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82 A P P E N D I X A Survey Instrument [Survey begins on the next page. Figure 2 displays a flowchart of the survey design.] Survey Input Key: * = question is required ( ) = select a single option (also known as a radio button) [ ] = select multiple options (also known as a checkbox) _____ = open-ended, short text response (input could be text or number, depending on validation and format) open-ended long text response Color and Symbol Key: New pages are indicated by a horizontal line: Survey logic and validation is shown inside a purple box. Piping logic is shown inside a dark orange box.
Survey Instrument 83 TCRP SF-20: Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page exit logic: Skip / Disqualify Logic IF: #1 Question "Do you agree to participate in this survey?" is one of the following answers ("No") THEN: Jump to page 26 - Thank You! Flag response as complete Practices in Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce TCRP Synthesis Topic SF-20 Survey Quick Facts ⢠The survey collects information about how transit agencies recruit, select, train, develop, and retrain their transit schedulers or how transit agencies manage 3rd parties that create transit schedules. ⢠The survey should take around 20â30 minutes to complete. ⢠You can start and stop the survey at any time or start the survey and have someone else finish or add to your responses. o If you received this survey directly from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, your responses will be automatically saved for each page you complete, and you (or someone else) can return to finish the survey by clicking the invitation link you received in your invitation email. o If you receive this survey in some other way, just click the Save and continue later link at the top of the survey page, and the survey system will allow you to save your work. You (or someone else) will be able to finish the survey later. ⢠Please complete the survey no later than Friday, March 16, 2018. ⢠The survey is the first step in a Transit Cooperative Research Project (TCRP) synthesis study being led by Michael Walk at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). Who Should Fill Out This Survey? ⢠The survey is for North American transit agencies that provide at least one mode of fixed-route transit. ⢠The survey is designed to be filled out by someone who manages or has in-depth knowledge of your transit agencyâs fixed-route scheduling practices. If that person is not you, please forward the email you received to the best person. ⢠If your transit agency has two or more separate departments for fixed-route scheduling (e.g., a rail scheduling and a bus scheduling department) that have significantly different practices for managing schedules and schedulers, please contact Michael Walk at m- walk@tti.tamu.edu.
84 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Researcher Contact Information If you want more information about the study or have any questions or concerns, contact the Principal Investigator, Michael J. Walk, at (512) 407-1135 or m-walk@tti.tamu.edu. Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. More information about the study is available if you check âShow more study info.â [ ] Show more study info Logic: Hidden unless: Question "More information about the study is available if you check Show more study info." is one of the following answers ("Show more study info"). More Information about the Research Project Project Purpose The goal of this TCRP synthesis study is to provide an overview of the current state of practice regarding how transit agencies manage the transit scheduling workforce. The synthesis will examine how transit agencies are recruiting, selecting, training, developing, and retaining schedulers. The synthesis will also examine how transit agencies that purchase transit services from transportation providers handle fixed-route scheduling. Survey Purpose This survey is the first step in the study. Survey questions ask about some scheduling practices at your transit agency and how your transit agency manages the transit scheduling workforce. The survey will also ask some questions about the scheduling processes used at transit agencies that use contracted service providers or other 3rd parties to create transit schedules. After the survey phase of the study is complete, TTI will select 5 transit agencies as in-depth case studies. The Final Product The final report, to be published by the Transportation Research Board, will be available free of charge on TCRPâs website. About Participating Participation Is Voluntary This study is completely voluntary. If you choose to participate, you may decide to stop participating at any time. Anonymity of Individuals Survey responses will not be attributed to individuals. Your name and contact information will not be presented in the report or any publicly available data. (Contact information will only be used by the researchers to follow up with you if they have any questions.) However, responses will be associated with your transit agency, and transit agency responses may be available in the final report. 1) Do you agree to participate in this survey?* ( ) Yes ( ) No
Survey Instrument 85 Page exit logic: No knowledge IF: #2 Question "Do you manage or otherwise have in-depth knowledge about the following topics, if applicable to your transit agency?" is one of the following answers ("Yes") THEN: Jump to page 3 - Transit Agency Information Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 2) Do you manage or otherwise have in-depth knowledge about the following topics, if applicable to your transit agency?* ⢠Fixed-route scheduling practices. ⢠Managing transit schedulers. ⢠Handling transit scheduling for purchased transportation. ⢠Managing a scheduling firm to create transit schedules. ( ) Yes ( ) No Page exit logic: Skip / Disqualify Logic IF: #2 Question "Do you manage or otherwise have in- depth knowledge about the following topics, if applicable to your transit agency?" is one of the following answers ("No") THEN: Jump to page 1 Logic: Hidden unless: #2 Question "Do you manage or otherwise have in-depth knowledge about the following topics, if applicable to your transit agency?" is one of the following answers ("No") We need your help getting this survey to the right person! You can forward the survey to the best person in your transit agency by either: ⢠Forwarding the survey invitation email you received, or ⢠Copying the survey link below and emailing it. [survey('edit link')] After forwarding the survey link, you may close this survey at any time. Feel free to contact Michael Walk, the Principal Investigator, at m-walk@tti.tamu.edu or at 512- 407-1135 if you have any questions.
