10sgroup6

Group 6 Carl Batson, Eunjin Lee, Todd Mcdonald **
 * Final Project

Corporate Efficiency Committee Delaware Management Service, Inc. 1502 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, Delaware 19807 Phone: (302) 235-4656

April 17, 2010

Mr. John Stewart UD Transportation Services 403 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 19716 Phone: (302) 831-1187

Dear Mr. Stewart:

The enclosed brief statements discusses the services The Efficiency Committee can provide to your university transportation system to optimize the students' experience traveling on campus.  Our proposal outlines the comprehensive research services we can provide. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about our proposal. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Eunjin Lee Efficiency Analyst

**Corporate Efficiency Committee** Delaware Management Service, Inc Plan for improving the University Bus service 
 * Proposal **

**__Introduction__** The Corporate Efficiency Committee will conduct an inspection of The University of Delaware's transportation system as well as comparable academic institution's transportation structures. The primary focus will pertain to the overall efficiency and safety regarding the methods of travel used on campus.

**__Statement of Problem__** Although the current transportation system most likely provides satisfactory services, there are potentially some issues that could be adjusted to improve its overall quality. As noted previously, our concern is the convenience and safety of the students with a simultaneous focus on efficiency in terms of cost to the university. By understanding the requirements for the change in the University Transportation Service, we can assist in improving the quality and perception of its service. Our primary goals are as follows:
 * __Objective__**

1. Increase the efficiency of the current routes of university buses to cater to students preferences. 2. Maximize the safety level. 3. Generally make it easier to get from point A to point B on and around campus. 

**__Procedure__**

1. We will conduct a survey regarding the current transportation services.

2. Survey details o Sample size of 50 o Our sample will be students who live on or near campus. o The survey will consists of questions such as : - Where do they live? - Which, if any, buses do they frequently use? - How they think about the time intervals of bus they currently use? (Is it too long or too short or appropriate?) - Do they have any experiences that they felt unsafe while waiting bus at night? - Are they satisfied with overall transportation system?

3. We will contact the UD Transportation Services to gather information.

4. We will research comparable institutions and their transportation services. o University of Maryland o Penn State University

5. We will examine buses physical capabilities. o Do they accommodate large crowds o How many buses are needed o Handicapped equipped

5. Safety o We will analyze the current bus stops locations. o We will examine specific areas of campus which are prone to crimes.

7. We will present to you o An analysis of the present state of transportation at UD o A new, more efficient and effective process

The Corporate Efficiency from Delaware Management Service Inc. has provided efficient and effective transportation consulting services throughout the East Coast of the United States. We provide top notch quality work with plenty of experience from our staff. A list of clients may be refurbished upon request. We are the elite agency in the industry. We strive to create a safe and hassle free transportation enviornment for every student.
 * Record of Service**

Fee: $2,000 Traveling Costs: $500 Survey Costs: $100 Follow up costs are included in the initial fee. There will be no charges outside of the $2,600 total.
 * Cost to The University of Delaware**

Week of April 26: Survey of people who use the bus system. Week of May 3: Research Maryland -Buses -Routes/Schedules/Capacity Week of May 10: Research Penn State -Buses -Routes/Schedules/Capacity Week of May 17: Presentation of Analysis
 * Schedule**

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**__REPORT__**

Corporate efficiency committee Delaware Management Service, Inc. 1502 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, Delaware 19807 Phone: (302) 235-4656

May 10 2010

Mr. John Stewart UD Transportation Services 403 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 19716 Phone: (302) 831-1187

Dear Mr. Stewart:

Enclosed is the Delaware Management Service, Inc.’s Opportunity for increased UD transportation efficiency Performance Report. This report contains a review of current UD transportation service and suggestions.

The Corporate efficiency committee has analyzed the UD transportation service according to the time use, cost, and efficiency of the UD transportations system. We examined the report by - Investigating the current UD Shuttle bus routes. - Surveying 15 of current University of Delaware Students. - Speaking to The University of Delaware Transportation Service center. - Comparing other Universities’ Transportation Service to UD's.

It is my hope that this report will provide you with the information needed to assess the effectiveness of your university’s transportation service. If you have any questions regarding the report, please feel free to contact me at (302) 235-4656 or wlsldms@DELAINC.com.

