As the fishbone diagram in the presentation shows, there are four major components that need to be considered when addressing the issues of inefficiencies in the bus service, and causes of the problems that have been described. First, there are the methods used in creating the bus routes and schedules, which do not take the time of day adequately into account. Related to this yet separate are the student needs, which should dictate the level of bus service provided to a large degree; direct input from students can be sought to make better and more efficient decisions regarding bus service. The drivers are another consideration in making the changes necessary to address the identified problems, however, as a reduction in the number of buses operating will necessarily mean a reduction in the number of driver-hours needed, meaning either a...
While these labor savings are part of the efficiency desired by addressing these problems, impact on the workforce should also be considered. Finally, overall policies at the university and in Indianapolis regarding public transportation needs and provision must also be examined to effectively address this problem.
Research was conducted as a means of identifying and clearly defining the problem, with data collected regarding passengers in and out at each stop throughout the day on different dates, and with wait times and drive durations also recorded. Specific problems were thus identified as contributing to the problem of inefficiency, with policies, wait times, and the need for a new garage all identified as partial potential solutions.
