APTA Scheduling Practices Toolkit

Foursquare ITP worked with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to develop the toolkit to guide agencies through an assessment of their scheduling practices and basic steps in developing strategies to enhance workforce scheduling processes and improve employee retention. Transit agencies across the country face a workforce shortage exacerbated by the demanding nature of operator schedules. Operators struggle with issues like inadequate rest periods, excessive overtime, and limited flexibility, leading to fatigue, burnout, and high turnover. Foursquare ITP recognized the need for a comprehensive guide to address these systemic issues and ensure sustainable workforce solutions.

Foursquare ITP collaborated with transit agencies, unions, and industry experts to develop this toolkit. Developed based on discussions with transit agencies and insights from APTA’s Scheduling Practices and Operator Retention working group, the toolkit combines insights from industry experts, agency stakeholders, and transit professionals to create actionable solutions for improving scheduling practices. It provides agencies with a structured approach, beginning with self-assessment to identify challenges and strategies tailored to their unique needs. From fostering union collaboration to implementing cutting-edge technology, the toolkit empowers agencies to adopt innovative practices that benefit both operators and the organization.

The Scheduling Practices Toolkit points to ways agencies can achieve more reliable service delivery, higher operator morale, and improved employee retention. These improvements translate into better experiences for riders and sustainable workforce solutions for transit agencies.