Computer Aided Scheduling And Dispatching System

Using the implementation of a computed-aided scheduling and dispatching (CASD) system in Peoria as a case study, the study documents the insights gained from the evaluation effort and provides recommendations regarding the statewide deployment of such systems. With respect to productivity, vehicle assignment limitations must be eliminated to allow the CASD system to optimize vehicle use. With respect to management: (a) Decision-makers must require well defined and pre-formatted training delivery schedules to be included in implementation; and (b) As CASD systems are implemented state-wide, a user group of managers should meet periodically to exchange information, explain innovations, and discuss issues arising as the systems are used in paratransit operations. With respect to training: (a) Each step of the preferred scheduling and dispatch process must be mapped and linked to the new CASD; (b) A pre-defined and formal training period must precede installation and "live" implementation of CASD; (c) Training and reference manuals must be distributed and prominently placed at each computer terminal; and (d) Managerial training in developing and interpreting report data is the most often cited failure of CASD at the manager's level. Vendor training for this extraordinarily important task should become part of any implementation effort. With respect to Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) systems: Concurrent implementation of AVL/MDT overcomes the problem of run-posting in that no new personnel need be hired, manifest entries are out of the control of the driver, and no interpretation or data-entry mistakes will be entered into the system; all providing more accuracy and timeliness. With respect to CASD technology in the long-term: (a) Contract administrators must implement fixes to ensure appropriate training is received by site managers to ensure management can access and understand CASD data; (b) Contract managers must ensure that project management support is provided to augment already busy paratransit managers; and (c) The best evaluation of CASD will follow from implementation of AVL and MDT systems. With respect to quality of service: Allowing unrestricted use of vehicles will impact passenger perceptions of on-time rates more favorably. With respect to cost effectiveness: Contract managers must enforce vendor accountability for training, report construction support and software documentation to ensure the potential CASD cost-effectiveness changes.

The scope of this synthesis is to (1) search out useful information on the use of computer-aided scheduling and dispatch (CASD) in demand-responsive transit (DRT) services, (2) develop an amalgamation or compendium of the current knowledge and successful practices used in computerizing the functions necessary to efficiently and effectively operate such DRT services, and (3) report on measures used to resolve specific problems in planning and implementing CASD. The ultimate objective in compiling a considerable storehouse of information is to make this information available to the public transit community. Private and nonprofit organizations that are providing DRT services will similarly benefit from a review of these results.

This proceedings volume consists of papers presented at the Sixth International Workshop on Computer-Aided Scheduling of Public Transpon, which was held at the Fund~lio Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon from July 6th to 9th, 1993. In the tradition of alternating Workshops between North America and Europe - Chicago (1975), Leeds (1980), Montreal (1983), Hamburg (1987) and again Montreal (1990), the European city of Lisbon was selected as the venue for the Workshop in 1993. As in earlier Workshops, the central theme dealt with vehicle and duty scheduling problems and the employment of operations-research-based software systems for operational planning in public transport. However, as was initiated in Hamburg in 1987, the scope of this Workshop was broadened to include topics in related fields. This fundamental alteration was an inevitable consequence of the growing demand over the last decade for solutions to the complete planning process in public transport through integrated systems. Therefore, the program of this workshop included sections which dealt with scheduling problems and computerized systems for operational planning as well as sections on network planning and data management.

This proceedings volume consists of selected papers presented at the Eighth International Conference on Computer-Aided Scheduling 0/Public Transport (CASPT 2000), which was held at the conference center of the Konrad rd Adenauer-Foundation in Berlin, Germany, from June 2pt to 23 , 2000. The CASPT 2000 is the continuation of aseries of international workshops and conferences presenting recent research and progress in computer-aided scheduling in public transport.Previous workshops and conferences were held in • Chicago (1975), • Leeds (1980), • Montreal (1983 and 1990), • Hamburg (1987), • Lisbon (1993) and • Cambridge, Mass. (1997).1 With CASPT 2000, our series of workshops and conferences celebrated th its 25 anniversary. Starting with a Workshop on Automated Techniques [or Scheduling 0/ Vehicle Operators [or Urban Public Transportation Services in 1975 the scope and purpose has broadened since and still continues to do so. The previous workshops and conferences were focused on public mass transit, and while this remained the primary focus ofthe 2000 conference, it included also computer-aided scheduling methods being developed and applied in re lated means of passenger transport systems. Commonalities regarding op erations research techniques such as, e.g., column generation techniques and 1 While there were no formal proceedings for the first workshop but only a p- printed copy of all papers issued to participants on arrival, the subsequent ones are weil documented as folIows: Wren, A. (Ed.) (1981). Computer Scheduling 0/ Public Transport. North Holland, Amsterdam.

The result of this research project was the recommendation of the HTE computer aided dispatch system. A future improvements plan called for the future implementation of 1. Mobile date capabilities using Mobile Data Computers; 2. Digital station and mobile data alerting system; 3. Automatic Vehicle Location system integrated into the dispatching portion of the CAD.

This proceedings volume consists of papers presented at the Seventh International Workshop on Computer-Aided Scheduling of Pllblic Transport, which was held at th th the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from August 5 to 8 , 1997. In the tradition of alternating Workshops between North American and Europe - Chicago (1975), Leeds (1980), Montreal (1983), Hamburg (1986), Montreal (1990), and Lisbon (1993), Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA) was selected for the Workshop in 1997. As in earlier workshops, the central theme dealt with vehicle and crew scheduling problems and the development of software systems incorporating operations research techniques for operational planning in public transport. However, following the trend that started in Hamburg in 1987, the scope of this Workshop was broadened to include topics in related fields. Two trends underlie this. First, the recognition that the core scheduling issues in public transport have important common elements with other application areas in which extensive work is also underway, and that it is vital to learn from these other initiatives. Second, while scheduling is indeed a core problem in public transport planning, and has shown the first and greatest benefits from computer application, it is intimately related to the preceding tasks in the planning hierarchy, such as service design, and the following tasks such as operations control and public information.

This volume consists of selected papers presented at the Ninth International Conference on Computer-Aided Scheduling of Public Transport. Coverage includes the use of computer-aided methods and operations research techniques to improve: information management; network and route planning; vehicle and crew scheduling and rostering; vehicle monitoring and management; and practical experience with scheduling and public transport planning methods.

The proliferation of information systems throughout the criminal justice system has prompted many universities supporting criminal justice programs to add criminal justice information systems technology to their curriculums. Several universities have gone so far as to hire professors with specializations in information technology and to offer criminal justice information systems as an area of concentration. Introduction to Criminal Justice Information Systems gives an overview of the various software systems and technologies currently used in the criminal justice environment. The book covers a variety of topics critical to each member of the criminal justice system: police, prosecutor, courts, and corrections. It details the current systems in use, how they are used, and how separate systems interact with others. It also suggests how the current technology and the processes built upon it will evolve. While designed as a textbook to meet the needs of an introductory criminal justice information technology course, Introduction to Criminal Justice Information Systems is also a flexible resource useful to professionals in relevant areas of the criminal justice system. With rapidly increasing development and use of technology in modern law enforcement, this book provides a much-needed reference for those who are responsible for its implementation as well as an essential introduction to those who will become responsible for it. An instructor's manual is available as an electronic download upon request.