86 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Transit Agency Information Please provide or confirm information about your transit agency. 3) Transit agency full name:*_____ 4) Transit agency acronym or short popular name:*_________________________________ 5) In which U.S. State or Canadian Province is your transit agency located?* ( ) Non-U.S. and Non- Canadian Transit Agency ( ) Alabama ( ) Alaska ( ) Alberta, Canada ( ) Arizona ( ) Arkansas ( ) British Columbia, Canada ( ) California ( ) Colorado ( ) Connecticut ( ) Delaware ( ) Florida ( ) Georgia ( ) Hawaii ( ) Idaho ( ) Illinois ( ) Indiana ( ) Iowa ( ) Kansas ( ) Kentucky ( ) Louisiana ( ) Maine ( ) Manitoba, Canada ( ) Maryland ( ) Massachusetts ( ) Michigan ( ) Minnesota ( ) Mississippi ( ) Missouri ( ) Montana ( ) Nebraska ( ) Nevada ( ) New Brunswick, Canada ( ) Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( ) New Hampshire ( ) New Jersey ( ) New Mexico ( ) New York ( ) North Carolina ( ) North Dakota ( ) Nova Scotia, Canada ( ) Ohio ( ) Oklahoma ( ) Ontario, Canada ( ) Oregon ( ) Pennsylvania ( ) Prince Edward Island, Canada ( ) Quebec, Canada ( ) Rhode Island ( ) Saskatchewan, Canada ( ) South Carolina ( ) South Dakota ( ) Tennessee ( ) Texas ( ) Utah ( ) Vermont ( ) Virginia ( ) Washington ( ) Washington, D.C. ( ) West Virginia ( ) Wisconsin ( ) Wyoming ( ) Yukon, Canada ( ) Northwest Territories, Canada ( ) Nunavut, Canada
Survey Instrument 87 6) Please name the main city, county, or region in which you provide service (e.g., Austin, TX or King County, Washington):_____ 7) Transit agency homepage:_____ 8) Provide or confirm the FIXED-ROUTE transit modes your agency currently operates. Include both directly operated and purchased transportation.* Please follow National Transit Database (NTD) mode definitions, if possible. For definitions of each transit mode, see pages 26â31 of the NTD Policy Manual. Your answers to this question will be used later in the survey, so please answer carefully. Select all that apply. [ ] Bus [ ] Commuter Bus [ ] Trolleybus [ ] Bus rapid transit [ ] Heavy rail [ ] Commuter rail [ ] Light rail [ ] Hybrid rail [ ] Monorail or Automated guideway [ ] Streetcar rail [ ] Cable car [ ] Aerial tramway [ ] Ferryboat [ ] Inclined plane [ ] Other - Please describe: _____
88 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Terminology This survey will use some terms that might not have consistent use throughout the transit industry. The most important terms are defined below. Most of these concepts shouldnât be new to you, but we wanted to define them here, just in case. If youâd like to download this list of terms as a PDF, click here. Scheduling Terms ⢠Trip building: the step in the scheduling process of specifying patterns, span of service, time points, running times, and headways for fixed-route transit lines, resulting in a set of scheduled transit trips. Trip building does not include blocking, runcutting, or rostering. ⢠Blocking: the step in the scheduling process of grouping trips to be operated by the same transit vehicle. Blocking also includes specifying vehicle pull-out, deadhead, and pull-in times. ⢠Runcutting: the step in the scheduling process of assigning blocks (and parts of blocks) to be driven by the same vehicle operator. Runcutting also includes specifying breaks, reliefs, etc. ⢠Rostering: the step in the scheduling process of grouping runs together into weekly sets that include providing the appropriate number of days off for vehicle operators. Particular Survey Terms ⢠Transit schedule: any component of the full body of schedule information including, but not limited to: Timetables (scheduled vehicle trips) Blocks Runs Rosters Paddle boards (a.k.a. trip sheets, run sheets, or manifests) Schedule data exports ⢠Creating transit schedules: the various steps in the scheduling process including trip building, blocking, runcutting, and rostering. ⢠Transit scheduler: a person who is directly involved in creating transit schedules. Usually, this would refer to job titles like schedule maker or schedule analyst and their variants. To be considered a transit scheduler, the person should actually use scheduling tools (like software or even paper templates, if applicable) to produce at least one part of the transit schedule. ⢠Service provider: a company or organization (other than the transit agency) that, under a contract or agreement with the transit agency, is responsible for operating transit service. ⢠Scheduling firm: a company or organization (other than the transit agency or service provider) that, under a contract or agreement with the transit agency, is responsible for creating transit schedules. A scheduling firm may also have other service offerings (e.g., engineering or analysis).
Survey Instrument 89 9) Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules.* Your answer to this question will be used throughout the survey, so please answer carefully. If more than one party is involved in creating transit schedules, select all that apply. [ ] Transit agency creates schedules [ ] Service provider creates schedules [ ] Scheduling firm creates schedules [ ] Schedules created in some other way
90 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Hidden Value: NumOptionsCount Value: [question("answer count"), id="313"] Hidden Value: NumModesCount Value: [question("answer count"), id="4"] Validation: Min. answers per row = 1 (if answered) Logic: Hidden unless: (NumOptionsCount is greater than "1" AND NumModesCount is greater than "1") Piping: Piped From Question 8. (Provide or confirm the FIXED-ROUTE transit modes your agency currently operates. Include both directly operated and purchased transportation.) Piped Values From Question 9. (Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules.) Indicate who creates the transit schedules for each fixed-route mode your agency operates.* If more than one party is involved in creating transit schedules, select all that apply. Only the options selected in Question 9 appear as columns. Mode Transit agency Service provider Scheduling firm Other way This column lists all modes selected in Question 8. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Validation: Min. answers per row = 1 (if answered) Piping: Piped From Question 8. (Provide or confirm the FIXED-ROUTE transit modes your agency currently operates. Include both directly operated and purchased transportation.) For each fixed-route mode, indicate who operates service.* If more than one party operates a specific mode, select all that apply. You should select at least one option for each mode listed below. Mode Transit agency (directly operated) Service provider (purchased transportation) This column lists all modes selected in Question 8. [ ] [ ]
Survey Instrument 91 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Service provider creates schedules") Schedules Created by a Service Provider Earlier in the survey, you indicated that a service provider creates transit schedules for at least one of your fixed-route transit modes. When answering the questions below, think only about the mode(s) for which the service provider creates transit schedules. 10) How long has the service provider been creating transit schedules for your agency? ( ) Less than a year ( ) 1 to 2 years ( ) 3 to 4 years ( ) 5 to 6 years ( ) 7 to 10 years ( ) More than 10 years 11) Under the agreement between your agency and the service provider, does the provider create transit schedules for any services OTHER THAN those operated by the service provider? For example, the service provider could create schedules for your transit agencyâs bus and rail services, but the service provider only operates bus services. ( ) Yes - for which other transit services does the service provider create schedules?: _____ ( ) No 12) What steps in the scheduling process is the service provider responsible for? Select all that apply. [ ] Data collection and analysis [ ] Trip building [ ] Blocking [ ] Runcutting [ ] Rostering [ ] Others: _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 13) How many times per year does your agency change schedules or make schedule adjustments? Enter the usual number of schedule changes per year. _____
92 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 14) Out of the usual number of schedule changes per year, how often does the service provider create the transit schedules? ( ) Service provider only created transit schedules when service was initially implemented ( ) Service provider only creates transit schedules as-needed or as-requested ( ) Less than half of all schedule changes ( ) More than half but fewer than all schedule changes ( ) All schedule changes Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 15) How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the service provider? ( ) Never ( ) Less than half of all schedule changes created by the service provider ( ) More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the service provider ( ) Every schedule change created by the service provider Logic: Hidden unless: #15 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the service provider?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the service provider", "More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the service provider", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 16) What components of the transit schedule does your agency review? Select all that apply. [ ] Running times [ ] Headways [ ] Spans [ ] Blocks [ ] Runcuts [ ] Rosters [ ] Others: _____
Survey Instrument 93 Logic: Hidden unless: #15 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the service provider?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the service provider", "More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the service provider", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 17) Who reviews the quality of the transit schedules created by the service provider? Select all that apply. [ ] Transit agency operations staff [ ] Transit agency planning or scheduling staff [ ] Transit agency administrative or financial staff [ ] Transit agency oversight body or board [ ] A firm or consultant hired by the transit agency, separate from the service provider [ ] Operator or employee union [ ] Others: _____ Logic: Hidden unless: #15 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the service provider?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the service provider", "More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the service provider", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 18) Which transit schedule performance metrics are assessed or tracked as part of the schedule review process? Select all that apply. [ ] No performance metrics are assessed or tracked [ ] Pay-to-platform ratios [ ] Layover or recovery time, percentages, or ratios [ ] Deadhead hours, percentages, or ratios [ ] Peak vehicle requirements [ ] Peak-to-base ratios [ ] Estimated labor costs per revenue hour [ ] Penalty time (e.g., spread and overtime) [ ] Extraboard percentages [ ] Operator headcounts [ ] Platform hours or miles [ ] Revenue hours or miles [ ] Others: _____
94 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 19) Did your agencyâs request for proposals (RFP) or bids to operate the transit service include a requirement to create transit schedules? ( ) Yes ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: #19 Question "Did your agency's request for proposals (RFP) or bids to operate the transit service include a requirement to create transit schedules?" is one of the following answers ("Yes") 20) Did the RFP also include performance requirements regarding the efficiency or quality of transit schedules? ( ) Yes ( ) No 21) Why did your agency decide that the service provider would create transit schedules? Select all that apply. [ ] Transit agency does not have transit schedulers [ ] Transit agency has limited capacity or expertise in its transit schedulers [ ] Transit agency wanted to change its scheduling process [ ] The service provider offered scheduling as an add-on or as a part of a broader scope of services [ ] Other: _____ 22) Describe the benefits of having schedules created by the service provider. 23) Overall, what are the biggest challenges or lessons learned when having schedules created by the service provider?
