2010-2011 Service Analysis

Updated: January 25, 2012

KCATA has conducted a Comprehensive Service Analysis (CSA) of Kansas City, Mo., service. This CSA provided a comprehensive evaluation to determine how to provide better transit with existing resources. Route changes are planned for phased implementation in 2012.

• Route Changes: Route changes are intended to support a network of key corridors that form the foundation of The Metro system. New schedules will be designed to improve reliability, provide more direct service and better match demand. One of the goals of the CSA is to make riding transit more attractive by designing service that is more intuitive and rider-friendly. KCATA is seeking input from customers on proposed changes. See more details about the changes.
• Service Guidelines: The service guidelines provide standards and criteria on how to best design service, determine the appropriate service levels, establish minimum levels of service performance, and measure service performance. 
• Market Analysis: This is a review of the conditions and developments in Kansas City that are related to the demand for transit service. The market analysis examines population, employment, socio-economic characteristics, major activity centers and local travel patterns. Knowing the current conditions will help KCATA consider changes that could better serve the existing population and plan for emerging demand. Read the Market Analysis. [5 MB PDF] See a presentation about the Market Analysis from the January 2011 Board of Commissioners meeting. [PDF file]
• Preference Survey: This survey was conducted online and on buses in August and September 2010. It helps us understand what is most important to customers, such as when and where Metro service is available. See a presentation about the Preference Survey. [PDF file] 
• About the Comprehensive Service Analysis: A presentation to the July 2010 Board of Commissioners meeting about the tasks, goals and timeline of the CSA. [PDF file]

About the CSA:
Transit agencies typically conduct CSAs every 10-15 years, and KCATA’s last CSA was in 1995. Due to the demographic, geographic and funding changes, it is important to assess current data and seek opportunities to improve service and maximize operating efficiencies.  Public participation is important in determining how to most effectively apply limited resources.

The study is being conducted by Nelson Nygaard, a transit planning firm based in Boston with specialized experience working with transit authorities in conducting CSAs.