Our team of experienced transit industry leaders has published extensively on key aspects of transportation, especially as it relates to data analytics, project planning, and operations improvements. Explore this page to read abstracts of some of our leadership's most cited publications, and contact us if you want more information about any of our publication.
Authors: Thomas Barger, Matthew Albanese, Clinton Cranston, Alex Lu
Abstract:The eight-step framework consisting of organization, procedure, personnel, time study, rate analysis, utilization analysis, rightsizing, and benchmarking is used to understand and improve productivity and efficiency of railroad cyclical curve rail replacement processes at a major Northeastern commuter railroad. The Railroad is organized into eight geographical maintenance subdivisions supplemented by systemwide track gangs performing capital […]
Authors: Toby Kizner, Michael Goldemberg, Marcia Shapiro, Brian ten Siethoff, Xiaojing Wei, David Fogel, John Kennard, Alex Lu
Abstract:For this enterprise geographic information system (GIS), Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company adopted the concept of operations (ConOps) process to define goals and objectives, inventory existing GIS assets, analyze data gaps, determine “as is” and “to be” business processes, define staffing and resource requirements and project initiatives, and provide a road map for a comprehensive, companywide […]
Authors: Xiaojing Wei, Alex Lu, John Kennard, David E Fogel
Abstract:Triggered by both Superstorm Sandy aftermath and a minor operational incident—where accurate and rapid mapping would have been tremendously helpful—Metro-North Commuter Railroad deployed its first Enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) in 2012 by federating existing departmental systems, creating a companywide Office of GIS Coordination, promulgating GIS policies and standards, and developing and marketing a uniform […]
Abstract:This paper offers a review of ideas and practices making Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) unique and distinctively different to North American commuter railroads, based on two weeks’ field observation, published sources, authors’ cultural knowledge, and discussions with locals. Unlike most transit systems, TRA accommodates different trip purposes and train types on shared railway infrastructure, covering […]
Abstract:Developments in the ownership and control of railroads affect commuter rail. Vertical integration and open access are widely seen as mutually exclusive options for rail reform. North American railroads were relieved of passenger service obligations and granted commercial freedom to improve profitability—all within the vertically integrated tradition. In Europe, infrastructure separation aims to encourage competition […]
Authors: Rongfang (Rachel) Liu, David Nelson, Alex Lu
Abstract:It is a challenge to develop a business model of commingled operations of freight and non-FRA-compliant passenger rail services because there are no domestic cases of such operations and the number of cases in which freight and light rail transit (LRT) equipment share tracks on a temporal basis of separation is limited. Greater opportunities for […]