Survey Instrument 95 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Scheduling firm creates schedules") Earlier in the survey, you indicated that a scheduling firm creates transit schedules for at least one of your fixed-route transit modes. When answering the questions below, think only about the mode(s) for which the scheduling firm creates transit schedules. 24) How long has the scheduling firm been creating transit schedules for your agency? ( ) Less than a year ( ) 1 to 2 years ( ) 3 to 4 years ( ) 5 to 6 years ( ) 7 to 10 years ( ) More than 10 years 25) What steps in the scheduling process is the scheduling firm responsible for? Select all that apply. [ ] Data collection and analysis [ ] Trip building [ ] Blocking [ ] Runcutting [ ] Rostering [ ] Others: _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 26) How many times per year does your agency change schedules or make schedule adjustments? Enter the usual number of schedule changes per year. _____ 27) Out of the usual number of schedule changes per year, how often does the scheduling firm create the transit schedules? ( ) Scheduling firm only creates transit schedules as-needed or as-requested ( ) Less than half of all schedule changes ( ) More than half but fewer than all schedule changes ( ) All schedule changes
96 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 28) How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the scheduling firm? ( ) Never ( ) Less than half of all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm ( ) More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm ( ) Every schedule change created by the service provider Logic: Hidden unless: #28 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the scheduling firm?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", âMore than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 29) What components of the transit schedule does your agency review? Select all that apply. [ ] Running times [ ] Headways [ ] Spans [ ] Blocks [ ] Runcuts [ ] Rosters [ ] Others: _____ Logic: Hidden unless: #28 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the scheduling firm?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", "More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 30) Who reviews the quality of the transit schedules created by the scheduling firm? Select all that apply. [ ] Transit agency operations staff [ ] Transit agency planning or scheduling staff [ ] Transit agency administrative or financial staff [ ] Transit agency oversight body or board [ ] A firm or consultant hired by the transit agency, separate from the scheduling firm [ ] Operator or employee union [ ] Others: _____
Survey Instrument 97 Logic: Hidden unless: #28 Question "How often does your agency review or quality check the schedules created by the scheduling firm?" is one of the following answers ("Less than half of all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", "More than half but fewer than all schedule changes created by the scheduling firm", "Every schedule change created by the service provider") 31) Which transit schedule performance metrics are assessed or tracked as part of the schedule review process? Select all that apply. [ ] No performance metrics are assessed or tracked [ ] Pay-to-platform ratios [ ] Layover or recovery time, percentages, or ratios [ ] Deadhead hours, percentages, or ratios [ ] Peak vehicle requirements [ ] Peak-to-base ratios [ ] Estimated labor costs per revenue hour [ ] Penalty time (e.g., spread and overtime) [ ] Extraboard percentages [ ] Operator headcounts [ ] Platform hours or miles [ ] Revenue hours or miles [ ] Others: ________________________ 32) Did your agencyâs request for proposals or bids (RFP) include performance requirements regarding the efficiency or quality of transit schedules? ( ) Yes ( ) No 33) Why did your agency decide that the scheduling firm would create transit schedules? Select all that apply. [ ] Transit agency does not have transit schedulers [ ] Transit agency has limited capacity or expertise in its transit schedulers [ ] Transit agency wanted to change its scheduling process [ ] The scheduling firm offered scheduling as an add-on or as a part of a broader scope of services [ ] Other: _____ 34) Describe the benefits of having schedules created by the scheduling firm. 35) Overall, what are the biggest challenges or lessons learned when having schedules created by the scheduling firm?
98 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Schedules created in some other way") 36) You indicated that your agency has schedules created by an âOtherâ way instead of or in addition to your transit agency, a service provider, or a scheduling firm. Please describe the âOtherâ way schedules are created in as much detail as possible.
Survey Instrument 99 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") Earlier in the survey, you indicated that your agency creates transit schedules. There are several pages of questions that will follow, all asking about different aspects of managing the transit scheduler workforce. As a reminder, you may save your place and return to the survey at any time. You can also save your work and have someone else add to the survey. ⢠If you received the survey by email invitation from TTI, your answers are saved every time you click Next. To return to the survey (or have someone else work on the survey), just use the survey link in your invitation email, and you will come back to where you left off. ⢠If you received the survey some other way, you should see Save and continue later at the top of each page. Click this link and provide an email address to receive a link to come back and finish the survey. This link can also be shared with others.
