The Transit Cooperative Research (TCRP) recently released the following publications:

TCRP Synthesis 80 - Transit Security Update: This synthesis explores transit-related counterterrorism and anti-crime security measures and practices; examines crime and security incident trends; and highlights other topics, including major issues and obstacles to security and policing management.  The report is an update to TCRP Synthesis of Transit Practice 21: Improving Transit Security, which did not address terrorism.

TCRP Report 129 – Local and Regional Funding Mechanisms for Public Transportation:  This report explores a series of transit funding mechanisms with a focus on traditional tax- and fee-based funding, along with common business, activity, and related funding sources.  This report includes an online regional funding database that provides an extensive list of funding sources that are in use or have the prospect of being used at the local and regional levels to support public transportation. 

TCRP Report 130 – Shared Use of Railroad Infrastructure with Noncompliant Public Transit Rail Vehicles: A Practitioner’s Guide: This report examines the case for the shared-use of non-Federal Railroad Administration-compliant public transportation rail vehicles (e.g., light rail vehicles) with freight operations, and highlights a business model for such shared-use operations.  The report also explores potential advantages and disadvantages of shared-use operations and the issues and barriers that can arise in the course of implementation.

FY 2010 Research Problem Statements are due June 15, 2009.  Visit www.tcrponline.org for more information or to download a report.