phone: (954)-234-4183
E-Mail: cevallos@cutr.usf.edu

 

Institution:                             

 

Center for Urban Transportation Research

University of South Florida

Fax: 813-974-5168

 

External Project Contact:     

 

Mike Johnson

Florida Department of Transportation

Office of Public Transportation

Administrator-Transit Operations

(850) 414-4516

 

I.  Project Objective/Problem Statement

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program have identified Safety Data Acquisition and Analysis as one of its core elements. This project will support Safety Data Acquisition and Analysis through the development of a model program with uniform accident analysis forms that can be used by all transit agencies that will help local, regional, and state officials identify event trends. Transit agencies are responsible for investigating the event, recording the event, identifying causal factors, and recommend corrective actions. These investigation techniques and methods often vary among transit agencies. In small rural transit agencies investigation of security and safety events are not formally conducted or conducted on a limited basis, while larger transit agencies may require a more comprehensive investigation. By providing uniform accident/incident investigation procedures and forms, event investigations can be conducted formally and comprehensively by both large and small transit agencies by providing procedures and forms that fit the agencies needs.

II.  Objectives/Tasks

The objective of this project is to develop an event investigation procedural manual and a training module that will assist the transit agency in implementing and complying with state requirements and best practices associated with bus transit accident and security incidents. This project will develop a model program that includes tools and a training module that will assist the transit agency in implementing and complying with state requirements and best practices associated investigation of bus transit accident and security incidents.

The proposed scope of services for this project consists of the following tasks.

Task 1. Literature Review

This task will include a detailed literature review of local, state, national and industry research to identify guidelines, steps, best practices and procedures in investigating transit events.

Task 2. Case Studies: Discussions with Transit Agencies

CUTR will conduct telephone interviews and on-site visits with representatives of up to 6 transit agencies on event investigation. The agencies will include three transit agencies in Florida and three transit agencies outside of Florida. These interviews and on-site visits will focus on each agency’s policy and procedures related to transit event investigations.

Some of the specific areas to be addressed include:

• Investigation policy and procedures
• Investigation teams
• Event review committee
• Investigation steps and process
• Investigation techniques
• Questions to ask operators, law enforcement, public
• Law enforcement reports
• Causal factors
• Corrective action and implementation schedule
• Grading policies and factors
• Forms and software used
• Other related issues.

Deliverable: Technical Memorandum 1: Results of the literature review and interviews will be summarized to provide a discussion of models, various issues and best practices to consider in transit event investigation.

Task 3. Identification of Key Steps and Issues Related to Transit Event Investigations

Based on the findings of the previous tasks, CUTR will identify specific procedures and guideline needed to conduct step by step transit event investigations from start to finish. CUTR will then develop a training module an accompanying video training tool on CD for Transit Event Investigation. The training module and video will assist transit agencies in implementing and complying with state requirements and best practices associated with bus transit accident and security incidents.

Task 4. Final Report

The final task of the research will be the final report on “Toolbox for Transit Event Investigations.” The report will provide step by step procedures, investigation techniques, sample forms and templates used in investigations, along with a model grading system that defines causal factors, and corrective action. The report will also include the accident database and analysis tool that was developed as part of the NCTR Project 527-11 “Analysis of Florida Transit Bus Accidents,” B completed in December 2004.

The final report will be available in printed and electronic format.

III. Deliverables

Deliverables for this project will include the following:

Quarterly Progress Reports – These will be provided to FDOT Project Manager and Research Office. Reports will include the following sections:

1. Work done in quarter being reported
2. Work to be done in next quarter
3. Requested modifications to Scope, Budget, or Schedule, as appropriate
4. An updated schedule

Technical Memorandum 1 – Results of the literature review interviews will be summarized to provide a discussion of various issues to consider in transit event investigation to be submitted after Task 2.

Final Report – A Draft Final Report will be submitted for review. Upon approval, a Final Report will be submitted in printed (12 copies) and electronic format (Word). The training module and video will be provided with both the draft and final report submissions. A project summary (in Word) will also be submitted with the Final Report, per FDOT format.

NOTE: All written deliverables will be submitted in electronic format to the Research Center for processing. Electronic reports should be e-mailed to Sandra Bell at sandra.bell@dot.state.fl.us. Hard copies should be sent to the following address:

Sandra Bell, Research Contracts Administrator
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwannee Street, MS 30
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450

CDs – CUTR will provide 75 copies of the Transit Event Investigation video training tool on CD.

 

IV.  Project Schedule

 

	2005					2006												2007
RESEARCH	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
TASK	A	S	O	N	D	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D	J
Task 1	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Literature Review	22%	52%	77%	100%
Task 2	1	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Case Studies:Discussion with Transit Agencies		15%	37%	58%	80%	100%
Task 3	1	1	1	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1
Identification of Key Steps and Issues Related to Transit Events				2%	5%	9%	14%	21%	29%	37%	47%	88%	94%	97%	100%
Task 4	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	2
Finals Report															17%	40%	62%	100%

 

V.  Project Budget