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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>Zero- and Reduced-Fare Transit Policy and Post-Pandemic Recovery: A Multi-Agency Analysis of Ridership, Service Supply, and Access</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2697838</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Despite growing interest in fare reduction as a policy lever, rigorous comparative evidence on its effects, particularly in the post-pandemic context, remains limited. In Virginia some 40 transit agencies eliminated fares for some period of time during the COVID pandemic, leading the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to ask how fare reduction or fare elimination have affected ridership, operations, and access for system users. This research addresses that question by developing a structured analytical framework and applying it to a sample of transit agencies in which Virginia properties are heavily represented. Using longitudinal data spanning years before and after the pandemic “lockdown”, the research compares agencies that adopted zero- and reduced-fare policies or means-tested fare-free programs against matched fare-collecting agencies. The analysis addresses three interrelated outcomes: ridership recovery trajectories, changes in service supply and scheduled speeds and headways, and shifts in access to employment and key destinations. For a representative subset of agencies, the study also conducts a network-level analysis of access to employment using Remix, a transit planning and scheduling software tool, for a selected set of agencies that represent a range of system sizes. Findings are intended to provide evidence-based guidance for Virginia transit agencies and other stakeholders considering fare policy as a tool for ridership recovery and service quality and performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:37:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2697838</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accounting for fare evasion in estimates of transit ridership</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2697836</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Fare evasion has been a problem for transit agencies since the days of horse-drawn omnibuses. However, over the past few years fare evasion rates have been up across the country. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transit Authority estimated that 48% of bus riders did not pay, compared to 18% pre-COVID. Similar trends have been observed in other parts of the country, including in California. Fare evasion can have many impacts for the transit agency and its riders. First and foremost, it results in a loss of revenue at a time when agencies are fighting to maintain operations funding at acceptable levels. For this reason, agencies regularly attempt to combat fare evasion and have many techniques to do so both in practice and from the literature. However, fare evasion may also impact the ability of an agency to estimate their ridership. It is vital to understand ridership trends in general and specifically ridership recovery. If increasing fare evasion rates are not accounted for, the data used to gauge transit’s recovery in terms of ridership may be systematically wrong. While transit agencies must report their transit ridership data to the National Transit Database in the form of Unlinked Passenger Trips (UPT) and Passenger Miles Traveled (PMT), no information is systematically available about how the data are collected. The main objective of this research is to assess and document methods used to determine UPT and PMT at transit agencies across California, including sources of potential error such as fare evasion. The predominant source of this data will be a statewide transit agency survey. To reduce respondent burden, the second objective of this research is to develop a new initiative across the state to coordinate research involving surveys or other large outreach efforts across multiple transit agencies in partnership with Caltrans, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and research organizations. It supports a key area of responsibility with regard to tracking and reporting transit performance measures and assessment of the suitability of new transit investments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:26:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2697836</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improving Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663577</link>
      <description><![CDATA[NCHRP Research Report 1144/TCRP Research Report 251: Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities: Guide for Service Improvements provides a guide to help public transit agencies in rural and tribal communities initiate new or enhance existing public transportation services to improve mobility and accessibility, enhance performance, and consider appropriate innovations. The guide will help transit providers determine the service designs and modes that are most appropriate within their community and support implementation of those services. This guide will be of immediate use to public transportation providers and stakeholders that plan and provide public transportation services in rural areas and tribal communities throughout the United States.    ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:27:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663577</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improving Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652143</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rural and tribal communities have a wide range of public transportation needs and must tailor their transit services, operations, funding strategies, and organization to the conditions within their communities. These transit agencies have different programs and practices for overseeing, funding, and managing their services. Insufficient financial and staffing resources make it challenging for transit providers in rural areas and tribal communities to identify and fully meet the travel needs of the communities they serve, to communicate effectively with patrons, to comply with national requirements, and to evaluate and adopt new technologies.

Funded jointly under NCHRP Project 08-147/TCRP Project B-49,  “Improving Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities,” KFH Group was asked to produce a guide to (1) promote practices that are responsive to customers and aid transit providers in improving efficiency and effectiveness; (2) help transit providers better leverage and coordinate resources, comply with federal requirements, and adopt appropriate emerging technologies; and (3) address the differences  among rural areas and tribal communities regarding distinguishing characteristics and how these characteristics affect public transportation services. The distinguishing characteristics include size (i.e., square miles), population density, demographics, current mobility options, economic conditions, proximity to small, medium, and large urban areas, proximity to health facilities, geography, road infrastructure, internet connectivity, funding, and weather conditions.

