This study addresses the issue of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) applications in small and medium sized transit agencies. Small to medium transit agencies were contacted to determine their perception of their experience with AVL and the benefits it has provided. All contacted transit agencies that deployed an AVL system perceive great benefits of AVL, especially in the areas of improved efficiency of the system by permitting automated dispatch and scheduling, improved customer services and communication, more efficient use of resources and improved on-time performance. In addition a survey was conducted of transit users in a Wisconsin community to assess the level of importance that they place on features of transit service which AVL can affect. The transit riders consider on-time performance and having real-time information as the most important factors in transit service. A framework for conducting benefit cost analysis is also provided based on data from the City of Racine, Wisconsin and some assumptions. It was found that consistent with cost benefit analysis of highway investment, AVL benefits largely occur to transit users if their waiting time can be reduced by even a small amount. AVL systems for small transit agencies also have the potential of sharing the system with other government agencies, such as public works departments, law enforcement agencies and other transit agencies.
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