Abstract
Data available from the inaugural year (1978-1979) of the UMTA Section 15 requirement are examined for three purposes: 1) to assess reliability of the data; 2) develop a small set of performance indicators; and 3) to produce a classification of bus systems based upon inherent characteristics. To assess the reliability of the transit data, econometric models based upon previous data sets were replicated. Improvements in data collection are recommended. Development of performance indicators was accomplished using factor analysis. Forty-eight performance measures were grouped into nine performance dimensions. A standardized value on each performance indicator was calculated for each transit property. Transit properties were ranked by their sum on each of the nine performance indicators. Several methods were tested for clustering transit systems into peer groups. The most satisfying clusters were based upon four variables: two representing size–active buses and annual vehicle miles–and two representing nature of operations — average speed and peak to base ratio. Eight groups of transit properties were identified and described in terms of the four variables. The performance of 198 properties on the nine indicators is listed by group. Properties are identified by code number not by name. Despite the inadequacies found in the data collected in the inaugural year, methods were developed which can help managers and administrators data to improve transit management.