Fall 2017 – Dallas

Transit Finance Learning Exchange Workshop
Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Where have all the riders gone?
October 30-31, 2017

It is time for the 2017 Fall TFLEx Workshop. The theme is Where Have All the Riders Gone?
The workshop will be in Dallas, Texas, on October 30-31. The business meeting will be held on Sunday, October 29, in the afternoon.

Program Content/Learning Objectives

As technology in the field of payment systems continues to evolve, the transit industry is recognizing that the fare collection methodologies used in the past are no longer working for current riders.  The industry is looking for new and more flexible options for its riders to use.  On a related note – is outdated fare collection methods one of the reasons bus ridership is on the decline in many parts of the country?  This workshop will have sessions geared to: 1) Reviewing new fare payment systems being introduced in member agencies; 2) review of new payment systems being developed both inside and outside the industry; and, 3) discussion of ridership trends, both bus and rail, throughout the industry.. Additionally, the workshop will have sessions dealing with IT compensation and pay structures and transportation issues in the Portland area. After attending this conference, participants will be able to:

• Share information on issues related to bus and rail ridership, including updated survey results.
• Bring back information related to rail and bus service improvements.
• Identify new transit payment system technologies involving TNC’s and ride sharing companies.
• Identify and share best practices through ”Needs & Leads

TFLEx Fall 2017 Workshop Agenda

Location: Sessions held at the DART Headquarters Building, 1401 Pacific Avenue

Sunday, October 29, 2017 – 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Business Meeting

Monday, October 30, 2017 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where Have All the Riders Gone? 
Part 1 – Ridership Survey results & related observations; what are the overarching issues with so many agencies experiencing ridership declines?

Agencies Response Part 1 – Member agencies’ activities in this area – working with TNCs on first mile/last mile, micro transit, bike share, dynamic carpooling.

Federal update – Funding programs, NTD reporting, TAM reporting.

Part 2 – DART comprehensive operations analysis, rail expansion (light rail, commuter rail, streetcar).

Agencies Response Part 2 – Member agencies’ activities in this area (bus route/headway changes, service expansion).

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 – 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

Part 3 – Fare and Service Enhancements – DART new payment system, kiosks.

Agencies Response Part 3 – Member agencies’ activities in this area – contactless payment cards, mobile ticketing, station kiosks, enhanced bus shelters, Wi-Fi.

Part 4 – Safety & Security, Marketing – DART safety & security campaign. Member agencies activities in this area.

Transit 101 – Review of Module 9 – Procurement

Comprehensive Payments System Update

DART’s Fare Collection Initiative
Presented by Katina Morch-Pierre
AVP Payment Systems And Statistical Reporting

• CPS Project Update
• Account-Based System
• Mobile Ticketing (GoPass 2.0)
• Farebox Decision
• Overall Project Schedule
• Station Kiosks
• Enhanced Bus Shelters

Where Have All The Riders Gone?

Agency Response
Presented by Rob Smith, AVP Service Planning & Scheduling, DART

Like many other U.S. transit systems, DART has seen recent ridership declines, particularly on bus service. We believe this is due to a number of factors. One key issue we are now working on is what we can do to re-design our bus service to better meet current and emerging needs.

DART 2040 Transit System Plan
Kay Shelton, Capital Planning, DART

Transit System Plan Background
Comprehensive Operations Analysis
Priority Capital Expansion Program
Long Range Opportunities
Highlights of Draft 2040 Transit System Plan

Where Have All The Riders Gone?​
New Approaches

Todd Plesko​
VP Planning & Development

Ridership Challenges​
FTA MOD Sandbox Technology Grant​
FTA MOD Sandbox Field Test Mobility Options