Institutional Aspects of Multi-Agency Transit Operations

In this project we have investigated the institutional changes that have been undertaken recently by transit properties to work more closely - in partnership and coordination rather than in competition - with other regional public agencies (especially including other transit properties) to help address mutual transportation problems from a regional and less parochial perspective. Our investigation includes case studies both within and outside of California. From the case studies, both formal and informal mechanisms are used to forge strong regional coordination linkages. Several key factors help to create an environment making possible interagency coordination, including an established common vision among the agencies, good leadership from individuals within agencies and a lead agency, persistence of the participants to overcome institutional and operational barriers, and the availability of technologies to encourage and enhance the coordination process. The case studies have shown strong evidence of a continuing shift away from the more parochial perspective to a more regional and systemic approach to the delivery of transit services.