KKO's expertise in transit applications is both wide and deep. These unique qualifications lead to many assignments where KKO helps clients integrate new applications into the family of related systems necessary for a fully functional transit enterprise. KKO specializes in designing and building interfaces and bridges between critical operations management applications. We strive to transform a cacophony of data into a symphony of information.
 

Capital Metro Farebox

Capital Metro in Austin, Texas, procured a new farebox system for their bus fleet.  KKO assisted Booz Allen & Hamilton with evaluating the needs of farebox data users; the functionality and data provided by current vendor offerings; and vendor proposals for their ability to meet these data needs.

MBTA Hastus 5 Conversion

The MBTA has upgraded its scheduling software from Hastus 4.5 to Hastus 5.0. The upgrade resulted in a change of platform from a MicroVAX to an NT-based Server. KKO is working with the MBTA to migrate historical custom reports and interfaces with external MBTA applications. As part of the project, KKO reviewed opportunities to exchange schedule information with additional applications.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) investigated the acquisition of Mobile Data Units for its paratransit services. KKO assisted MultiSystems, Inc. in the development of a needs analysis and functional requirements. KKO also explored alternative vendors and technologies and developed a recommended strategy for the CTA.

For the Golden Gate Transit Authority, KKO worked with GIRO Enterprises to provide a fixed route bus scheduling software for the purpose of supporting the Hastus 5 system. KKO assisted in maintaining the Hastus schedule in parallel with the established manual system for a comparative analysis prior to the final cut-over.

KKO assisted Booz Allen Hamilton with the review and acquisition of the new Fare Collection System for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. KKO was responsible for drafting contract language for the procurement and for conducting acceptance testing on the delivered systems.

KKO supported GIRO, Inc., of Montreal, Quebec, with its project to install the HASTUS 5 scheduling system at LACMTA. The MTA's 35 person scheduling department is responsible for preparing crew and vehicle schedules for the 20000+ buses and rail vehicles which are deployed each rush hour to meet Los Angeles public transportation needs. KKO's role in the project was to specify interfaces between the new scheduling system and other computer applications requiring operator and vehicle schedules. Interface systems included payroll, customer service, and public timetable production.

In the fall of 1995, KKO teamed with IBI Group to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the RIDE for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The evaluation considered the overall performance of the MBTA sponsored paratransit service for greater Boston. KKO contributed to the evaluation of present operations, evaluation of recent and future trends in demand, and evaluation of alternative procurement and contracting mechanisms for contract service operations.

KKO provided project direction for a nationwide team of Amtrak analysts and software developers, including a Price Waterhouse team, for a project to upgrade, expand and field deploy a cost reporting tool used by product line managers and analysts to evaluate profitability and performance of routes under their control. Amtrak has 23 product line managers responsible for more than 200 distinct trains (i.e. Vermonter, Sunset Limited, etc.). The "RPS" mainframe/micro tools combine operating costs and revenues with operating statistics (i.e. car-miles, crew hours) to yield accurate estimates of train-level revenues and expenses for the management of service levels and financial performance.

To support Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff's efforts in planning Boston's new harbor tunnel and central expressway KKO migrated the project's urban transportation network simulation package from the PC to the VAX environment. KKO also designed and developed a direct interface from the network simulator to the team's traffic engineering software.

As a subcontractor to MultiSystems, Inc., KKO contributed to the development of a vehicle scheduling and transit service planning tool for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. This system is integrated into a comprehensive transit operations package for the DEC family of computers. KKO is responsible for on-going support of reports and external interfaces to payroll, timekeeping, performance measurement, and customer service systems at the MBTA.

KKO and Associates, L.L.C. Five Vine Street Andover, MA 01810 Phone:   978-475-4079 Fax:   978-662-3282