Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
3BACKGROUND Over the last 25 years there has been a revival in light rail tran- sit (LRT) which has resulted in the development of many new systems. Of the 20 existing light rail systems, 15 have been built or substantially revitalized since 1980. Another 36 U.S. cities are either planning or currently implementing light rail lines. System maintenance plays a large role in keeping oper- ating costs low. Adequate staffing for light rail vehicle (LRV) fleet maintenance, wayside maintenance [maintenance of way (MOW)], and facilities and equipment maintenance is criti- cal in ensuring a cost-effective system. An ongoing challenge for all agencies is determining maintenance staffing levels. It is particularly so for agencies with no rail maintenance history. In spite of 25 years of LRT system development, there is a lack of information on the subject. A comparative survey of existing LRT systems in this synthesis may help maintenance managers understand the variables affecting maintenance staffing. STUDY PURPOSE AND CONSTRAINTS The purpose of this synthesis is to document light rail main- tenance staffing practices to guide existing and emerging LRT systems. Its objective is to provide information on industry maintenance staffing practices to three groups. The first group is the managers of LRT maintenance functions, so that they can compare their staff levels with others in the industry. The second group is those involved in a new light rail start-up. Although they may also use other staffing rec- ommendations, they would be able to check those recom- mendations against industry practices. The third group com- prises system directors, executives, or board members, who need to understand how the industry accomplishes system maintenance. Proposed staffing policies, requests for addi- tional staff, or pending reductions in staff levels could then be made with better understanding of maintenance practices. This synthesis relied on responses to surveys and ques- tionnaires sent to individuals working in LRT maintenance. The response rate was 50%. The four agencies visited for the case studies were also very helpful. However, it should be noted at the outset that although the sample size is too small to allow any meaningful statistical analysis, the information provided by the participants is useful nevertheless. Ideally, every agency is doing the optimal amount of maintenance necessary. This would allow the best âapples- to-applesâ comparison. Actually, budgetary pressures often dictate that maintenance be deferred. These pressures, and others like it, cannot be extracted from the data available. STUDY APPROACH This synthesis documents LRT maintenance staffing levels and the factors important in their development. In addition to this introduction, it is divided into four chapters. Chapter two updates and expands on the operating characteristics of U.S. light rail systems, as reported in the FTAâs National Transit Database (NTD). This review adds information that may affect the level of maintenance. The information includes characteristics of LRVs in use, characteristics of the operat- ing environment and guideway design, number and type of stations, and number of auxiliary facilities. It is intended to be an overview of the factors affecting maintenance staffing. Chapter three discusses the results of a questionnaire sent to each LRT system. The questionnaire addresses such top- ics as the systemâs basic maintenance philosophy; its prac- tice regarding contracted maintenance; labor issues; and vehicle, wayside, and facilities maintenance issues. The dis- cussion of questionnaire responses provides a synopsis of industry practices. Chapter four presents in detail how four light rail agencies maintain their systems, why certain approaches are imple- mented, and what staff levels are used. The latter information includes the ratio of system maintainers to managers by main- tenance function and the labor input to maintain one LRV or 1 mi of track. Available staff information from other agencies is included. Chapter five presents conclusions drawn from the infor- mation contained in the previous sections. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
