Enhancing Transit Communication in Texas (1974-2F)

This report documents a study of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and groups responsible for planning, funding, and operating public transit services in Texas. These include transit agencies and service operators, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), metropolitan planning organization (MPO's), local communities, federal agencies, and other groups. In addition, the study examined the relationships among these agencies and explored methods and techniques used to communicate among these diverse groups. The current communication approaches used in Texas are identified, along with methods utilized in other states. Examples of innovative practices and approaches are highlighted in short case studies. Possible ways to enhance the interaction among the groups responsible for planning, funding, and operating transit services are outlined. The principal tasks conducted in the study included a review of relevant literature, a telephone survey of representatives from state departments of transportation in selected states, and a telephone survey of representatives from municipal and rural transit systems in Texas. Additional information was also obtained from representatives of the Federal Transit Administration, TxDOT, and MPO's for some of the case studies.