The guide has four parts:  Part I presents new and emerging strategies and practices to enhance rural and tribal transportation services. Part II focuses on topics that support or improve the strategies and practices, presented in eight chapters: planning for new service strategies; management and operations considerations; communications with current and prospective passengers; safety and security; technology; measuring success; funding and revenue; and accessible service. Part III addresses topics that will help rural and tribal transit agencies improve or enhance their transportation services.  Finally, Part IV introduces nine case studies that detail services or strategies implemented to improve public transportation for the rural or tribal communities.  

Supplemental to the guide are the full nine case studies and the appendix which presents the literature review.  The supplemental documents are available on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org) by searching for NCHRP Research Report 1144/TCRP Research Report 251: Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities: Guide for Service Improvements and looking under “Resources.”]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:12:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652143</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Transit Safety for Riders and Workers Through Strategic Collaboration with Law Enforcement



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2636139</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Public transit agencies across the United States face growing public safety and security challenges affecting both riders and frontline workers. Reported incidents involving assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, and other safety-related events have increased over the past decade, contributing to workforce shortages, declining employee morale, and reduced rider confidence. Public safety concerns are also influencing ridership behavior, with some riders shifting to alternative travel modes because of perceived or actual safety risks. These trends threaten the reliability, financial sustainability, and broader societal benefits of public transportation.

To address these challenges, transit agencies use a range of public safety approaches, including partnerships with local law enforcement, contracted security services, transit police departments, and hybrid or community-based safety models. These approaches vary considerably in structure, governance, roles, operational practices, and public acceptance. Barriers such as unclear roles and responsibilities, inconsistent coordination, limited data sharing, and misalignment between transit agency and law enforcement objectives can hinder effective collaboration. At the same time, transit agencies are increasingly expected to balance enforcement with customer service, accessibility, and community trust.

The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has conducted research on public safety and security, including measuring and managing fare evasion (2022), homelessness on transit systems (2024), and mitigation strategies for deterring transit assaults (2025). In addition, TCRP syntheses have documented current practices on customer perceptions of safety and security (2025) and impacts of drug use (2025), as well as ongoing research examining delivery models for law enforcement on public transit. Research is needed to better understand which collaboration strategies between transit agencies, law enforcement, and related stakeholders are most effective under varying operating environments and community contexts.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a toolkit with step-by-step guidance, decision frameworks, and templates to help public transportation agencies collaborate with law enforcement agencies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:39:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2636139</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Practices to Expand the Transit Workforce through Program Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2506302</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transit agencies have implemented a variety of recruitment and retention strategies to address the challenges associated with the shrinking workforce. While existing studies emphasize the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of workforce planning and development programs, there is no comprehensive source that documents how transit agencies evaluate their recruitment and retention programs, the outcomes of those evaluations, or the challenges associated with evaluating these programs. This project addresses that gap by exploring how fixed-route transit agencies evaluate their recruitment and retention programs.

To accomplish the objectives of this research, the research team will conduct a literature review, scanning survey, and expert panel discussions to explore recruitment and retention program evaluation processes. The findings will be synthesized into a final report and used to create a framework for selecting effective approaches to evaluate transit recruitment and retention programs. The findings can be used to understand how fixed-route transit agencies evaluate these programs and the challenges they face during implementation and monitoring. The value of this research is extended through the framework, which can be used by agencies as they apply new or improved approaches to monitor and benchmark their workforce recruitment and retention programs.

This project directly supports the U.S. DOT's priorities for Job Creation and Fiscal Health and Organizational Excellence; as well as the U.S. DOT Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) strategic goals for Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness. Evaluation is a fundamental step in ensuring that implemented programs are effective. The process of evaluating programs allows agencies to identify what is working well and where modifications are needed for the agency to meet its goals. This research is specifically concerned with recruitment and retention program evaluation processes used by fixed-route transit agencies. Upon completion of this research, we will have a better understanding of how transit agencies are measuring success as they work to expand their workforce. The research results in the final report will include notable, effective, or unique practices for evaluating recruitment and retention programs. The framework will enable practitioners to understand how they can improve their processes and more effectively quantify the outcomes of their programs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:13:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2506302</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 23-02. Compliance of Alternate Transit Options with State and Federal Requirements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487297</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The public transit landscape has expanded beyond traditional systems, with various agencies and private companies now providing transportation options to the public. These include transportation network companies (TNCs), taxis, and paratransit service providers. When these service providers establish contractual partnerships with federally funded transit agencies, they become subject to federal requirements.