100 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") 37) In which section of your agencyâs organizational structure does the scheduling department reside? Pick the option that best fits your agencyâs organizational structure. ( ) Operations ( ) Planning ( ) Finance ( ) Administration ( ) Reports to the transit agencyâs chief executive ( ) Other - please describe: _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 38) At what level of your agencyâs organizational structure does the scheduling department reside? To answer, count the positions that fall within the chain of command between your agencyâs top position and the position that directly supervises transit schedulers. Do not include transit scheduler positions. We have provided three examples of how the different chains of command would be counted. If your transit agency does not have a position that directly supervises transit schedulers, please count the scheduler(s) as a single level. _____
Survey Instrument 101 Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 39) Are your agencyâs transit schedulers also your transit planners? ( ) Yes ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: #39 Question "Are your agencyâs transit schedulers also your transit planners?" is one of the following answers ("No") 40) Do transit schedulers regularly perform or provide input to route planning work? For example, do transit schedulers make recommendations when designing new routes or altering current route alignments or service plans? ( ) Yes, our transit schedulers regularly provide input to route planning ( ) Yes, our transit schedulers provide route planning input, but only when asked ( ) No or rarely Logic: Hidden unless: #39 Question "Are your agencyâs transit schedulers also your transit planners?" is one of the following answers ("No") 41) Do transit planners regularly perform or provide input to transit scheduling work? For example, do transit planners make recommendations when refining running times, headways, span of service, or blocking? ( ) Yes, our transit planners regularly provide input to transit scheduling ( ) Yes, our transit planners provide scheduling input, but only when asked ( ) No or rarely 42) How many transit schedulers does your transit agency have?* If there is no one in a type of position or the position type does not apply, answer 0. Number Full time: __enter a number between 0 and 15_____ Part time: __enter a number between 0 and 15_____ Transit scheduler apprenticeships or interns: __enter a number between 0 and 15_____ Temporary full-time or part-time transit schedulers: __enter a number between 0 and 15_____
102 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Hidden unless: ( Question "Transit scheduler apprenticeships or interns:" is one of the following answers ("1","2","3","4","5","6","7","8","9","10","11","12","13","14","15") OR Question "Temporary full-time or part-time transit schedulers:" is one of the following answers ("1","2","3","4","5","6","7","8","9","10","11","12","13","14","15") ) 43) Briefly explain the circumstances or reasons for having apprenticeships, internships, or temporary schedulers. 44) List the different job titles of transit schedulers. ⢠For example, âTransit Scheduler Iâ and âTransit Scheduler IIâ or âTransit Schedulerâ and âSenior Transit Schedulerâ would be different titles. ⢠List the job titles in DESCENDING order, with the MOST SENIOR title at the TOP of the list. ⢠Only use as many blanks as you need. Job Title 1 (most senior): _____ Job Title 2: _____ Job Title 3: _____ Job Title 4: _____ Job Title 5: _____ 45) Starting wage for a newly hired entry-level transit scheduler: Validation: Must be currency Starting wage (in U.S. Dollars): _____ Pay Period ( ) Hourly ( ) Weekly ( ) Bi-weekly ( ) Monthly ( ) Yearly
Survey Instrument 103 46) Maximum wage for the most senior transit scheduler: Validation: Must be currency Maximum wage (in U.S. Dollars): _____ Pay Period ( ) Hourly ( ) Weekly ( ) Bi-weekly ( ) Monthly ( ) Yearly Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 47) What percentage of your agencyâs transit schedulers are members of a union? ( ) 0% ( ) Less than 25% ( ) Between 25% and 50% ( ) Between 50% and 75% ( ) More than 75% but less than 100% ( ) 100% Logic: Hidden unless: #47 Question "What percentage of your agency's transit schedulers are members of a union?" is one of the following answers ("Less than 25%", "Between 25% and 50%", "Between 50% and 75%", "More than 75% but less than 100%", "100%") 48) What union(s) represent(s) your agencyâs schedule makers? Select all that apply. [ ] Amalgamated Transit Union [ ] Teamsters [ ] American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees [ ] Transport Workers Union of America [ ] Other: _____
104 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about your agencyâs processes for recruiting new transit schedulers. 49) Rate each recruiting method on how effective it is for recruiting GOOD candidates for new transit schedulers. If your agency does not REGULARLY use the method, please answer Do not use. 1 â Completely ineffective 2 â Somewhat ineffective 3 â Neutral 4 â Somewhat effective 5 â Extremely effective Do not use Printed ads in newspapers or periodicals ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Ads in transit vehicles, stops, or stations ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Transit industry periodicals or websites (e.g., Transit Talent and Mass Transit Magazine) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Digital internal job board or newsletter ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Online ads in news or media sites ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Online job boards (e.g., Indeed and Monster) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Posting openings on the transit agency website ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Social media ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 50) Are new transit schedulers MAINLY hired from outside or inside your agency? ( ) Outside the transit agency ( ) Inside the transit agency ( ) An even mix of both
Survey Instrument 105 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #50 Question "Are new transit schedulers MAINLY hired from outside or inside your agency?" is one of the following answers ("Outside the transit agency", "An even mix of both") 51) From what industries or occupations do candidates typically come when hired from OUTSIDE your agency? ⢠Rank the options below by dragging items from the left list to the right list. ⢠The most typical item should appear at the top of the right list. ⢠ONLY rank those items that are COMMON for your agency. If the list is missing an Industry or Occupation that is COMMON for your agency, type it in the comments box below the list. ⢠Recent high school graduate ⢠Recent community college graduate ⢠Recent undergraduate student ⢠Recent graduate student ⢠Mathematics or Statistics ⢠Public administration ⢠Business ⢠Geography ⢠Information systems or Information technology ⢠Computer science ⢠Transportation, warehousing, and logistics ⢠Transit scheduling at other transit agencies ⢠Transit operations at other transit agencies ⢠Transit planning at other transit agencies Comments: Ranked List Industry or Occupation List
106 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Department or Position List Page entry logic: This page will show when: #50 Question "Are new transit schedulers MAINLY hired from outside or inside your agency?" is one of the following answers ("Inside the transit agency", "An even mix of both") 52) From what departments or positions do candidates typically come when hired from INSIDE your agency? ⢠Rank the options below by dragging items from the left list to the right list. ⢠The most typical item should appear at the top of the right list. ⢠ONLY rank those items that are COMMON for your agency. If the list is missing a Department or Position that is COMMON for your agency, type it in the comments box below the list. ⢠Bus or rail operators ⢠Bus or rail supervisors ⢠Dispatch/control room personnel ⢠Operations management ⢠Customer service agents (i.e., employees who field customer complaints or requests) ⢠Maintenance employees ⢠Maintenance management ⢠Short-range planning ⢠Long-range or capital planning Comments: Ranked List
Survey Instrument 107 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") 53) Does your agency have strategies to encourage people in certain industries or occupations who are NOT transit schedulers to become schedulers? If so, for what industries or occupations? Select all that apply. [ ] No, we do not have a strategy [ ] High school students [ ] Community college students [ ] Undergraduate students (Any particular majors or programs?): _____ [ ] Graduate students (Any particular majors or programs?): _____ [ ] Mathematics or Statistics [ ] Public administration [ ] Business [ ] Geography [ ] Information systems or Information technology [ ] Computer science [ ] Transportation, warehousing, and logistics [ ] Transit operations [ ] Transit planning [ ] Others:_____
108 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 54) Does your agency have any strategies to encourage employees within certain transit agency departments or positions to become transit schedulers? If so, for which departments or positions? Select all that apply. [ ] No, we do not have a strategy. [ ] Bus or rail operators [ ] Bus or rail supervisors [ ] Dispatch/control room personnel [ ] Operations management [ ] Customer service agents (i.e., employees who field customer complaints or requests) [ ] Maintenance employees [ ] Maintenance management [ ] Short-range planning [ ] Long-range or capital planning [ ] Others:_____ Logic: Hidden unless: (#54 Question "Does your agency have any strategies to encourage employees within certain transit agency departments or positions to become transit schedulers? If so, for which departments or positions?" is one of the following answers ("Bus or rail operators", "Bus or rail supervisors", "Dispatch/control room personnel", "Operations management", "Customer service agents (i.e., employees who field customer complaints or requests)", "Maintenance employees", "Maintenance management", "Short-range planning", "Long-range or capital planning", "Others:") OR #53 Question "Does your agency have strategies to encourage people in certain industries or occupations who are NOT transit schedulers to become schedulers? If so, for what industries or occupations?" is one of the following answers ("High school students", "Community college students", "Undergraduate students (Any particular majors or programs?)", "Graduate students (Any particular majors or programs?)", "Mathematics or Statistics", "Public administration", "Business", "Geography", "Information systems or Information technology", "Computer science", "Transportation, warehousing, and logistics", "Transit operations", "Transit planning", "Others:")) 55) Describe the strategies your agency uses to encourage people to become transit schedulers.
