Data on Demand is part of our research report series examining the FTA Sandbox Program in the Los Angeles and Puget Sound Regions. Click here to access the other research reports and learn more about the program.
Transit agencies across the country are testing mobility-on-demand (MOD) projects in order to evaluate whether or how such pilots could be part of their long-term service plans. This includes integrating private options into agencies existing trip planning applications, using a private operator for on-demand first/last mile (FMLM) connections to transit stops, and providing real-time flexible route service to replace underutilized transit routes. Importantly, these private companies have access to detailed data about how their network operates within the overall transportation system. Public access to those data is crucial for good service planning, operations, accounting, and evaluation.
Accurate, granular data are necessary to assess MOD projects and pilots and to measure progress towards identified goals and objectives. Agreements to share data between private and public partners are the backbone of successful MOD projects since they outline agreed-upon parameters for data ownership, access, storage, and usage. Starting with research and service goals for MOD projects, as well as the data needed to meet those goals, helps agencies tackle the challenges associated with collecting and sharing data by setting clear needs and priorities.
Many MOD providers are relatively new private companies often referred to as transportation network companies (TNCs). Differing goals, organizational structures, requirements, and service types between public transit agencies and private MOD providers must be understood and addressed to provide useful, coordinated projects. As more pilots and partnerships emerge, so are a useful set of best practices and lessons learned for how data should be shared between transit agencies and MOD providers.
This report examines the data needs that agency staff need to consider when developing a MOD agreement with private providers. Background information on elements of data sharing in this context includes general state of the practice, and challenges and opportunities for transit agencies. The FTA Mobility on Demand Sandbox project in the Los Angeles and Puget Sound regions serves as a case study with robust data sharing between multiple parties. Both general information and the case study help provide examples of various levels of success in developing and implementing these types of collaborations. The purpose is to inform transit agencies, private MOD providers, and researchers of elements to consider when developing data sharing agreements.
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