Terrain effects on bus maintenance performance

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology to classify terrain is presented. The taxonomy is devised using a terrain template based on evidence from topographic maps, and the resulting classes are characterized as steep, intermediate, and flat terrain peer groups of transit authorities. A set of 181 transit authorities was classified according to terrain type; in borderline cases, graphic displays were used to supplement the tabular display format of the classification. The terrain template was derived from applying allometric growth and census data to topographic evidence. Sets of Section 15 bus maintenance performance indicators were examined within terrain peer groups as an example of the potential for the application of these procedures. When the indicators miles per gallon, employees per vehicle-mile, and cost per vehicle-mile were displayed by terrain peer groups, relationships were found between quality of maintenance and miles per gallon in steeper environments.