Survey Instrument 109 56) Does your agency have educational background requirements when hiring entry-level transit schedulers? Educational degrees are listed below; select any minimum and preferred qualifications for entry- level transit scheduler candidates. High school diploma or GED Associateâs degree Undergraduate degree Graduate degree No educational requirement Minimum Qualification ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Preferred Qualification ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) List any required or preferred majors or fields of study: 57) Does your agency have requirements for experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities when hiring entry-level transit schedulers? The table below contains several candidate qualifications that could be listed in your agencyâs job announcement for an entry-level transit scheduler. For each qualification, indicate whether the qualification is listed as a minimum qualification, a preferred (but not required) qualification, or is not listed on your agencyâs job announcement. If you ask for years of experience for the qualification, please indicate the years in the right column. Type of qualification Years of experience asked for Not listed Minimum qualification Preferred (but not required) qualification Select from the following list: N/A, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Experience in transit scheduling ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Experience in transit ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Experience in transportation or related field ( ) ( ) ( ) ____
110 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Type of qualification Years of experience asked for Not listed Minimum qualification Preferred (but not required) qualification Select from the following list: N/A, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 HASTUS or Trapeze) Microsoft Excel skills (or similar software) ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Microsoft Access skills (or similar software) ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Microsoft Word skills (or similar software) ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Organizational skills ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Public speaking skills ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Verbal communication skills ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Written communication skills ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Data analysis skills ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Local geographical knowledge (e.g., local streets and points of interest) ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Transit system knowledge (e.g., bus routes and service types) ( ) ( ) ( ) ____ Knowledge of a particular scheduling software (e.g., ( ) ( ) ( ) ____
Survey Instrument 111 Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about your agencyâs selection procedures for new transit schedulers. Selection procedures reduce the list of qualified applicants down to the final employees who will receive a job offer. 58) Rate the effectiveness of the following tools or protocols for selecting HIGH QUALITY transit schedulers. If your agency does not CURRENTLY use a tool in the list, please select Do not use. 1 â Completely ineffective 2 â Somewhat ineffective 3 â Neutral 4 â Somewhat effective 5 â Extremely effective Do not use Viewing transcripts ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Standardized job application ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Contacting references ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Phone or web conference interview ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) In-person interview ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Standard test (a test to score an applicantâs abilities) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Performance during scheduling internships or apprenticeships ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
112 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Hidden unless: (Question "Phone or web conference interview" is one of the following answers ("1 â Completely ineffective", "2 â Somewhat ineffective", "3 â Neutral", "4 â Somewhat effective", "5 â Extremely effective") OR Question "In-person interview" is one of the following answers ("1 â Completely ineffective", "2 â Somewhat ineffective", "3 â Neutral", "4 â Somewhat effective", "5 â Extremely effective")) 59) Does your agency use a structured interview during transit scheduler phone, web conference, or in-person interviews? A structured interview follows the same set of questions for every candidate. ( ) Yes ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: Question "Standard test (a test to score an applicantâs abilities)" is one of the following answers ("1 â Completely ineffective", "2 â Somewhat ineffective", "3 â Neutral", "4 â Somewhat effective", "5 â Extremely effective") 60) What does the standard test measure? Select all that apply. [ ] General knowledge, personality, or intelligence [ ] General computer skills [ ] Software skills (other than scheduling software, e.g., Microsoft Excel) [ ] Knowledge of transit scheduling terms or practices [ ] Transit scheduling ability [ ] Transit scheduling software skills [ ] Organizational skills [ ] Local geographical knowledge (e.g., local streets and points of interest) [ ] Transit system knowledge (e.g., bus routes and service types) [ ] Written communications skills
Survey Instrument 113 Logic: Hidden unless: Question "Standard test (a test to score an applicantâs abilities)" is one of the following answers ("1 â Completely ineffective", "2 â Somewhat ineffective", "3 â Neutral", "4 â Somewhat effective", "5 â Extremely effective") 61) Who was the main developer of the standard test? ( ) A 3rd party (e.g., a test-development firm) ( ) Transit agency scheduling staff or management ( ) Transit agency human resources staff ( ) Donât know 62) Does your agency provide any information or guidance (in addition to the job description) to help individuals interested in applying to be a transit scheduler? For example, providing a âScheduling 101â fact sheet or directing applicants to scheduling manuals like TCRP Report 30 or TCRP Report 135. ( ) Yes (Please describe): _____ ( ) No 63) Does your agency have any scheduler recruitment or selection practice that you believe is unique or beneficial for other transit agencies to know about? If so, please describe it. 64) Overall, what are your agencyâs biggest challenges or lessons learned when hiring transit schedulers?
114 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about how your agency trains newly hired transit schedulers. Some questions may mention TCRP Report 30 or TCRP Report 135, which are manuals about fixed-route scheduling. 65) How are NEWLY HIRED transit schedulers trained in their first year on the job? Please indicate the effectiveness of each training approach below. If your agency does not REGULARLY use the training approach, then answer Do not use. 1 â Completely ineffective 2 â Somewhat ineffective 3 â Neutral 4 â Somewhat effective 5 â Extremely effective Do not use Self-directed individual training (e.g., modules or scheduling simulations) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) On-site one-on-one training led by experienced staff ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) On-site classroom-style ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Off-site classroom-style ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 66) How does your agency use TCRP Report 30 or 135 when training newly hired transit schedulers? ( ) Neither are used ( ) They (one or both) are provided only as reference documents ( ) They (one or both) augment additional training materials ( ) They (one or both) are the main or only training documents used
Survey Instrument 115 Logic: Hidden unless: #66 Question "How does your agency use TCRP Report 30 or 135 when training newly hired transit schedulers?" is one of the following answers ("Neither are used") 67) Why does your agency not use TCRP Report 30 or 135 when training newly hired transit schedulers? Select all that apply. [ ] Did not know they existed [ ] The contents are too general [ ] The contents are too basic [ ] We prefer to focus training on the scheduling software [ ] The contents need updating to reflect more current practices [ ] The contents are too difficult Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 68) Excluding the use of TCRP Report 30 or 135, does your agency have a documented or standardized training program for newly hired transit schedulers? ( ) Yes, but it is outdated or not regularly used ( ) Yes, and it is regularly used ( ) No, but we are currently developing one ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: #68 Question "Excluding the use of TCRP Report 30 or 135, does your agency have a documented or standardized training program for newly hired transit schedulers?" is one of the following answers ("Yes, but it is outdated or not regularly used", "Yes, and it is regularly used") 69) Who was mainly responsible for developing the training program? ( ) A scheduling firm ( ) A training or instructional design firm ( ) Transit agency scheduling staff or management ( ) Transit agency training staff ( ) Obtained from another transit agency ( ) Do not know
116 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 70) About how long does initial training typically last before a newly hired transit scheduler begins working on a production schedule period or sign-up? ( ) One week or less ( ) Two to four weeks ( ) One to three months ( ) Four to six months ( ) Seven months to one year ( ) More than a year 71) What topics are new hires typically trained on within the FIRST YEAR of employment? ⢠Rank the options below by dragging items from the left list to the right list. ⢠The most important topics for new hires should appear at the top of the right list. ⢠ONLY rank those topics that are NORMALLY part of new-hire training for your agency. If your agency normally trains on a topic not shown in the list, please type it in the comment box below the list. ⢠Local geography ⢠Transit system design (routes and services) ⢠Scheduling terminology and vocabulary ⢠Service data collection and analysis ⢠Setting running times ⢠Setting layovers ⢠Setting headways ⢠Trip building ⢠Setting deadhead times ⢠Blocking ⢠Runcutting ⢠Rostering ⢠Garage assignment ⢠Operator or union work rules ⢠Vehicle types and operations rules ⢠Schedule metrics (e.g., pay-to-platform ratio) ⢠Schedule optimization ⢠Scheduling software basics ⢠Scheduling software intermediate skills ⢠Scheduling software advanced skills Comments: Ranked List Topic List
Survey Instrument 117 72) Who normally trains newly hired transit schedulers? Select all that apply. [ ] Other transit schedulers in the same job classification or level [ ] Lead or senior transit schedulers [ ] Scheduling management [ ] Specialized in-house trainers [ ] Contracted or external trainers [ ] Training is self-directed 73) Overall, what are your agencyâs biggest challenges or lessons learned when providing training for newly hired transit schedulers?
