Beck Transit Consulting

Transit Planning, Operations, Technology, Business Models, and Implementation Plans

Transit is a quality of life issue.

Previous Transit Studies - "Please double left click on map to enlarge/zoom"

Ontario, Canada

Employee Transit Pass Program Evaluation – Transport Canada

Responsible for undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the current federal government Employee Transit Pass Program (TPP), which involved a comprehensive web-based survey
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of 1,155 Transit Pass Program Participants and 1,356 Non-participants was undertaken. The recommendations of the report were designed to improve upon and expand the TPP across Canada to other Government of Canada offices as a minimum. It was also recommended that Transport Canada build on the successes of the TPP, apply lessons learned and expand the initiatives to encourage the private sector to adopt similar programs.
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Transit Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan – Huntsville, ON

Commissioned to undertake a review of the existing service and develop a service strategy that improved route coverage at no additional cost, improved schedule reliability, and introduced a low-cost strategy for Specialized Transit service.
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This study addressed unprecedented Stakeholder input, land use design policies, accessibility policies, fare policies, technology, and financial plans. The study evolved into a Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan, qualifying the Town of Huntsville for Gas Tax revenues. In addition, the implemented service resulted in unprecedented Transit Ridership growth.
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Transit Service Review – Midland Transit

Revised the existing transit route structure to provide better coverage, more direct service and expanded hours of operation using the existing rolling stock. The study resulted in the procurement of low-floor wheel-chair accessible community buses, the extension of service to Georgian College, and a commitment to increase transit investment over a 5-year period.

Ridership Growth Plan & Asset Management Plan – Barrie

This study required the development of a strategic plan that would reflect and meet the requirements in the Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plans for both Conventional and Specialized Transit. The specific areas addressed included land use design guidelines, transit technologies including Smart Card, vehicle replacement program, and an organizational review.

Ridership Growth Plan & Asset Management Plan for Specialized Transit – Bruce Grey and Huron Disability Corporation

As a non-profit agency, the BGHDC provides one of the lowest cost Specialized Transit services in Canada. HDR developed a strategic plan that would, for the first time in the 30-year history of BGHDC, receive direct municipal funding for the operation of BGHDC.
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The study addressed a transit financial and expansion plan for all the counties served and focused on the impact that Specialized Transit has on minimizing the cost of ambulance services and providing travel for both able bodied and mobility challenged individuals. HDR also addressed succession planning issues and presented a proposal to all area municipalities that benefit from the Gas Tax Funding.
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2007 Transit Service Plan – Durham Region Transit

Developed the 2007 service implementation plan based 2006 ridership experienced to date, development growth and other factors.
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The study also included the development of warrants for new service, bus stops and shelters, and alternative service delivery models. Mr. Beck also developed a new bus stop and shelter design standards for Durham Region Transit.
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Durham Region Transit Long-Term Transit Strategy – Regional Municipality of Durham

Provided expertise in the area of transit planning and operations, para-transit, university transportation, identifying transit nodes and corridors, preliminary roadway and transit station design, bus stop area infrastructure, and service integration strategies for the urban and rural areas.
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The 2031 long-term strategy was the first comprehensive strategy developed for the Region of Durham, which identified future BRT and LRT corridors supporting by a modified conventional transit network to enable the Region to move forward based on best practices tailored to the Region. The document laid the groundwork to meet the vision established for both rural community service and higher-order transit in the denser urban areas of Durham Region.
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Transit Feasibility Study – Towns of Stratford and Cornwall (PEI)

Undertook extensive public consultations and brought in best practices to determine to feasibility of providing a fixed route transit service and low-cost forms of service delivery for the Town of Stratford (population 7,500) and Town of Cornwall (population 5,000) located near Charlottetown.
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The study also addressed funding and governance. The concepts received very strong public support and service was successfully implemented.
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Alton Inter-modal Terminal Design and Parking Facility – City of Burlington

Responsible for concept design / functional integrity of multi-modal bus terminal design and location options serving a future Highway 407 BRT / LRT corridor.
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The terminal site is located in the outer area of the city and addressed the need for commuter parking. In this regard, the terminal design incorporated a parking facility that could serve as a commuter lot shared with retail uses, and TDM initiatives.
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Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan – Towns of Port Hope and Cobourg