Sincerely,

Eunjin Lee Efficiency Analyst

Executive Summary ..... 1 Introduction ..... 2 Procedure ..... 3 Analysis ..... 4 Comparative Table ..... 5 Recommendations ..... 6-7 Works Cited ..... 8 Appendix ..... 9 || 
 * **Table of Contents** ||

**Executive Summary** This Report studies and analyzes the current Transportation system of University of Delaware in comparison to other universities based on research information and in comparison to other universities. It aims to improve the University Transportation service so as to meet both Students' and University' needs. We began our research by surveying 50 of current UD students in order to figure out how students feel about the current UD transportation service and how they want it to be improved. We asked their opinions regarding current UD bus time schedules, bus routes, safety, and the potential introduction of a taxi service. The results reveal what complaints they have and what they feel should be implimented. We continued our research by comparing how other universities near UD manage their campus' transportation systems. We studied The University of Maryland (UMD) and Pennsylvannia State University (PSU.) We then gathered information including operation hours, bus sizes, and safety precautions from their respective websites. Anything that was unavailable to the public was retrieved via a brief interview of each department. Based on the information, we compiled a comparison box to gauge the competition. Our suggestion to create a more efficient transportation service for UD is to introduce larger size buses to reduce the frequency of crowing in rush hours (mostly daytime.) Moreover, introducing taxi service, which would be lucrative for UD, will also assist in alleviating overcrowding. In addition, we also recommend the installation of larger signs and a higher frequency of emergency blue lights at bus stops in secluded areas. The preceeding recommendations will combine to maximize students' overall satisfaction level.

**Introduction** Although the economy is well on its way back to normalcy, the recession has caused many businesses to alter their operations in order conserve energy and money, without sacrificing effectiveness. Presently the University of Delaware Transportation Department is one of many transportation services that are in the process of improving their services. With some complaints on hand, the concern about making a safer and enjoyable system is a priority. In addition to being faced with budget cuts, finding an efficient means to improving the system must be intricately researched.

First, we observed viewpoints from individuals who actually ride and use the bus system. From this we have been able draw upon specific area's conditions and which can be enhanced to ensure that people are comfortably using the bus system. Having a reliable and convenient transportation system will enhance the users satisfaction. Many people are dissatisfied with the current bus system due to overcrowding, unreliable times for each stop and a lack of stops. Furthermore, some students have expressed an insecurity at specific times due to lack of blue light security areas coupled with a prevalent criminal element on campus. A vast amount of research has been compiled in order to determine what would make the people who use the transportation system most satisfied.

** Procedure ** The first step we took in finding out what would better enhance the current bus system was by surveying a small sample of the student body. We conducted a random sample of individuals who live on-campus, as well as off-campus. In order to get a good representation of the student body, our random sample includes those who use the buses frequently, as well as those who do not.

Next, we researched two other institutions of higher learning that are similar to the University of Delaware with respect to the type of student and the surrounding towns. Extensive research was done on the University of Maryland (UMD) and Pennslyvannia State University (PSU) campus' transportation services because of their striking similarities to UD. In researching the two institutions, we scoured their transportation websites to find information pertaining to the number of bus routes and stops each route has. In addition, we gathered information on the number of buses that are currently operating and if any of the schools posses hybrid-electric and or hydrogen-cell buses. Subsequently, we obtained the hours of operation, security, emergency safety and size of the buses. Any information not available to the public was gathered by questioning each of their respective transportation services. We used this to get an in-depth informational understanding directly from the people who work there. The research provided allowed us to build a comparative analysis chart of UMD, PSU, and UD. From this analysis, it showed the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation services compared to other large institutions. This is one way we could evaluate what changes may benefit UD, as well eliminate future problems. From the analysis of the surveys and the comparative spreadsheet we can grasp a superior idea of what areas the students would like to see enhanced which is both effective and beneficial.

