Winston-Salem Mobility Manager: Data Collection, Validation, and Performance Evaluation

The Winston-Salem Mobility Manager project has served as a test bed for advanced public transportation systems technology since 1995. The aspects of remote data collection, validation, and performance evaluation are discussed. The computerized scheduling software for Trans-AID, the local paratransit system, was accessed and passenger RIDE files were downloaded. Java-based utilities and conventional spreadsheets removed invalid data, sorted urban and rural passenger trips, and compared transit productivity measures. Validated Trans-AID data show relatively few data entry errors, some logical errors, and high time-window violations. Ridership, productivity, and service gains determined by intuitive assessment of traditional measures are not supported by statistical analysis. Rather, the results of t-tests suggest counterintuitive management actions to improve service and productivity. Internet-based methods of data collection, validation, and evaluation demonstrate promise for real-time transit management and agency monitoring.