This was a joint study that required the review of existing services and an extensive public consultation process in developing a strategic plan and reflecting the requirements in meeting the requirements of the Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plans for both Conventional and Specialized Transit.
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The plan was unique since it involved concessions with the Gas Tax funding rules with respect to how the financial plan could be presented to better meet local requirements. The Town of Cobourg received an award from the Canadian Urban Transit Association for innovation as a result of the implementation of the HDR recommendation to retrofit and use accessible taxis.
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Transit Feasibility Study –Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury

Developed low-cost service concepts to enable BWG to commence a 5-year transit service plan in an affordable manner. The final recommendations were based on two rounds of stakeholder consultations, reaching community and early political consensus before being presented to Council.
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Recommendations addressed GO commuter shuttles, community bus concepts, fixed-route shared-ride taxi service using a unique costing formula, longer-term fixed route service, and a recommended business model and governance structure. Wally Beck was retained to assist the Town in implementing a unique transit service and business model.
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Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

2012-2016 Sault Transit and ParaBus Master Plan

This strategic study was based upon the successful implementation of the 2006-2010 Transit Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan managed by Wally.
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This study was unique since it involved a new vision with respect to accessibility, a new route network and mobility hub strategy, terminal design concepts, the clear need for a new maintenance facility, fare pricing strategies (U-Pass program and smart cards), transit technology assessment and update, and a Transit and ParaBus organization plan. The study approach treated conventional and specialized transit as one given the integration of specialized transit customers with conventional transit customers.
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2006-2010 Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan – Sault Ste. Marie

This strategic study required a detailed review of existing services and an unprecedented public consultation process in developing a strategic plan and reflecting the requirements in meeting the requirements of the Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plans for both Conventional and Specialized Transit.
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There were a number of innovations and target markets identified during the study to enhance ridership growth in a fiscally responsible manner, which has since been successfully implemented.
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Mobility Plus Consulting Services – Regional Municipality of York

The Regional Municipality of York retained HDR to provide expertise and assistance for 3 tasks, which included: 1) the preparation and award of a contract for sedan and van services, 2) an assessment of a third party eligibility process, and 3) a review of the current and projected the future Mobility Plus staffing requirements.

GTA Fare System (Smart Card) – York Region Transit

Represented YRT on the GTA Fare System Steering Committee throughout 2003 and 2004 to develop the business case for YRT and to assist in the functional design of the integrated fare collection system.
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The system is designed to streamline intra- and inter-regional travel. The integrated fare system is also designed to increase transit use and efficiencies through pre-paid boardings at rail stations, BRT stations and at bus stops. York Region Transit was the first GTA system to approve investment in the Smart Card technology.
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Current State of Accessibility and Travel Training Program – York Region Transit

Responsible for two projects with the first involving the development of an infrastructure strategy to encourage Mobility Plus registrants to use conventional transit, drawing on his implementation successes in Waterloo Region.
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The second and subsequent study involved managing the development of a state-of-the-art travel training manual based on North American best practices, which was well received by the public. The program training manual, called MyRide, was considered to be a model training manual by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario for other conventional Transit systems.
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Subway Commuter Parking Study – Toronto Transit Commission. Transit Advisor

Provided commuter parking and pricing strategies for TTC subway lots, assisted with survey design and analysis, and provided expert opinion, as required.

Islington / Kipling Bus Terminal Operations Study – City of Toronto, Toronto Transit Commission, Mississauga Transit, and GO Transit

Responsible for concept designs and determining the functional integrity of multi-modal bus terminal / rail station options for Kipling Station. The project required a consensus-building approach with four diverse organizations relative to establishing design criteria, developing concepts, and assessing each concept.
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Tasks included providing the qualitative and quantitative impact on passengers and transit operations, order-magnitude costing, impact on transit capital and operating costs (i.e. business case analysis), assessing roadway closures, kiss-n-ride, and commuter parking options. These efforts marked the first time in over 40 years of an inter-modal terminal concept and design for Kipling Station that was approved for construction.
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Ontario Ridership Audit Study – Canadian Urban Transit Association

Developed a ridership estimating audit processes for both conventionalized and specialized transit systems across Ontario. The two-year study was commissioned to ensure gas tax revenues are fairly distributed throughout Ontario. The project also involved undertaking a number of initial audits of conventional and specialized transit systems.