In June 2018, TCRP LRD 53: Legal Considerations in Evaluating Relationships Between Transit Agencies and Ridesourcing Service Providers was published. This digest examined whether such providers were eligible for federal financial assistance and analyzed the legal implications of their partnerships with transit agencies. At the time, ride-sourcing services were relatively new to the transit industry. TCRP LRD 53 identified significant challenges these providers faced in meeting state and federal requirements.

Updating TCRP LRD 53 is now essential due to the significant changes that have occurred in this field. Since 2018, the number of companies entering the market has grown considerably. Additionally, federal and state governments have introduced new regulations and prioritized the enforcement of existing requirements, such as those under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The legal landscape has also evolved, with increased litigation addressing key issues related to these partnerships. An updated report should reflect these changes and provide transit agencies with up-to-date legal guidance.

The objective of this research is to develop practical guidance and summarize relevant laws, litigation, and policy developments to support public transportation agencies, their legal counsel, and policymakers in decision-making related to contracting with service providers and ensuring compliance. The research aims to provide a comprehensive update to TCRP LRD 53 by addressing the following: (1) Legal and Policy Framework - 
Summarize case law, federal, state, and local statutes, and other legal developments since the publication of TCRP LRD 53. Provide an overview of federal, state, and local requirements governing ride-sharing services, including enforcement actions taken by relevant authorities. (2)  Agency Practices and Partnerships - Review selected public transportation agencies to highlight examples of effective collaboration with service providers, detailing the types of ride-sharing services involved (e.g., taxis, paratransit providers, and TNCs like Lyft and Uber) and the nature of their partnerships with transit agencies. (3) COVID-19 Impact and Emerging Trends - Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced partnerships with TNCs and paratransit providers, focusing on:
Pandemic-related shifts in public transit reliance and increased use of alternative options.
Remote work trends and their impact on demand for these services. Effects on public access, utilization, and equity stemming from pandemic-driven service changes. (4)             Service Compliance and Effectiveness - Examine the services provided by ride-sharing entities to transit agencies and the public, analyzing their compliance with regulatory requirements and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:56:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487297</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Useful Transit: Bridging the Gap between the Vision and Reality of Transit-Oriented Communities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420107</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transit-oriented communities (TOCs) have long been championed as promising reductions in household transportation costs while also providing the freedom to reach destinations via a variety of modes. However, empirical evidence suggests that TOCs often fall short of such outcomes with many residents still needing to drive to most destinations (Rodier et al., 2019). For example, TOCs tend to emerge along stops near new large-scale transit investments, particularly along new rail corridors (Cervero et al., 2017). These new rail corridors often focus on bringing travelers to and from downtown destinations – with high frequencies during peak hours – or to other major land uses such as airports (Walker, 2024). But with increased remote work and more of a reliance on gig economy jobs, such destinations may not be as essential as they used to be (Kahn, 2022). Moreover, travelers needing to access other destinations such as schools, healthy food options, or health care facilities – especially during off-peak hours – rarely receive a similar level of transit service (Muley et al., 2007). This lack of a useful, more general transit service can force residents near these stops into unwanted car ownership or into regularly using ridesharing or other such services. While myriad factors play a role in this lack of success with respect to the above outcomes, the relative usefulness of the transit itself is often taken for granted and remains an under-researched issue. Using the Denver region as our initial case study, this project first seeks to understand why some transit-oriented communities may be meeting the above goals while others do not. We will then assess transit usefulness in order to understand its contribution to the relative success or failure of the TOC. To be more precise, we will gather data on transit ridership, mode shares, car ownership rates, household transportation costs, land use patterns, employment distribution, access to essential services, and other relevant variables. We will then: 1. Identify the factors contributing to the over- or under-performance of TOCs in achieving stated outcomes; 2. Evaluate the usefulness of transit in TOCs in facilitating access to a range of destinations beyond downtown area; 3. Create a new type of transit map that accounts for variables such as headways and the variety of destinations in order to focus on the usefulness of transit instead of raw transit coverage; and 4. Analyze the collected data to identify factors contributing to the performance of TOCs. We will use these results to propose strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of TOCs and our transportation investments in them. By collaborating with Denver’s regional transit provider, we will also include a significant technology transfer component that may lead to changes in transit supply and our future ability to empirically test the strategies that our results suggested. Outputs will include 1) At least two conference papers to be submitted to Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting; 2) At least one peer-reviewed journal publication; 3) Development of an online, public-facing map series focused less on transit coverage and more on transit usefulness.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:56:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420107</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SG-18. The Transit Analyst Toolbox: Analysis and Approaches for Reporting. Communicating, and Examining Transit Data</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2394421</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Synthesis 153: The Transit Analyst Toolbox: Analysis and Approaches for Reporting, Communicating, and Examining Transit Data will assist transit agencies that want to develop and/or adopt data-drive culture.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:02:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2394421</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 21-02. Legal Issues in Transit Agencies Providing/Subsidizing Innovative Micromobility Projects</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1887997</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to determine effective practices for transit agency support and use of micromobility modes to provide and support public transit. What legal issues and legal guidance should transit agencies and government sponsors consider in order to implement these micromobility modes effectively, equitably, and safely, in compliance with applicable laws?
 
