Mobility on Demand and Automated Driving Systems: A Framework for Public-Sector Assessment (2022)

Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

29 REPORT CHAPTER 4: DIGITAL INFORMATION AND FARE PAYMENT INTEGRATION DIGITAL INFORMATION AND FARE PAYMENT INTEGRATION SECTION OVERVIEW This section discusses digital information and fare payment integration and answers key questions including: • What is digital information and fare payment integration? • How can digital information and fare payments be integrated? WHAT IS DIGITAL INFORMATION AND FARE PAYMENT INTEGRATION? As shared mobility and MOD becomes increasingly popular, digitally integrating services and fare payment becomes a higher priority for travelers. Integrating services has the potential to enhance the convenience of multimodal trips. With a growing number of mobility innovations, there is a demand for data-enabled technologies that aggregate modes, facilitate multimodal trip planning, and integrate payment. A growing number of digital information and fare payment services are increasingly offering these services and seamless information and payment connectivity among different transportation modes. These services can help bridge information gaps, make multimodal travel and public transit more convenient, and enhance decision-making with dynamic and real-time information throughout an entire journey. The following subsections describe aspects of multimodal integration (e.g., digital information and fare payment integration), strategies to support integration, and examples of programs that can support integration. Multimodal integration—the seamless connection between different transportation modes—can encourage the use of shared mobility, MOD, and public transportation. Achieving multimodal integration typically involves public-private partnerships to pursue fare and digital integration which are defined as: • Digital information integration (sometimes called digital integration): Provides aggregated and seamless information on trip planning, fares, wayfinding, and modal connections; and • Fare integration: Integration through a single card or account allows travelers to pay for multiple modes of transportation including public transit and shared mobility. Concerns with Digital Information and Fare Payment Integration Integrating digital information and fare payments can present concerns, particularly regarding equity. Low-income households may not be able to afford the devices and services required to access digitally integrated information and fare payment systems, such as smartphones and the

30 REPORT internet. Also, some communities (e.g., rural areas) may not have the infrastructure necessary to support internet-based access to these services. Populations that are not digital natives (e.g., older adults) may not be able to easily navigate or understand digital information and fare payment integration platforms. Individuals with disabilities, such as cognitive, visual, auditory, and mobility impairments, may not be able to easily use information and fare payment platforms. In addition, these platforms may not include the services that are unique to people with disabilities, such as paratransit information and reduced fare structures. These concerns may need to be taken into consideration when integrating information and fare payments. HOW CAN DIGITAL INFORMATION AND FARE PAYMENT BE INTEGRATED? A variety of strategies exist to integrate digital information and fare payment integration. However, many of these strategies are dependent upon transportation data, which is associated with its own unique challenges. The following subsections detail common concerns and strategies regarding transportation data and strategies for digital information and fare payment integration. Transportation Data Data are a critical component of digital information and fare payment integration. Data can be classified along many dimensions: trip data versus asset data, static versus real-time data, and user versus non-user data. Figure 8 defines these data types.

31 REPORT Figure 8. Data Types Data provided by a variety of stakeholders can offer information on trip times, modal costs, vehicle locations, modal availability, and other information integral to integration. However, there are concerns regarding data sharing including what data are shared, how it is shared, who sees the data, and what the data are used for. Some communities are currently involved in litigation with mobility operators regarding data sharing concerns. Communities have begun addressing data-based challenges by using standardized data types including mobility data specification and general bikeshare feed specification. These data specifications allow data to be collected and used in a standardized format, offering transparency and uniformity on data sharing between parties. Table 5 summarizes other data concerns and potential strategies. Trip Data Trip Data Describes how individuals or goods travel from origin to destination (e.g., mode used, trip duration) Asset Data Describes infrastructure and how it can be used, this data can be static (e.g., traffic lights, streets) or real-time (e.g., available parking spaces) Time Data Static Data Data that are reported once or in period intervals, also known as historical data Real-Time Data Can be queried at any time allowing users continuous access User Data User Data Refers to information about people who are using MOD and/or AVs Non-User Data Refers to information about people who are not using MOD and/or AVs, but may be imapcted by these modes

32 REPORT Table 5. Potential Data Sharing Concerns and Strategies Potential Concern Potential Strategies Protecting Traveler Privacy Apps may intentionally or unintentionally collect sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII) • Require the removal of PII before sharing data • Aggregate data to protect traveler information • Require opt-consent processes for data sharing Protecting Trade Secrets Mobility and/or goods delivery service providers may generate or rely on proprietary information that can be important to an organization’s unique business plan or growth strategy • Use third-party organizations as data brokers (i.e., intermediaries) • Reserve the right to share data for public interest reasons • Engage in data sharing agreements that define what type(s) of data will be shared Abiding by Public Records Laws Data used by public agencies may be subject to public records requests which can potentially reveal traveler or proprietary information • Treat location-based data as PII • Develop unique protocols for proprietary data • Allow select reported data to be made publicly available Data Security Data shared between agencies and organizations may present security risks (e.g., security breaches, data theft) • Adopt standards-based digital security methods (e.g., storage protocols, data theft plans) • Ensure security policies and practices are regularly evaluated and updated if necessary • Encourage organizations to adhere to the best practices of data security Staff Capability Constraints Stakeholder organizations may not have the staff capability to handle the safe sharing and storage of data • Develop new positions (e.g., Chief Technology Officer) to maintain in-house capabilities • Coordinate across organizations to establish best practices Lack of Universal Standards Data may be generated in a nonuniform way which can complicate data sharing • Partner with outside organizations to adopt standardized data formats • Promote open and standardized data formats Using these strategies to address data sharing concerns can support the use of data in information and fare payment integration. Strategies for pursuing both information and fare integration are discussed in each of the subsections below. Strategies for Digital Information Integration Using data to integrate digital information through smartphone apps and websites has the potential to support multimodal trips. These digital platforms can support multimodal trips by aggregating information and allowing travelers to: • Search routes, schedules, near-time travel predictions, and connections; • Compare travel times, connection information, distance, and cost across multiple routes and modes; and • Access real-time travel information across multiple modes.