Viva BRT Integration Study – Brampton Transit (AcceleRide)

The objective of this retainer was to provide technical assistance, research and expertise to the Brampton Transit, AcceleRide Project Office. Under the retainer, two assignment types were conducted: Development and Refinement of Service Designs and Development of Service and Operational Integration Plans for the Queen-Highway 7 corridor with Brampton Transit and York Region Transit.
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This included defining options and variations of different service models, providing detailed analyses of short-listed options, facilitating and evaluating short-listed options, and providing input into a draft Memorandum of Understanding outline between the City of Brampton and York Region.
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Trent Hills Transportation Transition Strategy – Community Care Northumberland

Developed a framework to combine the volunteer services offered by Community Care Northumberland and the Trent Hills Transportation service provided by Venture Van into a single not-for-profit service agency that would be operated by Community Care Northumberland.
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This transition study focused on reservation-based Specialized Transit and HDR developed a Community Bus service concept linking the various towns within the service area. This benefited the growth plans for both Venture Van and Community Care Northumberland, as these agencies have worked closely together.
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Specialized Transit Feasibility Study, Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plan and Implementation Plan – Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is a predominantly rural single-tier municipality with an area of 1,048 km2 and a population of 24,000. Population centers include Picton (5,000), Wellington (1,500), and Bloomfield (900).
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HDR undertook a peer review and Stakeholder consultation process that led to PEC to agree to provide a new public transportation service to its residents in both rural areas and small towns. HDR also developed the Transit Ridership Growth and Asset Management Plans, which were supported by the Province. PEC requested that HDR assist in the procurement and implementation of the service for the Spring of 2007. The service was well received and continues to operate today.
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Green Municipal Fund – City of Hamilton

The City of Hamilton successfully submitted a grant and loan application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund. The Green Municipal Fund provided partial funding to procure articulated hybrid buses that the City operates along its B Line Bus Rapid Transit Light corridor.
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As a stipulation of the funding agreement, the FCM requires a third party to conduct an Environmental Results Report to quantity hybrid vehicles’ impact on GHG emissions and criteria air contaminants (CACs). HDR was retained to undertake the data analysis and research, and prepare the Environmental Results Report. The final product clearly summarized the B Line Bus Rapid Transit Light’s project history, and quantified GHG emissions and criteria air contaminants (CACs).
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Fare Collection Technology Assessment (Smart Card) – Sault Ste. Marie Transit

Developed a business case to support the purchase and installation of an e-Purse farecard technology to replace electronic registering fareboxes. It was the first study of its kind outside the Greater Toronto Area.
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The study will significantly change the "business rules" of SSM Transit and provide an unprecedented level of data for planning purposes. Consideration is also being given to expanding the smart card use for other municipal operations such as parking. The recommendations were supported and the smart card was included in the SSM Transit asset management plan.
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Kitchener Transit

Transit User Group – Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo

Initiated a Transit User Group consisting of members from the Public, Council and Union to participate in reaching consensus relative to the development of Transit initiatives. The forum was successful, for example, in the development and implementation of a new Transit Fare Structure and other ridership growth initiatives.

Transit Fare Structure Enhancements – Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo

Developed an innovative fare structure reflecting changes in demographics, user needs, and funding cutbacks. One strategy included the introduction of the 60-minute transfer, which supported the timed transfer system route network concept.
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The strategies were unique at that time and resulted in significant surpluses for Kitchener Transit and paved the way for the future introduction Smart Card technology and other revenue strategies such as university passes.
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Regional Transit Feasibility – Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo

Advocated an integrated / regional Transit service between Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge and overcame numerous political and Senior Administrative hurdles during his tenure at Kitchener Transit.
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Mr. Beck's past efforts can be credited towards the eventual amalgamation of transit services between Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, the securement of abandoned railway corridors, and the establishment of more transit supportive regional land use development policies.
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Regional and Municipal Official Policy Plans – Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario

In 1982, developed and introduced the third Transit-Related Subdivision Design Guidelines ever adopted in Canada. Subsequent Official Plan policies adopted in 1995 at both Regional and Municipal levels were Transit-led in many instances and paved the way to more sustainable development goals and aggressive Transit-friendly policies. The policies also saw the establishment of primary and secondary development nodes.

