Public Transit PerformanceMeasurement

Measure What Really Matters

Jerry Benson, Ph.D.Chief Operating OfficerUtah Transit AuthoritySeptember 13, 2010

Misguided MeasurementMisdirects Policy

Measure What Really Matters?

• Economic health

• Social justice

• Environmental protection

Measure What Really Matters?

National security– Foreign Oil Dependence

– Housing Affordability

– Movement of Goods

In 1973, after the OPEC oil embargo, the US had the opportunity to change its transportation system and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Instead, Americans have increased annual VMT per capita by 250 percent. Imported oil as a percentage of US oil consumption has increased from 35.8% in 1975 to 58.2% in 2007.

National and Regional Outcomes,

Not Micro-Operational

Outcomes,

Should Drive Policy

Environment

Our Region’s Future

Transportation Land Use

Job Creation

Air QualityLand

Consumption

Traffic

Water Use

Miles of Driving

Open Space

HousingOpportunities

Energy Use

Regional Choices and Outcomes

Land Consumption840

755

557 516409

325

126 85

0100200300400500600700800900

A B C D

Squa

re M

iles

Total Area Developed by 2020 New Developed Area Since 1998

Analysis

Vehicle Miles of Travel Per Day85.3

79.2

76.6 76

7072

747678

8082

8486

A B C D

Mile

s in

Mill

ions

Total EmissionsTons Per Day

2,660

2,511 2,501 2,512

2,400

2,450

2,500

2,550

2,600

2,650

2,700

A B C D

Emis

sion

s

Housing Mix: Current and 2020

71.0%75.0%

60.0%

4.0% 4.0%

13.0%

25.0%21.0%

26.0%

0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%

Current Baseline Strategy

Perc

ent o

f Tot

al H

ousi

ng

Single Family Townhouse/Duplex Apartment/Condo

Total Infrastructure Costs

$0$5

$10$15$20$25$30$35$40

A B C D

Billi

ons

1999

Dol

lars

Municipal and Developer Regional Roads Regional Transit Regional Water

37.6

29.8

22.1 23.0

“Give me a lever long enough . . . and I shall

move the world.”(Archimedes)

The Transportation System is the “Longest Lever” that creates

a Region’s future urban form

The Right Transportation Recipe

• A balanced transportation systemMIXED WITH . . .

• Land use that makes it effective

• Quality service

• Efficient operations

Quality and Performance Management System (QPMS)

Strategic Direction

Regional Long Range

Plan

Vision & Mission

Strategies

Execution

Goals & Objectives

Service Standards

Budget

Controlled Processes

Measurement &

Accountability

Trustees Report

Management Review

Performance Plans

Internal & External

Audit

Analysis & Improvement

Non-conformity

Budget Variance

Continuous Improvement

Goals

Utah’s Challenges

• No regional land use plan, authority.• Multiple MPO’s in urbanized area.• No regional outcome goals.• Unregulated, private parking.• Air quality conformity process doesn’t

enable flexibility, creativity.