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CFTE Glossary
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Sampling
A statistical technique for the collection of passenger-mile data. The sampling technique may be one of the FTA-approved procedures or an alternative methodology which meets FTA's requirements for statistical reliability (95 percent confidence and 10 percent precision).
Satellite office
A type of telecommute using office locations typically operated by and for a single employer that are away from the employer's primary work site. Satellite offices help to reduce commute times for employees and help alleviate city traffic and parking congestion problems by locating offices closer to employee's homes and communities, especially in metropolitan areas.
Schedule Speed or Commercial Speed
Average speed of a transit vehicle for a specific route, including all stops, based on the scheduled start and end time for the route.
Scheduled revenue service
The total service scheduled to be provided for picking up and discharging passengers. Scheduled revenue service is computed from internal transit agency planning documents (e.g., run paddles, trip tickets and public timetables) and includes the whole trip (e.g., deadhead, layover/recovery and actual picking up and discharging of passengers). Schedule service excludes service interruptions and special additional services.
Scheduled service
A scheduled commercial passenger vehicle trip. The scheduled trip generally is offered at preestablished times between designated locations. Also the total service scheduled, computed from schedules. Scheduled service excludes service interruptions and special additional services.
School bus
Includes county buses, private school buses and buses chartered from private companies for the express purpose of carrying students to or from school and/or school-related activities.
School bus hours
The vehicle hours of travel by a revenue vehicle while serving as a school bus. School bus hours are only the hours when the bus is primarily or soley dedicated to carrying school passengers.
School bus service
The operation of buses exclusively to carry school passengers to and from their schools.
Seamless Transportation Network
The concept of "seamless" transportation is customer-based, referring to transportation services and facilities that allow users to move with a high degree of ease and convenience between modes and across service areas.
Seating capacity
The number of seats that are actually installed in the vehicle.
Seating capacity
The number of seats that are act
The number of seats that are actually installed in the vehicle.
Seating position
The location of the occupants in the vehicle. More than one person can be assigned the same seating position, however this is allowed only when a person is sitting on someone's lap.
Second units
An additional self-contained unit on the same lot as the primary residential unit. It may be either attached to or detached from the primary unit, but must contain cooking, eating, sleeping and full sanitation facilities. Second units are also know as in-law units or accessory dwellings and are sometimes called granny flats although that term also applies to a similar but restrictive type of unit.
Section 13(c)
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, related to labor protection that is designed to protect transit employees against a worsening of their position with respect to their employment as a result of grant assistance under the Act.
Section 15
Formerly administered federal transit grant program, replaced by Section 5335.
Section 16
Formerly administered federal transit grant program, replaced by Section 5310.
Section 16(b)
Formerly administered federal transit grant program, replaced by Section 5310(b).
Section 18
Formerly administered federal transit grant program, replaced by Section 5311.
Section 3
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes discretionary funds for capital public transportation projects.
Section 5303
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that provides assistance to local governments for conducting transportation planning activities in urban areas with populations greater than 50,000. The Section 5303 program helps develop transportation systems that embrace all modes of transportation and efficiently maximize the mobility of people and goods throughout the urbanized area.
Section 5307 (formerly Section 9)
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes grants to public transportation systems in urbanized areas (population greater than 50,000) for both capital and operating programs based on formulas set out in statute.
Section 5309 (formerly Section
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes discretionary funds for capital public transportation projects.
Section 5310 (formerly Section 16)
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that declares the national policy to be that elderly persons and persons with disabilities have the same right as other persons to utilize mass transportation facilities and services, and that special efforts shall be made in the planning and design of mass transportation facilities and services so that effective utilization by elderly persons and persons with disabilities is assured.
Section 5310(b) (formerly Section 16b)
The subsection of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes grants to nonprofit corporations and associations for the specific purpose of assisting them in providing transportation services meeting the special needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities for whom mass transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate.
Section 5311 (formerly Section 18)
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes grants to public transit systems outside urbanized areas, based on formulas set out in statute; the funds go initially to the Governor of each state.
Section 5335 (formerly Section 15)
The section of the Federal Transit Act (formerly known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964), as amended, that authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation to gather statistical information about the financing and operations of public transportation systems, based upon a uniform system of accounts and records.
Section 9
Formerly administered federal transit grant program, replaced by Section 5307.
Secured Debt
Debt for which collateral has been pledged.