Micromobility devices include bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters (including adaptive scooters and electric skateboards). Such devices may be shared through rental apps or docks. Microtransit providers may expect passengers to make their way to and from common pick-up or drop-off points, or may allow passengers to find and leave devices at public areas.
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 17:41:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1887997</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Problems Arising out of Highway Programs. Topic 27-02. State and Local Suspension and Debarment Programs of Contractors</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209736</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:58:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209736</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Legal Problems Arising out of Highway Programs. Topic 27-04. Managing Performance for Innovative Technology Contracts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209735</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the last decade, information technology applications for transportation have changed and improved how state departments of transportation (DOTs) services, including parking and active transportation, are operated, used, and funded. The transportation industry has also observed significant shifts in the behavior of travelers and the market trends caused by social, economic, and environmental factors and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Most state DOTs want to utilize these new technologies to enhance and improve transportation services. Accordingly, they will seek third-party technology experts (“vendors”) to provide and integrate the new technologies into the services. Such vendors are relied upon to develop, deploy, operate, and maintain new technology applications in accordance with certain stated specifications. This reliance on vendors may create challenges in procuring and overseeing these services for the agencies. 

The objective of this research is to gather and present information on innovative mobility technologies and tools to help state DOTs with contracts to achieve desired vendor performance in a cost-effective manner. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:41:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209735</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SA-62. Planning and Operations Initatives to Support Nighttime Off-Peak Transit Ridership</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2190456</link>
      <description><![CDATA[COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders and social distancing protocols, followed by relaxed in-office policies, caused a decline in transit ridership across the United States. The pandemic-induced shift toward remote and hybrid work arrangements significantly impacted peak hour ridership; however, off-peak ridership exhibited greater resilience. As a result, many transit agencies began re-evaluating their service strategies, placing greater emphasis on nighttime service enhancements to better serve emerging travel patterns and support those who rely on transit outside conventional work hours. Access to reliable nighttime service remains a critical need, particularly for shift and service workers (often categorized as essential workers), who frequently face limited transportation options during late-night hours.

This synthesis documents current practices undertaken by transit agencies to support nighttime transit ridership and focuses on how transit agencies prioritize service improvements to support nighttime transit demand and address the needs of essential workers. This publication begins with a literature review synthesizing existing research and contextualizing the challenges and opportunities associated with nighttime transit service. To complement the literature review, a survey of 25 transit agencies offers a snapshot of current practices and experiences from agencies operating nighttime services. Then, five case examples examine strategies related to safety, operations, resource allocation, ridership trends, and partnerships. This publication concludes with synthesizing key findings, identifies barriers and challenges, highlights notable best practices, and suggests areas for further research.

