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Citation |
Farkas ZA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1993; 1402: 3-8. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1993, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
The suburbanization of employment in metropolitan areas has opened up new markets for private-sector reverse commute services. FTA initiated the Entrepreneurial Services Challenge Grant Program (ESP) to promote such services, yet the factors leading to successful services have not been identified. The objective of the research is to identify and examine the market, service provision, financial, managerial, and organizational factors that characterize successful services. A literature review and three case studies of successful private-sector reverse commute services in large metropolitan areas were conducted. The characteristics of successful private-sector reverse commute services are (a) a lean management structure with dynamic entrepreneurship and communication; (b) strategies emphasizing financial flexibility and marketing (market research to identify promising market niches and promotion that emphasizes cost savings to employers); (c) establishment of contracts with employers for subsidized transportation and matching of jobs with labor; (d) close relationships with employment, training, and recruitment organizations; (e) comprehensive screening of commute service employees; and (f) monitoring of performance. As a means to promote such services, FTA should implement a training and long-term technical assistance component to complement the financial assistance of ESP. Language: en |