Self-help and Community-help housing
Self-help or sweat equity housing enables potential homeowners to build up credit for a down payment on a home by contributing their labor to the construction or renovation. It can be a means for the low-income household to enter the housing market. Community-help housing expands the labor pool to include the neighborhood or a broader group of volunteers, such as houses built by Habitat for Humanity. Programs can be utilized by individuals or groups, usually with subsidies and public support. California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA) finances self-help housing by providing below market bond financing for mortgages on homes in urban areas. The Farmers Home Administration Mutual Self-Help Housing program has sponsored many rural development projects.
Senior Debt
Debt obligations having a priority claim on the source of payment for debt service.
Separate Right-of-Way
Longitudinally separated (curbs, barriers, grade separation) from traffic, but with vehicle and pedestrian grade crossings, e.g., curbed medians, side-of-street reservations, private right-of-way with few-to-frequent grade crossings.
Sequestration
A federal budgetary term that refers to the permanent cancellation of budget authority.
Service area
A defined area from within which the majority of transit users will travel to a particular transit facility. A service area is influenced by the level of transit service provided, destinations served, availability of adequate parking, quality and convenience of vehicular access and intermodal transfers, and the relative location and quality of other nearby competing transit facilities.
Service consumed
The amount of service actually used by passengers which is measured by unlinked passenger trips and passenger miles.
Service Route
Another hybrid between fixed-route and demand-response service. Service routes are established between targeted neighborhoods and service areas riders want to reach. Similar to deviated fixed routes, service routes are characterized by flexibility and deviation from fixed-route intervals. However, while deviated fixed routes require advanced reservations, service routes do not. A service route can include both regular, predetermined bus stops and/or allow riders to hail the vehicle and request a drop-off anywhere along the route.
Service supplied
The amount of service actually made available to prospective passengers. "Service supplied" is measured in vehicles, miles and/or hours that were operated during a given period.
Service vehicles
Rolling stock or fleet vehicles used in connection with keeping revenue vehicles in operation.
Setback
A minimum distance required by zoning to be maintained between two structures or between a structure and property lines.
Set-to
In land-use and transit planning, an alignment which sets the maximum distance away from the property line or boundary, such as a public street, that a building or structure may be placed.
Shared parking
Parking facilities that may be used by transit riders as well as patrons and workers for adjacent land uses. These facilities work best when the times and characteristics of the multiple uses do not coincide or conflict. A primary advantage of shared parking is that the facility may be financed by multiple groups rather than by one individual group.
Shared Right-of-Way
Surface streets in which transit operates in lane(s) that are reserved for transit by paint striping and/or signals, or lanes in which transit vehicles operate with othe
Shuttle
A public or private vehicle that travels back and forth over a particular route, especially a short route or one that provides connections between transportation systems, employment centers, etc.
Shuttle-bus service
Bus service that typically does not operate on a fixed schedule. These buses usually serve a small area and transport passengers to locations where transfers to feeder bus, rail transit or other transit service can be made.
Sight line
In land-use planning, the limits, or two sides, of a visual field usually defined by opaque objects, such as buildings, that block views beyond a
Sightseeing bus
A bus adapted for sightseeing use, usually with expanded window areas.
Site fingerprinting
Fingerprinting places development away from environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, steep slopes, etc.), future open spaces, tree save areas, future restoration areas, and temporary and permanent vegetative forest buffer zones. Ground disturbance is confined to areas where structures, roads, and rights of way will exist after construction is complete.
Slow-fill
Refers to how quickly a vehicle is refueled. In the case of slow-fill, the fill normally takes several hours, such as overnight. The fuel typically is unmetered after leaving the fuel compressor. Minimal equipment, usually only a small compressor and little or no storage, is needed for slow-fill (as opposed to fast-fill).
Small bus
A bus 28 feet or less in length.
Small urban area
Places of 5,000 to 49,999 urban population (except in the cases of Maine and New Hampshire) that are outside urbanized areas. As a minimum, the small urban area includes any place containing an urban population of 5,000 or more as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Small-area pla
Detailed land-use plans for sub-areas of a jurisdiction that illustrate specific community development priorities. The small-area plan typically addresses the broader goals of the community but also highlights unique characteristics that affect development of the particular small area. A rail transit station area plan is an example of a small-area plan.