Reinaldo Germano with Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning, Inc., was the principal investigator for this study and was supported by Drefnie Limprevil, Aileen Daney, and Andrew Zalewski. The members of the topic panel are acknowledged on page iv. This synthesis is an immediately useful document that records the practices that were acceptable within the limitations of the knowledge available at the time of its preparation. As progress in research and practice continues, new knowledge will be added to that now at hand.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:12:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2190456</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-39. Improving Transit Customer Perception of Personal Security</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149963</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In August 2022, the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) released the findings from a global study, Changing Patterns of Violence Pose New Challenges for Public Transport, that found growing violence against passengers and staff on passenger trains, at train stations, a on buses, and at bus stations. Brian Michael Jenkins writes: “The behavior is contributing to a sense of insecurity. A public fearful of traveling adds to economic difficulties for transportation operators and reduced resources for facilities improvements, service, and security. The fact there are fewer riders may contribute even further to a sense of insecurity…”

Passengers may feel exacerbated by the increased number of homeless people using transit. People who are homeless often use public transit vehicles or facilities as shelters to stay out of the weather and to be safe. For various reasons, many transit passengers do not feel comfortable around people who are homeless, especially if these people have mental health or substance abuse issues (TCRP Synthesis 121).

Los Angeles Metro (“Metro”) reports that in their customer survey, rail riders list homelessness as one of the top issues they want the agency to address. (See Metro’s blog. The Source). Metro has been working to solve the homelessness issue since 2017 when its Board of Directors approved Metro’s first Homeless Outreach Plan. However, since the problem is so complex, there is a public perception that Metro is not doing enough.

New York’s MTA Subway Safety Plan (2022) recognizes that crime and homelessness are major issues for the subway system in New York and outlines a three-part plan that will transition people living in subway stations into permanent housing. This plan, also dubbed “Cops, Camera and Care,” will add NYPD and MTA officers, the installation of additional security cameras and intervention teams that help the homeless and mentally ill in the stations while protecting the transit customers. The MTA believes this plan will reduce all types of crime, will make the system safer, and attract more riders.

Other agencies are also struggling with the perception of customers about how they handle issues of crime and homelessness, among others. Some try to improve their customer’s perception by creating customer experience programs that endeavor to improve customer satisfaction, attract ridership, and improve morale. Since safety is a significant concern of riders, the customer experience includes outreach to the homeless population.

OBJECTIVE: This Synthesis will document the current practices transit systems use to improve customer perception of personal security. The report will highlight the following: the strategies that are being used to increase customer perception of  security on transit; whether the strategies are successful; how these strategies are communicated to the public; and the associated change in customers’ perceptions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:18:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149963</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air Quality Inside Buses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The COVID-19 pandemic brought air quality to the forefront of the transit industry. In the summer of 2022, due to the immediate need to understand the issue, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) conducted its first Insight Event. TCRP Insight Event--Air Quality in Transit Buses explored how air quality inside transit vehicles, especially buses, may contribute to the spread of infections. During that event, presentations and conversations about dispersion, ventilation, circulation, and filtration issues were held. Presentations from the event and the literature search results are available on the TCRP Insight Event web page at https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/06-21-2022/trb-tcrp-insight-event-air-quality-in-transit-buses. 

Since that event and the end of the pandemic’s restrictions, the public transit industry has learned that air quality inside transit buses matters to bus operators and passengers. There is an increased focus on reducing the concentration of pathogens containing respiratory aerosols and other harmful pollutants in the air inside a bus cabin. Transit agencies are working to increase operators and passenger confidence in air quality. With increased confidence, riders will return, and it will be easier to hire bus operators. 

Transit systems are analyzing the current air quality inside their buses to better understand current airflows and possible risks. Measuring and controlling air quality inside the bus cabin has proven difficult.  Buses idle, constantly open their doors to embark or disembark passengers, and are exposed to traffic-related air pollutants, such as  exhaust.  

This reality has not hampered the desire to improve air quality inside cabins. Transit agencies are employing the following solutions to mitigate poor air quality: dilution, which consists of bringing more fresh air inside the bus while sending indoor air out; filtration with the use of better-quality filters; and cleaning, including the use of ultraviolet light and photocatalytic oxidation.  

Research is needed to find clear solutions to improve air quality on buses for operators and passengers. Transit systems are doing the best that they can to protect their employees and passengers. However, research can provide information to improve air quality and standardization of practice. 

The objective of this research is to create a research document that helps transit agencies understand air circulation inside a typical 40-foot heavy-duty transit bus and finds solutions to protect employees and passengers without decreasing passenger comfort, safety, and reliability of the system. The research should help guide the development of future design and performance criteria to support better transit rolling stock procurement and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operations in emergency conditions (e.g., airborne diseases and wildfires).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:08:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</guid>
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