However, what was entirely absent from MTA's analysis were the baselines for comparison, and the relevant assumptions and inputs that would allow another party to replicate MTA's calculations. Without this information, the public cannot get a complete picture of how changes are affecting the system. Though MTA explored many helpful categories, it's difficult to understand MTA's calculations without all the information.
The sky is really the limit when measuring relevant aspects of access. For example, AllTransit measures 29 indicators across six categories of metrics, all based on publically-available GTFS and its own set of proprietary definitions and assumptions.
Regular Updates
MTA published its conclusions about access under the BaltimoreLINK system after these findings were requested by advocates and stakeholders, including the Transportation Alliance. MTA has not committed to measuring access on an ongoing or regular basis. MTA’s Office of Performance Management reports quarterly data only on three metrics: ridership, farebox recovery, and on-time performance.
Meanwhile, MTA makes service changes at least 3 times per year. Some of these changes dramatically affect the level of service on the frequent network, or open up additional access to job centers. Those kinds of substantive changes call for updates to measures of access in advance of the public comment period.