Smart growth
Development practices that serve the environment, the community, public health and the economy. Smart growth is often characterized by a common set of development principles: mixing land uses; taking advantage of compact building design; creating a range of housing opportunities and choices; creating walkable neighborhoods; fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place; preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas; strengthening and directing development towards existing communities; providing a variety of transportation choices; making development decisions predictable, fair and cost-effective; encouraging community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.
Smart growth audit
A Smart Growth Audit is a tool to evaluate a city or county's existing policies and planning practices against identified smart growth principles. Typically, a Smart Growth Task Force established by the city or county will review the audit and develop recommendations for modifying city planning policies.
Smart growth cabinet/task force
A Smart Growth Cabinet or Task Force is a public actor responsible for coordinating and overseeing governmental actions that influence growth and development patterns. A Smart Growth Cabinet/Task Force often: identifies major initiatives to ensure that a community develops in a way that does not jeopardize its livability; implements Smart Growth Policy, and recommends to elected officials changes in law, regulations, and procedures needed to support smart growth.
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
Soft loan
Loan provided to a project sponsor with flexible repayment terms. Soft loans are generally subordinate to other debt, can have variable repayment schedules and extended terms, and subsidized interest rates.
Solicitation
The process by which funding agencies invite potential grantees or recipients of funds to submit proposals, applications, etc. Frequently, federal agencies announce their grant solicitations through Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), which are published in the Federal Register, as well as posted to the agencies’ own web sites.
Spare vehicles
Revenue vehicles available to the transit agency to accommodate routine and heavy maintenance requirements, as well as unexpected vehicle breakdowns, accidents or incidents, while preserving scheduled service operations.
Special fuels
Consist primarily of diesel fuel with a small amount of liquified petroleum gas, as defined by the Federal Highway Administration.
Special taxing district
Special taxing districts provide services to residents within prescribed areas. New facilities are funded by assessments on those who benefit directly from the services. Some districts are entirely independent from local governments, and many are single-purpose, such as those formed for sewer, water, or road construction. They are usually formed by petition from landowners to a local government. In a tax-increment financing (TIF) district, a base year assessed property value is determined, and taxes collected on any increases in property values above the base year value are dedicated to the needed improvements. TIF's are often used for redevelopment areas.
Specific plan
A plan addressing land uses, open space, infrastructure, and infrastructure financing for a smaller portion of the area than is covered by the general plan. Specific plans are usually more detailed as to land use than the general plan.
Specific public transportation
Transportation by bus, rail or any other conveyance (other than aircraft) provided by a private entity to the general public, with general or special service (including charter service) on a regular and continuing basis.
Sphere of influence
The potential physical boundaries and service area of a local government, as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of the county.
Split rate property tax
The split-rate property tax is a system that taxes land value at a higher rate than the value of buildings and improvements on that land.
Split rate property tax
The split-rate property tax is a system that taxes land value at a higher rate than the value of buildings and improvements on that land.
Standard-sized bus
A bus that is 35 to 41 feet in length.
Standing capacity
The number of standing passengers that can be accommodated aboard a revenue vehicle during a normal full load (non-crush) in accordance with established loading policies or, in absence of a policy, the manufacturer's rated standing capacity figures.
Start-up project
A separate, free-standing and new facility dependent on its own revenue stream to generate earnings to cover operating and capital costs.
State assistance for community based planning
State legislation or gubernatorial action provides a framework, technical assistance, and funding for community-based and smart growth planning efforts
State implementation plan
A state plan mandated by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) that contains procedures to monitor, control, maintain and enforce compliance with national standards for air quality
State Transportation Improvement Program
A short-term transportation planning document covering at least a three-year period and updated at least every two years. The STIP includes a priority list of projects to be carried out in each of the three years. Projects included in the STIP must be consistent with the long-term transportation plan, must conform to regional air quality implementation plans, and must be financially constrained (achievable within existing or reasonably anticipated funding sources).
State Transportation Plan
A transportation plan that covers a long time period (20+ years) and includes both short- and long-term actions that develop and maintain an integrated, intermodal transportation system. The plan must conform to regional air quality implementation plans and be financially constrained.
Station
With respect to intercity and commuter rail, the portion of a property located appurtenant to a right-of-way on which intercity or commuter rail transportation is operated, where such portion is used by the general public and is related to the provision of such transportation, including passenger platforms, designated waiting areas, rest rooms and, where a public entity exercises control over the selection, the design, construction or alteration of the property. This term does not include flag stops.
