The development of initial transit asset management (TAM) plans provides valuable experience in improving current systems and processes to achieve a state of good repair (SGR), the condition in which assets are suitable for the purpose they are intended. It is well understood that agencies need stewardship, the support of funding partners, engagement of internal and external stakeholders, expert guidance and TAM as a part of organization culture.

Asset management evolves with advances in technology, regulation, funding availability and implementation experience. There is continuous improvement as agencies optimize costs, risks and performance. Given that TAM is cross-functional, the organizations implementing it experience cultural change, breaking down of silos (engineering, finance, administration, etc.), and new communication pathways. TAM has effectively transformed public agencies into business enterprises.

Business processes and decisions are more effective when driven by data information. An array of IT and modeling tools are available to collect, manage, store, visualize, and/or analyze asset-related data. New technologies such as Big Data, 5G, IoT, AI, ML and blockchain; enterprise asset management (EAM) systems; and equipment such as drones and sensors are emerging but options vary significantly in price and functionality. It is beneficial to share experiences to develop an understanding of the needs and evaluate the suitability of solutions.

Global Mass Transit is organizing its eighth conference on Transit State of Good Repair - TAM Transforms Transit on March 11-12, 2020 at Convene Conference Center, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. The mission of the conference is to explore how transit agencies can effectively use transit asset management (TAM) to maintain their fleet, systems and facilities, leverage existing assets to maximum potential, optimize operations and capital programs to achieve SGR targets and minimize total cost of ownership. 

Key issues to be explored

• What are the latest standards and guidance available for TAM and SGR? 
• How can agencies derive the maximum value from their data - collection, storage, processing, presentation and decision-making?
• What new tools and technologies are available to support TAM and SGR?
• How can agencies optimize costs, risks and performance for SGR, Climate Resilience and Safety?
• As technology development and passenger expectations change rapidly, what solutions should operators be investing in? How should projects be financed?
• How can state agencies, MPOs, transit agencies and city governments collaborate to achieve shared goals?
• What regional and statewide initiatives can be undertaken to improve TAM planning and transit performance?
• What best practices can be adopted for rolling stock procurement and upgrade? How to manage obsolescence?
• How to connect TAM Planning and SGR Programs to organizational functions such as Planning, Finance, Operations, Safety and Workforce Management?