The unprecedented advances taking place in the technology industries (computer, electronics, telecommunications) can benefit the transit industry by enabling safer, cleaner, and more reliable transit vehicles; easier maintenance; better customer service; and faster and more efficient scheduling and operations. Without an effective technology transfer process, however, the technologies may not reach the proper audience in the transit organization, or they may fail to elicit the appropriate response from transit staff. The two key elements of successful technology transfer in the transit industry are discussed—effective technology transfer infrastructure and technology transfer (T2) agents. Effective technology transfer infrastructure consists of an organizational culture that is open and flexible, a comprehensive evaluation mechanism, an efficient transfer design, and an effective training program. T2 agents are individuals or organizations that bring new technologies and information to agencies, which then can transform the technology and information into useful products, processes, or programs. Also discussed are intra- and interagency barriers, such as strict adherence to rule books and bureaucratic organizational structures, and examples are provided of how some agencies are addressing these problems.
Technology Transfer in the Transit Industry
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 1731 , 1 ; 112-120
2000-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
PART 4 -- TECHNOLOGY - Technology Transfer in the Transit Industry
Online Contents | 2000
|Advanced Technology Transit Bus: An Answer to Many of the Problems that Plague the Transit Industry
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997
|Transit industry -- Its current position
Engineering Index Backfile | 1948
|British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995
|Accident prevention in transit industry
Engineering Index Backfile | 1937
|