Station area
An area surrounding a rail transit station that contains development and activities that will support high-quality transit. Station areas generally are defined as the area within a 1/2-mile radius of the station, representing about a 10-15 minute walk.
Station area development plan
A plan developed and/or adopted by a municipality for the area within at least 1/2 mile surrounding a rail transit station. Station area development plans should include recommendations and/or requirements for land uses, density, circulation and other elements, as well as design guidelines or standards. Development recommendations should extend beyond the "station area" to the "support area." Also referred to as the "station area land-use plan."
Station area land-use plan
See: "station area development plan"
Station concept plan
A plan for an individual rail transit station, identifying the station's location, access, circulation and parking, as well as transit facilities and amenities. Also referred to as the "station stop concept plan."
Station Platform
The portion of the station adjacent to the track or roadway, for the use of passengers desiring to board or exit a rail vehicle. (Low Platform: Station platform at or near normal curb/sidewalk height. High Platform: Station platform at or near the floor height of a high-floor transit vehicle.)
STP
Surface Transportation Program
Streamlined development review
Streamlined development review simplifies the permit application process by centrally coordinating all requirements and procedures. Long and complicated development review processes unnecessarily delay, and sometimes discourage and even prevent, development and rehabilitation projects. Streamlining reduces application review times and increases certainty and predictability in permitting - creating a customer or developer-driven process. Application requirements are more clearly understandable and applicants can track the process of applications.
Streetcar
Another name for "light rail." An electrically powered rail car that is operated singly or in short trains in mixed traffic on track in city streets.
Streetscape
In land-use and transit planning, the combination of building facades, signage, landscaping, street furnishings, sidewalks and other elements along a street. The quality of these elements and the degree to which they compliment each other determine the quality of the streetscape.
Stress Test
A financial test applied by rating agencies to assess the claims-paying ability of municipal bond insurers. The stress test subjects a bond insurer's portfolio to a severe and prolonged economic downturn that produces an extraordinary level of bond defaults. In order to receive a AAA rating on its claims-paying ability, a bond insurer must be able to pay all projected claims through the peak years of the stress period and be left with sufficient resources to write new business when more stable economic conditions resume.
Structured parking
Multilevel parking for personal vehicles, usually automobiles. Also referred to as "parking decks" or "parking garages."
Subdivision ordinance
Law or regulation set forth and adopted by a governmental authority, usually a city or county, that governs the division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately conveyed by sale or lease, and which can be altered or developed.
Subscription bus
A commuter bus express service operated for a guaranteed number of patrons from a given area on a prepaid, reserved basis.
Subscription service
Any public transportation service operated for a guaranteed number of patrons on a prepaid, reserved basis.
Subsidy Cost
The estimated long-term cost to the federal government of providing credit assistance (e.g., direct loans or loan guarantees), calculated on a net present value basis at the time of disbursement and excluding administrative costs.
Suburban bus
A bus with front doors only, normally with high-backed seats and without luggage compartments or toilet facilities for use in longer-distance service with relatively few stops.
Suburban rail
Another name for "commuter rail."
Subway
An underground rapid rail transit system or the tunnel through which it operates. In local usage, sometimes used for the entire rail rapid transit system of which only a portion may be beneath the ground surface. Also refers to a pedestrian underpass.
Sulfur Dioxide
A heavy, pungent, colorless, gaseous air pollutant formed primarily by the combustion of fossil fuels.
Supplemental appropriation
An act appropriating funds in addition to those in an annual appropriation act because the need for funds is too urgent to be postponed until enactment of the next regular appropriation act.
Support area
The regional catchment area surrounding a rail transit station. The size of the support area varies depending on the character of nearby development and natural features. Some portions may be within a 20-minute walk of the station, other portions may extend from 1/2 mile to 1 1/2 miles away from the station.
Supportive housing
Permanent rental housing linked to a range of support services designed to enable residents to maintain stable housing and lead fuller lives. Supportive housing can service seniors, people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, farm workers, and formerly homeless people. Services can include medical and mental health care, vocational and employment services, substance abuse treatment, childcare, and independent living skills training.
Surface parking
Single-level parking for personal vehicles, located at ground level.
Surface Transportation Program (STP)
A new block grant type program that may be used by states and localities for any roads (including NHS) that are not functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors. These roads collectively are referred to as "federal-aid" r
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
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