Community Transportation Action Program – Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo

Developed one of the most complex and cooperative plans ever undertaken relative to the provision of several Public Transportation modes and services.
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The CTAP proposal, a transportation brokerage, involved five Provincial Ministries, numerous private operators and the supplier industry in the formation of an independent Community Transportation Brokerage. The brokerage was designed to be self-sustaining and significantly reduce overall community transportation costs during a time of unprecedented funding cuts. The initiative led to Mobility Plus to undertake additional patient transfer trips, reducing EMS requirements by an estimated two ambulances and crews.
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Timed Transfer System – Kitchener Transit

Spearheaded the decision to change the focus of the Kitchener Transit network structure for the first time in its 110 years history, from a "modified radial route system" to a true feeder system able to support large
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conventional buses and integrate them with alternative vehicles available from both the public and private sectors thereby reducing system capital and operating costs. He coordinated the research and development leading to the design and implementation of the TTS, which incorporates several "satellite" bus terminals with up to 10 bus bays exactly 15 minutes apart, to virtually provide guaranteed connections.
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Private Sector Funding of Transit Costs – Kitchener, Ontario

Solicited and obtained private sector funding to establish a Fixed Route Service to an outlying "power centre" on Sportsworld Drive near the Cambridge border.

Fixed-Route Shared Taxi Program – Kitchener Transit

Responsible for the innovation and eventual implementation of a Fixed Route Shared Taxi Program, which involved a unique costing formula that reduced the cost of service to select subdivisions by as much as 75%.
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More importantly, the union supported the feeder service, contrary to stated positions on contracting out issues. The service evolved, as planned, into conventional service due to growth in demand and has been adopted by other municipalities across Canada.
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Transit Service Standards – Kitchener Transit

Responsible for the research, development and enforcement of service standard policies to provide operating / fiscal direction for Kitchener-Waterloo.
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These policies are adaptable to changes in demand and funding constraints and have resulted in the Municipal investment in Public Transit remaining a priority at a time other Transit systems reduced services dramatically. Ridership level drops due to demographic change were less than 1/3 that experienced by other Ontario systems.
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Downtown (Intermodal) Transportation Centre Location and Functional Design – Kitchener Transit

Developed the business case, and site selection for a world-class $10 million city and intercity bus terminal on a three acre site to house 28 buses, commercial space, parking, and public area.
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Mr. Beck was responsible for and undertook the tasks related to a unique functional design, developed the terminal staff organization plan, including the assumption of intercity carrier terminal staff, and negotiated intercity ticket sales commissions, parcel commissions, and commercial lease rates. Due to the uniqueness of the project at the time (a first for a medium-sized transit system), the principal funding agency, the Province of Ontario, developed a new funding policy that was subsequently enjoyed by other transit systems.
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Kitchener Transit, Ontario

Progressed from Transportation Planner in 1979 to Director of Transit by 1982 until 1997. Responsible for the administration, planning, scheduling, operations, fleet maintenance requirements, and budget for a fleet of 115 buses, serving up to 10 million passengers annually.
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Mr. Beck reported to two City Councils, the City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo. During this tenure, Mr. Beck was deeply involved in dealing with municipal and regional operating departments and in the financial and planning areas at a hands-on Senior Level and was directly responsible for providing the most accessible bus system in North America, and shaping land use design policies.
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Western Canada

Alberta, Canada

Grande Prairie Transit Master Plan and Integrated Student Transportation Plan – City of Grande Prairie

Developed a number of ridership growth strategies, which included a complete route network and service redesign, service policies and the introduction of smart card technology.
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Other recommendations included a fleet modernization and expansion plan, a restructured fare system, a non-downtown community bus route, and the need for a new downtown bus terminal. The study required extensive stakeholder consultations, operational surveys, community and transit customer surveys, an operational review of both public transit and yellow school bus systems, updated route network and service design policies and strategies, transit technologies, low cost transit marketing strategies, and a transit organization review. The study also assessed the business case and implementation plan for transitioning high school students travelling to school, from yellow school bus to conventional transit.
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Drumheller Transit Feasibility Study – Town of Drumheller

What started out as a conventional transit route feasibility study developed into a community bus service concept and route design to complement the existing para-transit service.
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The unique governance structure recommended and supported by Council involved the service being operated by the para-transit administration with two separate budgets to maximize external funding.
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Bus Operations Study – Albian Sands Energy

Developed an implementation plan to improve travel times for 23 bus routes (three shifts per day) from Fort McMurray to transport workers to the Albian Oil Sands Development Site.
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Developed immediate, short-term and long-term strategies to improve schedule reliability and improve site productivity. The plan was implemented within weeks of development.
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British Columbia, Canada

HandyDART Fleet Right-Sizing Study – Coast Mountain Bus Company Ltd

The purpose of the review was to assess the adequacy and composition of the HandyDART fleet subsequent to the consolidation of multiple operating agencies into a single contract with three operating areas.
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The goal was to identify the optimal fleet size and composition for the next five to ten years and chart a course for adapting the legacy fleet to its new and evolving mission, bearing in mind capital and operating costs and advances in vehicle technologies.
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Central Canada