** Survey Analysis ** * We conducted a random survey on 50 current UD students and obtained the following findings.

1. Students think that UD Shuttle Buses typically arrive on time. -> Time schedule is kept well. Frequency of the situation that bus comes early or late by 5 minutes (or more) is very low. 2. A majority of the students think that current UD Shuttle routes are not adequate for their needs. -> They request additional lines (e.g. End of Main Street and Near North Chapel / K-mart and Newark Post Office / End of Main Street / Christiana mall) 3. Buses students use often full up too quickly. -> Students feel that buses often get full both when they travel to and from Campus. -> Some asked for bigger buses, while others asked to increase the number of routes (especially the Express and Laird Campus buses) 4. There was an overwhelming desire for the university to step up safety precautions at night. 5. Students answered the question "If you could change one aspect of the existing transit system at UD, what would it be?" as follows: - Taxis - More buses to Dickinson - Possibly a route to Christiana Mall - Expand bus route - Would like to be feel more safe at the bus stop at night. They desired more lights and a secure kiosk that is closely monitored by public safety and the UD police. - Bus schedule table attached on the wall around the bus stop would.
 * -** Bigger buses

** Comparative Table **


 * =  ||= University of Delaware ||= University of Maryland ||= Penn State University (private company) ||
 * = Students ||= 19,500 ||= 36,000 ||= 44,000 ||
 * = Buses ||= 15 ||= 62 ||= 84 ||
 * = Amount of Bus Routes ||= 11 ||= 19 ||= 31 ||
 * = Bus Stops ||= 37 ||= 52 ||= 23 ||
 * = Service Intervals ||= 20 ||= 15 ||= 15 ||
 * = Hours of Service ||= 7:30AM- 4AM ||= 8:15AM-7:30AM ||= 7AM-6PM ||
 * = Weekend Operation ||= Only Nights and Mall ||= Yes ||= No ||
 * = Max Capacity ||= 54 (standing) ||= 80-100 (standing) ||= 65 (standing) ||
 * = Energy Efficient ||= One Hydro Cell Bus ||= 4 Hybrids ||= No ||
 * = Wifi ||= Yes ||= Yes ||= Yes ||
 * = Taxi Service ||= No ||= Yes ||= Yes ||
 * = Emergency Safety Buttons ||= Some ||= On campus only ||= Some ||
 * = Accidents in the past 3 years ||= N/A ||= N/A ||= N/A ||

*The following are in order of importance :
 * Recommendations **


 * 1. Taxi Service**

The recommendation of the implementation of a university sponsored cab service will bring a valuable, safe service to students at no cost to the university. Contrarily, it will earn money for UD. The combination of convenience, safety and affordibility to navigate campus will almost certainly be an irresistible service to university patrons. Since UD is not as large or as populated as the aforementioned schools, the pricing mechanism can be simplified to a flat rate within a predetermined boundary. We recommend charging two to three dollars per person, per trip. Anything outside the immediate University of Delaware region would be an extra, meter based fee, regardless of the amount of occupants. Furthermore, advertisement revenues would be able to increase the the systems economic value. Businesses from the surrounding area will be charged for one month's time, at a rate to be determined after testing the demand.


 * 2.** **Larger/ Additional Buses**

Larger buses are definitely something worth getting to better accommodate the growing population at the University of Delaware. Many students have complained about the overcrowding of buses while travel to various spots on campus. As we noticed on our research the University of Maryland buses can hold from 80 to 100 persons respectively, while the University of Delaware can only hold roughly 54 persons. In last year's review the freshman class was the largest to be enrolled at the University of Delaware. With growing demands larger and more buses would be a reasonable accommodation.

In order to be efficient UD should purchase hybrid-electric buses or produce more hydro-cell buses. Especially since the State of Delaware Transportation is vying for a contract with UD for hydro-cell buses. Not only would the buses save an enormous amount of money spent on gas, but also on maintenance since the buses would be new and they are electric buses also. With the hybrid-electric buses it would be running on electric majority of the time unless it surpassed a certain amount of speed then would the diesel engine start working. Since they drivers should need to go that fast around campus most of the use would be electric. This also promotes going 'Green'. It would take time to purchase and phase out the older buses. Overtime as newer buses are being purchased the older buses will be donated.


 * 3. More emergency blue lights at bus stops**

At night safety is major issue on campus. Many students feel unsafe while walking around campus alone or waiting at designated stop for a bus to arrive. Even though UD public safety is said to have enhanced patrols many students still have an uneasy feeling.