118 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about how your agency provides ongoing training and development to your CURRENT transit schedulers (not new hires). Some questions may mention TCRP Report 30 or TCRP Report 135, which are manuals about fixed-route scheduling. 74) In the last five years, has your agency used an external scheduling training firm or other consultant to provide training to your agencyâs transit schedulers (excluding new- hire training)? ( ) Yes ( ) No 75) What in-house staff provide ongoing training and development to transit schedulers? Select all that apply. [ ] Specialized scheduling trainers [ ] Lead or senior transit schedulers [ ] Schedule department management [ ] Others: _____ [ ] No in-house staff Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 76) How does your agency use TCRP Report 30 or 135 for ongoing training and development of transit schedulers? ( ) Neither are used ( ) They (one or both) are provided only as reference documents ( ) They (one or both) augment additional training materials ( ) They (one or both) are the main or only training documents used
Survey Instrument 119 Logic: Hidden unless: #76 Question "How does your agency use TCRP Report 30 or 135 for ongoing training and development of transit schedulers?" is one of the following answers ("Neither are used") 77) Why does your agency not use TCRP Report 30 or 135 in the ongoing training and development of transit schedulers? Select all that apply. [ ] Did not know they existed [ ] The contents are too general [ ] The contents are too basic [ ] We prefer to focus training on the scheduling software [ ] The contents need updating to reflect more current practices [ ] The contents are too difficult Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 78) Apart from new-hire training and TCRP Report 30 or 135, does your agency have a documented or standardized training program for transit schedulers? ( ) Yes, but it is outdated or not regularly used ( ) Yes, and it is regularly used ( ) No, but we are currently developing one ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: #78 Question "Apart from new hire training and TCRP Report 30 or 135, does your agency have a documented or standardized training program for transit schedulers?" is one of the following answers ("Yes, but it is outdated or not regularly used", "Yes, and it is regularly used") 79) Who was mainly responsible for developing the training program? ( ) A scheduling firm ( ) A training or instructional design firm ( ) Transit agency scheduling staff or management ( ) Transit agency training staff ( ) Do not know
120 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 80) What content is part of ongoing training and development for transit schedulers? ⢠Rank the options below by dragging items from the left list to the right list. ⢠The most important topics for ongoing training should appear at the top of the right list. ⢠ONLY rank those topics that are NORMALLY part of ongoing training. If the list is missing a topic that is NORMALLY part of ongoing training at your agency, type it into the comments box below the list. ⢠Local geography ⢠Transit system design (routes and services) ⢠Scheduling terminology and vocabulary ⢠Service data collection and analysis ⢠Setting running times ⢠Setting layovers ⢠Setting headways ⢠Trip building ⢠Setting deadhead times ⢠Blocking ⢠Runcutting ⢠Rostering ⢠Garage assignment ⢠Operator or union work rules ⢠Vehicle types and operations rules ⢠Schedule metrics (e.g., pay-to-platform ratio) ⢠Schedule optimization ⢠Scheduling software basics ⢠Scheduling software intermediate skills ⢠Scheduling software advanced skills ⢠Other - Write In Comments: Validation: Min = 1 Max = 20 81) How many years of experience does a transit scheduler typically need before he or she reaches full competency in creating high quality and efficient transit schedules? 1 _____[__]_____ 20 Ranked ListTopic List
Survey Instrument 121 Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 82) Does your agency use any specific training to advance transit schedulersâ abilities to analyze and use data during schedule creation? ( ) Yes ( ) No Logic: Hidden unless: #82 Question "Does your agency use any specific training to advance transit schedulersâ abilities to analyze and use data during schedule creation?" is one of the following answers ("Yes") 83) Please describe this training. 84) Overall, what are your agencyâs biggest challenges or lessons learned when providing ongoing training for transit schedulers?
