The New York MTA isn't the only transit system to spend valuable time evaluating ways to evaluate service, and it certainly won't be the last. TransitCenter suggests one metric to end these kinds of debates.
A post by TransitCenter examines the question of how to properly measure transit performance, in response to a "longstanding internal debate over how best to evaluate subway performance" at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The TransitCenter post argues that in debating whether to use "on-time performance" or "wait assessment" to measure the performance of the city's subway system, the MTA is having the wrong debate.
The agency could quickly adopt a performance indicator that would better reflect reality from the rider point of view and help the MTA more effectively manage its service — excess journey time. Lauded by transit experts around the world as best practice, excess journey time legibly measures the types of delay mentioned above, and can be calculated using information the MTA already collects and analyzes.
The remainder of the post explains the "excess journey time" metric in more detail and makes the case for the MTA to quickly adopt the metric and get back to work on improving the system.
FULL STORY: Memo To MTA Board: You’re Measuring Performance Wrong. Here’s What To Do Instead.
Madison Launches Redesigned Transit System
Transit riders in Madison, Wisconsin are navigating an entirely new system this week.
Opinion: Free Fares Won’t Solve the Transit Crisis
“The biggest US transit agencies must be allowed to simply focus on delivering high-quality service. There is no Plan B.”
Changes to Local Service in the Bronx Benefit Bus Speeds, Ridership
Another example of how improving bus service design can benefit transit riders and transit systems emerges in New York City. More such local system redesigns are on the way soon in the Big Apple.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Study: Walkability Can Help Reduce Dementia Risk
Walkable neighborhoods offer natural opportunities to stay active and engaged with friends and neighbors, increasing residents’ chances of remaining mentally and physically healthy longer.
Empower LA: The LA2050 Grants Challenge
The 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge invites organizations to become outreach partners and help mobilize Angelenos to vote on how $1 million in grants will be allocated to address key local issues like homelessness, income inequality, and park access.
Take a Walk: Why Step Count Is the Most Valuable Fitness Metric
Step count remains the most valuable fitness metric for longevity and well-being, offering a simple yet powerful way to track daily movement, reduce health risks, and promote active lifestyles without reliance on complex data or technology.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Edmonds
City of Albany
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research