SUBJECT:
title
Approval of a resolution authorizing the President & CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of CapMetro’s bus operator training program with a base term of one year, with no option years, in a total amount not to exceed $49,789.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this action is available in the FY2025 Operating Budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Goal Alignment:
☐ 1. Customer ☐ 2. Community
☒ 3. Workforce ☐ 4. Organizational Effectiveness
EXPLANATION OF STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT: Having access to research capacity at one of the leading urban transportation researchers in the country to evaluate, further develop, and enhance our bus operator training program. This effort will support CapMetro’s strategic goals of expanding and developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the changing needs of the agency and community by improving safety, service quality, and operator performance.
BUSINESS CASE: Investing in collaborative research with the Center of Urban Transit Research (CUTR) offers a cost-effective strategy to improve CapMetro’s transportation operations, particularly in bus operator training. Ineffective or outdated training programs can lead to higher accident rates, increased workers’ compensation claims, elevated vehicle repair costs, and operator turnover, all of which have direct financial impacts on the organization.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The item was presented and recommended for approval by the Operations, Planning and Safety Committee on July 16, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The safety, reliability, and quality of CapMetro’s transportation service largely depends on the skills and preparedness of bus operators. To ensure operators are properly trained to meet the growing demands and safety expectations of today’s transit environment, we are proposing a partnership with a research organization that specializes in public transportation operations. This collaboration will focus on evaluating, developing, and enhancing bus operator training programs to improve safety, reduce accidents, and better support our bus operators. By using data-driven research and expert analysis, we aim to strengthen our training practices to produce well-prepared operators who can safely and effectively serve the public.
Why this matters:
• Improved training can significantly reduce operator errors, vehicle damage, and safety incidents.
• Better training helps retain skilled operators, reducing turnover and associated hiring costs.
• Enhanced training supports reliable service, which benefits all riders and encourages increased use of public transit.
The specific project under the Interlocal Agreement will be defined by CUTR submitting one invoice to CapMetro for the contract upon completion and written acceptance of the report by CapMetro. This report will include key findings that identifies strengths and effectiveness of the current training program as well as gaps in areas that need improvement. Together with actionable recommendations including curriculum content (vehicle operations, safety procedures, ADA compliance, and de-escalation techniques), training delivery (classroom and on-the-road), refresher and ongoing training plans, and operator readiness upon completion of training.
CapMetro anticipates by utilizing CUTR, the agency will be able to ensure that research efforts are directly connected to real-world operational needs with measurable results in FY2027. Specifically, focusing on enhancing the bus operator training programs and supports mutual goals of improving safety, service quality, and operator performance.
Ultimately, this project will lead to safer roads, more confident bus operators, and better public transportation experience for everyone.
DBE/SBE PARTICIPATION: Does not apply.
PROCUREMENT: Does not apply.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: Safety
body
RESOLUTION
OF THE
CAPITAL METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF TRAVIS
AI-2025-1495
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors (and/or CapMetro Management) recognize the need to make decisions based on real world research that the Authority can implement; and
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors (and/or CapMetro Management) recognize that this collaboration will provide valuable insights and practical recommendations to ensure that CapMetro is investing in the most effective, modern, and impactful operator training program possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors that the President & CEO, or her designee, is authorized to finalize and execute an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of CapMetro’s bus operator training program with a base term of one year, with no option years, in a total amount not to exceed $49,789.
____________________ Date: ____________________
Secretary of the Board
Becki Ross