122 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") Although a team effort, creating transit schedules does require well-performed work by individual transit schedulers. This page asks about your agencyâs practices to manage the performance of its individual transit schedulers. Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 85) What practices does your agency regularly use to manage and improve an individual transit schedulerâs performance? Select all that apply. [ ] Measuring schedule performance metrics (e.g., pay-to-platform ratio) [ ] Measuring service performance metrics (e.g., on-time performance) [ ] Measuring total costs, vehicles, or operator requirements [ ] Tracking schedule mistakes and corrective actions [ ] Seeking satisfaction feedback from schedule users (e.g., operators and operations supervision) [ ] Taking disciplinary measures for poor performance [ ] Providing financial incentives for achieving schedule goals or metrics [ ] Providing recognition (without financial compensation) for achieving schedule goals or metrics [ ] Training as and when requested by a transit scheduler [ ] Annual refresher courses on scheduling practices [ ] Other: _ [ ] None
Survey Instrument 123 Logic: Hidden unless: #85 Question "What practices does your agency regularly use to manage and improve an individual transit schedulerâs performance?" is one of the following answers ("Measuring schedule performance metrics (e.g., pay-to-platform ratio)") 86) Which transit schedule performance metrics are measured when managing individual transit scheduler performance? Select all that apply. [ ] Pay-to-platform ratio [ ] Deadhead percentage or ratio [ ] Layover or recovery percentage or ratio [ ] Peak vehicle requirement [ ] Peak-to-base ratio [ ] Estimated labor cost per revenue hour [ ] Penalty time (e.g., spread and overtime) [ ] Extraboard percentages [ ] Other: _____ Logic: Hidden unless: #85 Question "What practices does your agency regularly use to manage and improve an individual transit schedulerâs performance?" is one of the following answers ("Measuring service performance metrics (e.g., on-time performance)") 87) Which service performance metrics are measured when managing individual transit scheduler performance? Select all that apply. [ ] On-time performance or similar reliability metrics [ ] Ridership [ ] Safety (e.g., accidents and speeding occurrences) [ ] Customer complaints/compliments [ ] Other: _____
124 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 88) Are transit schedulers assigned specific divisions, services, routes, or other groups of scheduling work to perform? For example, a transit scheduler might be in charge of creating the schedule for a specific bus division/garage. ( ) Yes â every transit scheduler has a specific group of work to perform ( ) Yes â some transit schedulers have specific groups of work, while others share responsibilities ( ) No â all work is shared among all transit schedulers Logic: Hidden unless: #88 Question "Are transit schedulers assigned specific divisions, services, routes, or other groups of scheduling work to perform?" is one of the following answers ("Yes â every transit scheduler has a specific group of work to perform", "Yes some transit schedulers have specific groups of work, while others share responsibilities") 89) How effective is assigning specific groups of work to individual transit schedulers in schedule quality control and improvement? ( ) 1 â Completely ineffective ( ) 2 â Somewhat ineffective ( ) 3 â Neutral ( ) 4 â Somewhat effective ( ) 5 â Extremely effective 90) How does your agency evaluate whether a given transit schedulerâs work is optimal? That is, how do you know when a transit scheduler has done the best work possible? 91) Performance problems are issues with the timeliness or quality of the employeeâs work product and do not include behavioral or attendance problems. How does your agency handle and correct ongoing, repeat performance problems with an individual transit scheduler? 92) What is typically the final disposition of an employee with an ongoing, repeating performance problem that cannot be corrected? ( ) Continually attempt to correct through training ( ) Transfer the employee to a different transit agency position ( ) Terminate the employee
Survey Instrument 125 93) Overall, what are your agencyâs biggest challenges or lessons learned when trying to manage and improve an individual transit schedulerâs performance? Logic: Hidden unless: #85 Question "What practices does your agency regularly use to manage and improve an individual transit schedulerâs performance?" is one of the following answers ("Measuring schedule performance metrics (e.g., pay-to-platform ratio)", "Measuring service performance metrics (e.g., on-time performance)", "Measuring total costs, vehicles, or operator requirements", "Tracking schedule mistakes and corrective actions", "Seeking satisfaction feedback from schedule users (e.g., operators and operations supervision)", "Taking disciplinary measures for poor performance", "Providing financial incentives for achieving schedule goals or metrics", "Providing recognition (without financial compensation) for achieving schedule goals or metrics", "Training as and when requested by a transit scheduler", "Annual refresher courses on scheduling practices", "Other:") 94) What benefits have resulted from managing and improving an individual transit schedulerâs performance?
126 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about your agencyâs trends and practices in transit scheduler retention. Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 95) How many transit schedulers has your agency HIRED within the last 5 years? Please provide your best estimate. Include any hires that fell into the different transit scheduler job titles you provided on a previous survey page. If you listed job titles, they are provided below for your reference: [Survey presented the list of job titles from Question 44.] Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 96) How many transit schedulers have RETIRED within the last 5 years? _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 97) How many of your agencyâs transit schedulers are currently eligible to retire? Please include any people in the transit scheduler job titles you listed previously. _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 98) Please provide the average (mean) years of service of your agencyâs CURRENT transit schedulers. Average years of service as a transit scheduler: _____ Average total years of service at your agency (including all positions held): _____
Survey Instrument 127 Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 99) About how many years do transit schedulers typically spend in other agency positions before becoming schedulers? _____ Validation: Must be numeric whole numbers only 100) About how many years do transit schedulers typically stay in the role of scheduler before changing jobs or retiring? _____ Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 101) Does your agency currently have specific practices in place to help manage and improve transit scheduler retention? ( ) Yes ( ) No
128 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Hidden unless: #101 Question "Does your agency currently have specific practices in place to help manage and improve transit scheduler retention?" is one of the following answers ("Yes") 102) Rate the effectiveness of the following practices for improving transit scheduler retention. If your agency does not use a specific practice in the table below, please respond Do not use. 1 â Completely ineffective 2 â Somewhat ineffective 3 â Neutral 4 â Somewhat effective 5 â Extremely effective Do not use Regular wage increases ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Bonuses specifically based on tenure (a.k.a. retention bonuses) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Performance bonuses or rewards ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Providing opportunities for overtime ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Encouraging volunteer service in the community ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Supporting career advancement ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Ongoing training and professional development ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Department or agency social events ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Continually improving the working environment ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Flexible hours ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) Flexible working location ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Survey Instrument 129 Logic: Hidden unless: #101 Question "Does your agency currently have specific practices in place to help manage and improve transit scheduler retention?" is one of the following answers ("Yes") 103) Has your agency experienced benefits of having specific transit scheduler retention practices in place? If so, what are they? 104) Are your agencyâs wages and benefits for transit schedulers competitive with other transit agencies similar to yours? ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Not sure 105) Overall, what are your agencyâs biggest challenges or lessons learned regarding retraining transit schedulers?