33 REPORT To support information integration stakeholders can engage in strategies including: • Providing real-time and updated information: In-house or third-party apps and websites with real-time information can help riders make decisions for trip planning and completion purposes. • Using application programming interfaces7 (APIs): APIs can integrate information from existing organizations (e.g., public agencies), apps, and service providers (e.g., shared mobility operators). • Developing websites and smartphone apps: Platforms that integrate information can help riders plan and execute multimodal trips using real-time information. Web-based resources and smartphone apps can be developed and managed by a variety of stakeholders including public transit agencies (e.g., Winnebao Catch-a-Ride from Winnebao County, Wisconsin); third parties (e.g., Transit app); and private companies (e.g., UbiGo). Strategies for Fare Payment Integration Integrating fare payment can also support multimodal trips. Integrated fare payment can result in benefits including allowing travelers to: • Conveniently, quickly, and cost-effectively transfer between different modes; • More accurately budget and understand transportation-related costs; • Use multimodal trips to increase mobility and access to resources including public transit, housing options, and employment opportunities; and • Consider a greater variety of modal options. Fares can be integrated on varying levels of integration ranging from no integration to comprehensive integration that includes fare payment methods and pricing modes. Figure 9 summarizes these levels of integration. 7 An application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software and applications. APIs can help developers and smartphone apps share data and information between apps and make it easier for third-parties to develop apps and incorporate features from existing apps.

34 REPORT Figure 9. Integrated Fare Payment Types Source: Shaheen et al., Forthcoming FTA PROGRAMS Digital information and fare payment integration can be supported through programs at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. Programs at these levels can offer guidance, best practices, financial support, and other resources to identify ways that information and fare payment can be integrated and used. Currently, two federal programs are supporting research for digital information and fare payment integration. These programs consist of the FTA’s Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Program and the FTA’s Accelerating Innovation Mobility (AIM) Program. FTA’s IMI Program The FTA’s IMI Program funds projects that demonstrate innovative and effective practices, partnerships, and technologies to enhance public transportation effectiveness, increase efficiency, expand quality, promote safety, and improve the traveler experience. FTA’s IMI 2020 funding provides $20.3 million for demonstration projects focused on three areas of interest: Mobility on Demand, Strategic Transit Automation Research, and Mobility Payment Integration to:

35 REPORT • Explore new business approaches and technology strategies that support mobility, • Enable communities to adopt innovative mobility strategies that enhance transportation efficiency and effectiveness, and • Facilitate the widespread deployment of proven mobility strategies that expand personal mobility. In March 2020, FTA announced the selection of 25 projects in 23 states to receive funding under the program. FTA received 104 eligible project proposals totaling approximately $107 million. Table 6 summarizes the topic areas, project sponsor, location, description, and target demographics of IMI projects on digital information and fare payment integration. Table 6. IMI Projects on Digital Information and Fare Payment Integration Topic Area Project Sponsor, Location Description Target Demographic D ig ita l In fo rm at io n Tompkins County, New York Developing a multimodal trip planning platform Rural residents D ig ita l In fo rm at io n an d Fa re Pa ym en t San Joaquin Regional Transit District, California Creating a trip planning and payment app All riders Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, Oregon Enhancing existing multimodal trip planner by adding an integrated fare payment component All riders Fa re P ay m en t Coordinated Community Transportation Systems (on behalf of River Cities Public Transit), South Dakota Integrating fare payment for existing transportation service Oncology patients at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital Crawford Area Transportation Authority, Pennsylvania Creating a unified system for fixed- route and paratransit ticket purchasing and validation All riders Georgia Regional Transportation Authority for Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, Georgia Creating a multimodal trip planning app that offers integrated fare payment and live navigation All riders Kootenai County, Idaho Developing an open architecture integrated fare payment system All riders Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska Implementing a platform to centralize fare payment, dispatch, fleet management, and call taking All riders Stark Area Regional Transit Authority, Ohio Developing an integrated payment system Low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, students

36 REPORT In addition to the projects summarized in the table, IMI also selected three projects in automation, one project for bridging first- and last-mile gaps, seven projects for on-demand transportation, one project in traffic and transit management, and two projects on service expansion. FTA’s Accelerating Innovative Mobility Program In addition to the FTA’s IMI Program, the FTA is also managing its AIM Program to support information and fare payment integration. AIM will provide $11 million in challenge grants to help public transit agencies experiment with innovative ways of doing business, such as exploring new service models that provide more efficient and frequent service. The AIM Program will drive transportation innovation by promoting forward-thinking approaches to finance, system design, and service. The FTA announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the AIM Program in March 2020. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Digital information integration is the integration of information from various sources into a single digital platform. • Fare payment integration is the integration of fare payments and fare payment models into a single platform/system. • Data sharing and developing apps and websites that aggregate information from a variety of sources can integrate digital information. • Fare payments can be integrated on a scale from no integration to full integration of fare payment methods and models.