Manitoba, Canada

Transit Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan – Selkirk (MB)

Developed a service concept and business plan to introduce transit to Selkirk based on a unique business model in the Province of Manitoba. Wally Beck was retained to assist with the detailed service implementation plan and budget, which built upon
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the existing not-for-profit specialized transit service. The service proved to be a success and met. The service was subsequently implemented as recommended with Wally Beck’s guidance and has proven to be very successful with ridership estimates on track as projected. The City of Selkirk received the Canadian Urban Transit Association national award for Innovation.
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Eastern Canada

Nova Scotia, Canada

Lunenburg Transit Feasibility – Municipality of the District of Lunenburg

Feasibility study involved several communities within the District: Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Riverport, La Have, New Germany, and Petite Riviere.
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A peer review as well as transit focus group meetings were conducted. Conceptual service models were designed based on six service priorities: cost, ridership, governance, marketing, environmental, and economic factors. The study concluded that public transit would best be implemented by securing an experienced partner to operate service.
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Business Case Study: Merging the Two Organizations – Kings Transit Authority and Kings Paratransit

Collaborated with the Kings Transit Authority (KTA) Board of Directors, the Kings Para Transit (KPT) Board of Directors, operations staff, and the community, to assess the viability and practicality of merging the two diverse organizations.
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The end result was the support for a rebranded KTA-KPT service and enhancement of the existing governance model to better coordinate the activities of both organizations and reduce costs. The key achievement was the better understanding of each of the services’ challenges by the respective board members.
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CBRM Review of Transit Services – Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Reviewed both CBRM’s Transit and Handi-Trans services. A major focus of this assignment was to develop a strategic plan that would be needed to grow transit ridership and make the community more competitive.
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Given limited financial resources, a low-cost alternative was also assessed to improve transit service within the existing funding envelope. A Handi-Trans strategy was developed to fulfill basic human rights requirements and deliver more adequate service to the growing population of seniors and people with disabilities dispersed over widely scattered areas due to the geography of the region. Efficiencies that can be realized were examined between both services. Extensive focus group meetings, open houses and council consultations were conducted to contribute to the study.
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East Hants Transit Feasibility Study – Municipality of East Hants

The Municipality of East Hants retained HDR to conduct a transit study to investigate the feasibility of providing transit service to connect the community of Mount Uniacke and the nearby Uniacke Business Park
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with the Halifax Regional Municipality (Metro Transit) and Windsor (Kings Transit). The study included the following key tasks: stakeholder consultations, 5-year service plan, 5-year business plan and the quantification of environmental benefits.
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St. John's Para-Transit System – City of St. Johns

Provided accurate data on the current status of the City’s Para-Transit system. The work plan called for assessing the current state of Para-Transit, predicting future demand for service, examining areas such as eligibility, governance, and funding, as well as charting a course for future development of the service.
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To accomplish these requirements, the review team consulted extensively with stakeholders and City officials. The review team also examined Para-Transit operating data and compared them with those of peer systems elsewhere in Canada. It identified relevant best practices in Canada and the U.S., and considered how they might be applied to St. John’s.
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International

Doha, Qatar

Transit System Design and Implementation Plan for World Bank

Undertook a Public Transport Market Analysis based on available transportation data, land use data and peer reviews in the Middle East.
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The analysis led to his development of a Public Transport Organization Plan and Route Network Design and Implementation Plan. The study culminated with a 10-year financial forecast for the State of Qatar, which will result in the introduction of a modern public transport system serving a population of 700,000.
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Windhoek, Namibia

Transit System Review – Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Touted as one of the most successful Africa 2000 programs undertaken in 1990 and 1992 to assist the relatively modern Municipality of Windhoek, Namibia.
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Mr. Beck was responsible for researching, collecting, and analyzing data which led to over 40 recommendations to improve the bus system; most of which were adopted by the City including the commitment to maintain the bus system as a Public operation, a significant change in the zone fare structure policy, terminal site selection, generating non-passenger revenues, and introducing methods to combat the serious and sensitive taxi "poaching" problem prevalent in South African regions.
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Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

2013 Transit System Analysis and Design Plan

Provide a comprehensive analysis of past and existing transportation systems, existing and future land-use patterns, travel-demand patterns and roadway-congestion issues.
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Develop transit service standards and related performance measures, create a conceptual service design options that are responsive to existing and future community needs and priorities.
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End-to-End Transit Planning .