130 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about how transit schedulers interface with other stakeholders and departments and what roles those other stakeholders have in the scheduling process. Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 106) What departments or groups are given a regular opportunity to provide input to the creation of transit schedules? Select all groups that provide input to the DETAILS of schedule creation, but do not include groups that only provide general ideas or suggestions. [ ] Bus or rail operators [ ] Bus or rail supervisors [ ] Dispatch/control room personnel [ ] Operations management [ ] Customer service agents (i.e., employees who field customer complaints or requests but who are not part of another department listed here) [ ] Maintenance employees [ ] Maintenance management [ ] Short-range planning or bus/rail planning [ ] Long-range or capital planning [ ] Union representatives or leaders [ ] Community members and general public [ ] Transit agency oversight body or board [ ] Others: _ [ ] None of the above
Survey Instrument 131 Logic: Hidden unless: #106 Question "What departments or groups are given a regular opportunity to provide input to the creation of transit schedules?" is one of the following answers ("Bus or rail operators", "Bus or rail supervisors", "Dispatch/control room personnel", "Operations management", "Customer service agents (i.e., employees who field customer complaints or requests but who are not part of another department listed here)", "Maintenance employees", "Maintenance management", "Short-range planning or bus/rail planning", "Long-range or capital planning", "Union representatives or leaders", "Community members and general public", "Transit agency oversight body or board", "Others:") 107) How do transit schedulers usually receive feedback from the departments or groups selected above? ( ) Feedback is provided directly to transit schedulers (e.g., bus operators talk directly with transit schedulers). ( ) Feedback is provided to scheduling management and then is passed on to transit schedulers. ( ) A mix of the above. 108) Are transit schedulers expected to directly discuss scheduling issues with transit agency staff (e.g., meeting face-to-face with bus operators or street supervisors)? ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Sometimes 109) Are transit schedulers expected to directly discuss scheduling issues with members of the general public and transit customers? ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Sometimes
132 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Logic: Show/hide trigger exists. 110) What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)? Select all that apply. [ ] Automated passenger counter (APC) [ ] Computer-aided dispatch / Automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL) [ ] Farebox [ ] Customer feedback (complaints and compliments) [ ] Customer surveys [ ] Vehicle operator feedback (complaints and compliments) [ ] Vehicle operator surveys [ ] External data sources (e.g., Google Maps or INRIX) [ ] Others: _ [ ] None are regularly used
Survey Instrument 133 Logic: Hidden unless: #110 Question "What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)?" is one of the following answers ("Automated passenger counter (APC)", "Computer-aided dispatch / Automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL)", "Farebox", "Customer feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Customer surveys", "Vehicle operator feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Vehicle operator surveys", "External data sources (e.g., Google Maps or INRIX)", "Others:") Piping: Piped From Question 110. (What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)?) How are these sources of data used? In the table below, indicate which schedule components REGULARLY utilize data from the different data sources you previously selected. Select all that apply. Running times and layovers Headways Route patterns or alignments Blocking and deadheads Vehicle assignments Route study or service improvement [Survey presented the list of data sources from Question 110] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [â¦.] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Logic: Hidden unless: (#110 Question "What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)?" is one of the following answers ("Automated passenger counter (APC)", "Computer-aided dispatch / Automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL)", "Farebox", "Customer feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Customer surveys", "Vehicle operator feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Vehicle operator surveys", "External data sources (e.g., Google Maps or INRIX)", "Others:") AND #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules")) 111) How has using data impacted or changed the transit scheduler workforce management practices? For example, has recruiting or training changed now that transit schedulers may have to use more data?
134 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 112) Describe whether you desire to REGULARLY use MORE data during schedule creation or refinement. And, if so, describe the barriers or challenges to implementing increased data utilization. Logic: Hidden unless: (#110 Question "What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)?" is one of the following answers ("Automated passenger counter (APC)", "Computer-aided dispatch / Automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL)", "Farebox", "Customer feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Customer surveys", "Vehicle operator feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Vehicle operator surveys", "External data sources (e.g., Google Maps or INRIX)", "Others:") AND #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules")) 113) Who prepares the data collected from the various data sources so that transit schedulers can use the data to make better scheduling decisions? Select all that apply. [ ] Planning staff [ ] Specialized analysts (e.g., operations data analyst) [ ] Consultants [ ] Off-the-shelf reports or visualizations from the data system [ ] Transit schedulers [ ] Others: _____
Survey Instrument 135 Logic: Hidden unless: (#110 Question "What sources of data are REGULARLY used during the schedule creation or refinement process (i.e., creating or refining schedule timetables, blocks, and runs)?" is one of the following answers ("Automated passenger counter (APC)", "Computer-aided dispatch / Automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL)", "Farebox", "Customer feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Customer surveys", "Vehicle operator feedback (complaints and compliments)", "Vehicle operator surveys", "External data sources (e.g., Google Maps or INRIX)", "Others:") AND #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules")) 114) After data are prepared for use, how are recommendations made for schedule changes based on the data? Select all that apply. [ ] Transit schedulers review the data or reports and take action (within certain limitations) [ ] Transit schedulers review the data or reports and make recommendations that require upper- level approval [ ] Transit schedulers are provided with recommendations from other staff (e.g., an analyst or manager) Page entry logic: This page will show when: #9 Question "Thinking of all the modes your agency provides, indicate who creates transit schedules." is one of the following answers ("Transit agency creates schedules") This page asks about the scheduling software used when your agency creates transit schedules. 115) What is the main scheduling software used by transit schedulers to create transit schedules? Select more than one if different software is used for different modes or services. (This list does not indicate support or preference for any particular software provider.) [ ] Hastus [ ] Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software [ ] Microsoft Access or similar SQL database software [ ] Optibus [ ] RouteMatch [ ] Trapeze [ ] Tripspark [ ] Other(s): _____ [ ] No software is used
136 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce 116) What are other software programs REGULARLY used by transit schedulers when creating transit schedules? Select all that apply. [ ] ESRI ArcGIS [ ] Microsoft Access (or similar database software) [ ] Microsoft Excel (or similar spreadsheet software) [ ] SPSS, SAS, R, or similar statistical analysis software [ ] TransCAD [ ] Proprietary software related to summarizing or visualizing transit data: _ [ ] QGIS [ ] Others: _____ [ ] No other software is regularly used Logic: Hidden unless: (#115 Question "What is the main scheduling software used by transit schedulers to create transit schedules?" is one of the following answers ("Hastus", "Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software", "Microsoft Access or similar SQL database software", "Optibus", "RouteMatch", "Trapeze", "Tripspark", "Other(s):") OR #116 Question "What are other software programs REGULARLY used by transit schedulers when creating transit schedules?" is one of the following answers ("ESRI ArcGIS", "Microsoft Access (or similar database software)", "Microsoft Excel (or similar spreadsheet software)", "SPSS, SAS, R, or similar statistical analysis software", "TransCAD", "Proprietary software related to summarizing or visualizing transit data", "QGIS", "Others:")) 117) How has using these software tools impacted or changed the transit scheduler workforce management practices? For example, has recruiting or training changed now that transit schedulers may have to use more software more often?
Survey Instrument 137 Please provide or confirm your contact information in case we have to follow up with you about your responses. 118) First name:* _____ 119) Last name:* _____ 120) Job title: _____ 121) Phone number (please include the area code): _____ 122) Email address:* _____ 123) Would your agency be willing to be a possible case study agency? Five case study agencies will be contacted to arrange a follow-up interview so researchers can have their transit scheduling workforce management practices featured in detail in the final research report. ( ) Yes ( ) Maybe ( ) No 124) Would you like to be notified when the final report is published? ( ) Yes ( ) No 125) Anything else to add? Is there anything else youâd like us to know about this survey or your agencyâs transit scheduling workforce management?
138 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce Email action: Thank You Email To: [question("value"), id="281"] From: SurveyGizmo (noreply@surveygizmo.com) Subject: Thank you for completing our survey! Thank you for participating in this survey! Your input will help advance the state of managing the transit scheduling workforce! The compiled results of the survey will be available when the synthesis report is published. The final report will be available for free from the Transit Cooperative Research Program. For more information about Texas A&M Transportation Instituteâs Transit Mobility Program, please visit http://tti.tamu.edu/group/transit-mobility/. If you have any questions about this or other research, please email or call me at the contact information provided below. Thank you again for your time and input, Michael J. Walk Research Scientist Texas A&M Transportation Institute Transit Mobility Program 512-407-1135 m-walk@tti.tamu.edu
