Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1984

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Civil Engineering

Major Professor

Frederick J. Wegmann

Committee Members

Arun Chattergee, Bill Grecco

Abstract

A radio communication system has increasingly become a component of rural transportation programs across the country. However, unlike urban dial-a-ride programs, rural transportation programs typically require that passengers schedule their trips at least 24-hours in advance. The 24-hour advance call-in operating strategy would appear to eliminate the need for a radio communication system.

To this point, questions have arisen as to how radio systems are used in rural transportation programs, what type of radio systems are appropriate, and what are the benefits of these radio systems? In the effort to arrive at answers to these questions, a review of basic radio operation, terminology and types of systems available was performed. This basic information provided the groundwork of understanding for case studies of three rural transportation programs which are utilizing radio communications in Tennessee. Two of these programs use two-way radio equipment and the third used citizens band (CB) radio equipment. In the investigation of these transportation programs, several different uses of the radio communication systems were documented. Utilizing this information, a detailed analysis of radio use was performed on one of the transportation programs studied. Survey forms were developed that would measure both quantitative and qualitative benefits of the use of the radio system. Data collected over a two week period was expanded to yearly totals and a benefit-cost analysis was performed.

The review of the basics of radio communications and the case studies of the three rural transportation programs utilizing radio systems, indicate that two-way radio equipment is the most appropriate for rural transportation programs. Citizens band radio equipment was found to be generally inadequate. Of the two-way radio systems available, the mobile relay system was found to be the most appropriate for the multi-county rural transportation programs studied.

Several beneficial functions that result from the use of the radio systems were identified. Among those that could be quantified in terms of miles saved were trip cancellations and additional trips not scheduled the previous day. Qualitative benefits include radio calls involving emergencies, requests for directions and other drivers assistance, and managerial monitoring of the transportation program.

The benefit-cost ratio of 0.90 indicates that the identified quantitative benefits of two-way radio systems do not alone justify their cost. However, the intangible benefits of radio systems noted along with the underlying assumptions made in establishing the quantified benefits must be reviewed before a decision is made regarding the purchase of a radio system. In many cases, these "intangibles" can provide the additional benefits required to justify the use of a two-way radio system in rural transportation.

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