Metro Transit Bus Operator Workforce Optimization

Project summary:

Public transit systems are essential for the vitality and sustainability of metropolitan areas. In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Metro Transit is by far the largest transit agency, providing both bus and light-rail services. The primary research objective of the proposed partnership between Metro Transit and the University of Minnesota (UMN) is to develop scientific methods that Metro Transit's operations personnel can use to optimally size workforce, assign contingent work to reserve drivers, and determine when to use planned and unplanned overtime. Such decisions not only involve tradeoffs between cost and reliability, but they also affect operators' morale, attendance trends, overtime capacity, and employee satisfaction.