Foursquare ITP led the redesign of the MTA bus network in Baltimore, Maryland, under the branded project and service title “BaltimoreLink.” The system redesign was implemented in June 2017, and with a system redesign at this level, we continue to provide support to streamline daily efforts and support longer-range initiatives.
Since then, Foursquare ITP has continued to serve as MTA’s trusted advisor in supporting the Office of Service Development to help ensure their bus network runs smoothly. This work includes service planning, creating data processes, tools, and SOPs, including:
Premium bus study. Foursquare ITP evaluated the BaltimoreLink core bus system to design a pilot, limited-stop bus route with “premium” service and infrastructure qualities. This project included the development of service guidelines, five possible routes, and the testing and selection of a pilot route for implementation.
Performance monitoring program development. Foursquare ITP developed a comprehensive performance monitoring system for the BaltimoreLink core bus routes. Performance data, including APC, AVL, AFC, and customer service data was collected, processed, and displayed with Tableau dashboards that provided immediate access to recent and historic performance results at the route-, service type-, and system level.
Route grading system. Our team also created a route report card and grading system for core bus routes based on performance monitoring program data. Combined with the performance monitoring dashboards, these report cards allow MDOT MTA the ability to monitor their services at several different levels and examine trends across periods of union picks.
Service planning guidelines. Foursquare ITP developed this guidance document that provides standards for all aspects of bus service, including network design, route numbering and naming, operating characteristics, service analysis process, and the service implementation process.
Annual service plan. Since Fall 2019, Foursquare ITP has supported the development and implementation of the Annual Service Plan for BaltimoreLink bus system. This includes a comprehensive analysis of route performance, evaluation of public and stakeholder feedback, development of service changes, and support for public engagement on the plan.
GTFS creation. Our team developed an in-house tool to generate a General Transit Feed Spec (GTFS) for each version of the BaltimoreLink redesign plan to be used in a side-by-side trip planner for public education. Since implementing BaltimoreLink, Foursquare ITP developed GTFS QA/QC guidance for MTA and trained staff to update the GTFS with each service change.
GTFS Creation and Schedule QA/QC. Our team developed GTFS QA/QC guidance for MTA and trained staff to update the GTFS with each service change. We also developed a web application and visualizations to evaluate GTFS data for feed quality and schedule accuracy. The web application allows users to upload a static feed and instantly view reports, maps, and charts that help in the quality checking of schedule and spatial data prior to public release.
Bus stop design guide. Developed the Bus Stop Design Guide, which provides guidance for planning and designing bus stops of different types in different operating environments.
Title VI compliance and training. Conducted the analysis of MTA service changes to ensure that the proposed changes did not result in Disproportionate Burdens or Disparate Impacts to minorities and low-income households, according to MTA’s Title VI Program. Provided in-person training for more than 20 staff on FTA’s Title VI circular components, MTA’s Title VI Program components, and the steps for MTA’s service equity analysis.
Staff training. In addition to providing on-going support for service development, Foursquare ITP has also developed and executed staff trainings on topics such as service planning, market analysis, route development, scheduling basics, and Title VI compliance.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Selected a pilot route for implementation of a limited-stop bus route with premium service.
- Developed an annual service plan in Fall of every year since 2019.
- Designed an in-house tool to generate a GTFS feed and trained MTA staff on how to update it with every service change.
- Developed in-person training on Title VI components from FTA and MTA.
- Created performance measuring dashboards are route report cards for ongoing monitoring.
- Developed a service planning guidelines document and a Bus Stop Design Guide for staff.