In order to facilitate the needs of the students having an emergency blue light at every bus stop will ease the student's sense of insecurity.The advantages of having an emergency blue at the bus stops will not only make the student's feel a bit more secure but will also lend a hand in helping public safety. The cost to add more blue light should be relatively inexpensive. With the money that goes towards the transportation budget can more than likely pay for this project.


 * 3.** **Larger signs with more in depth route information**

With the signs that are in place now are not that visible to the riders. So the only way a person is to know where a bus stop is, is when the bus actually stops while they are riding and if the stop is even located on the bus route. By implementing larger signs and a more in depth route information there will be less confusion on stops and routes.

The current signs can be taken down, and signs that are larger and are illuminated at night can be the replacements. By having these larger signs bus drivers can easily see the signs, and determine whether people waiting for the bus. In addition, having the signs illuminate at night drivers and riders can easily recognize where stops are in the dark. It is very difficult to see a sign in the dark unless one knows with out a doubt that the particular area is a bus stops. With more in depth route information, such as bus 1 does not make requested stops, but bus 2 does make requested stops along the bus route. This is one aspect that will be helpful for the driver as well as the rider and minimize confusion and frustration. Adding a section that has every stops in a list form of every route and on the map label all designated bus stops including stops that are not routinely stopped unless requested by the rider would be beneficial as well. The detailed Bus Route Information should be posted at every stop. This is a very simple task that involves typing in a word document and then going to the print shop to have the document print out for the public.


 * 5.** **Shuttle during days on the weekend**

Another recommendation that would be valuable to the University of Delaware students is a shuttle that is operating during the daytime hours on the weekend. For the simple fact that many students stay on campus during the weekend and some do not have access to a vehicle. They are stuck on campus with not much to do or a mode of transportation, except by walking locally. The survey revealed that many students would like more bus routes and especially one stop to the Christiana Mall. By incorporating a daily routine stop to the Mall and regular stops during the daytime hours on weekends would be beneficial to the students during the weekends.

**Works Cited**

1. Delaware Transit Corporation. <[]> Web. 13 May 2010 2. University of Delaware UD Transportation. <[]> Web. 21 April. 2010. 3. University of Maryland Department of Transportation. <[]> Web. 7 May. 2010 4. Penn State University Transportation Services. <[]> Web. 7 May. 2010

**Appendix** *Survey on University Transportation Service

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Where do you live?

On Campus <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Please specify:  North Central / South Central / East Campus / West Campus / Laird Campus) Off Campus Housing near the Campus Other

**2.** How do you typically get to campus? (check one **)**

Drive by yourself Carpool UD Shuttle Ride a motorcycle, walk, or bicycle Other

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. If you answer ‘UD Shuttle’ on question 2, how long does your trip to campus usually take? minutes

4. How often do you ride the UD Shuttle?

Several times a day Once or twice a day A few times a week A few times a month Never

5. How frequently do <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">YOU experience the following while riding a UD bus?


 * ||  ||   || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Almost every Trip || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Daily || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weekly || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monthly || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Very Rarely/ Never ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle is early by 5 minutes (or more) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle is more or less on time ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle is late by 5 minutes (or more) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle is full (all seats occupied) when traveling TO campus ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle is full when traveling FROM campus ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle breaks down ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">UD Shuttle breaks down ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. Are the current UD Shuttle routes adequate for your needs?

Yes, they go where I need to go

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No, there are additional destinations that I would like the UD bus to go 7. If you answer ‘NO’ on question 6, please specify the additional destination that you would like the UD bus to go. ****

8. Do you feel <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">unsafe in the following UD Shuttle Bus stops in the evening or at night?

(S. Chapel St.) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   || (Please specify: ) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   || 9. Are you willing to pay a small fee for a taxi service?
 * ||  ||   || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not at all unsafe || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A little || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A lot ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Smith Overpass ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perkins Student Center ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Field House Bus Shelter ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dining Hall (Please specify which, if any: ) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Christiana Commons ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On campus parking lot ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">University Courtyard
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10. If you could change one (and only one) aspect of the existing transit system at UD, what would it be?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> **

<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Thank you for your help with this project ! **