OPTIMIZING OPERATIONS BY DIGITIZING DATA

Metro-North Railroad (MNR), a subsidiary agency of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, is a suburban commuter rail system that runs service in New York City and its northern suburbs in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. MNR enlisted a Capstone team to help establish a data management and performance dashboard for internal use to increase operational efficiency and enhance customer service. The team engaged in conversations with peer transit agencies to learn proven best practices and with MNR staff from key operational departments to understand data needs. Using research and real departmental data, the team developed a beta version of a data management and performance dashboard. The team developed an accompanying set of recommendations for the replication of the dashboard and for future implementation across MNR. These deliverables will help create a more consistent data infrastructure and ensure data-driven service planning for the client.