Katherine O’Neil

Education:

M.C.R.P., Transportation and Computer Science, Harvard University, 1978
Bachelor of Science in City Planning, Magna Cum Laude, Michigan State University, 1976

Professional Experience:

Founder and manager of a consulting firm specializing in management information systems and transportation systems analysis. In 1999, after 15 years of successful operation, the company restructured to focus on management consulting and transportation systems analysis. In 2006, KKO sold the transit and operations planning division to Edwards and Kelcey, now part of Jacobs Engineering Group. Since its formation, KKO has successfully undertaken numerous projects for various government and industry clients. Under her leadership, KKO has served as a sole consultant, or a project team member, for an international client base.

Ms. O’Neil manages specific projects for the company’s management consulting and professional services practice, including:

• Provided mobilization support to Maryland DOT’s commuter rail service during the transition from CSXT to a third party commuter rail contractor. Support included reviewing required submissions, with focus on operations, incentives and penalties, management information systems, financial controls, and compliance with contract reporting requirements.
• For TCRP’s State of Good Repair: Prioritizing the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Existing Capital Assets and Evaluating the Implications for Transit, participated in the peer review and the development of a framework for prioritizing capital investments. Currently participating in a follow project to test the framework for several pilot transit agencies.
• Prepared procurement documents for MBTA daily operations resource management system to automate daily crew and vehicle dispatch functions. Supported the MBTA through implementation of the new system.
• Support and maintain custom HASTUS reports and interfaces for the MBTA scheduling department.
• Developed an integrated program to assess penalties for the MBTA’s new Commuter Rail Operating Agreement that responds to the complex network of 16 different penalties for failure to adhere to performance standards in a manner that incorporates operational criteria. Also worked to design, build and deploy a computerized database to track the nature and disposition of each penalty assessed under the contract.
• Support GO Transit in Toronto, Canada with the procurement of operations and maintenance contract services.
• Provided mobilization support to the MBTA during the transition from one commuter rail contractor to another. Support included monthly audits of mobilization invoices and oversight of the Management Information System plan and compliance with contract reporting requirements.
• Provide support to MaineDOT for budget and contract negotiations with Amtrak.
• Support the MBTA in litigation with private carriers in locations where commuter rail was introduced or expanded (Old Colony and Newburyport services). Prepared financial analyses of the private carrier operations.
• Assist the MBTA with the procurement of real estate management services, developing the technical requirements and scope of services, and supporting the MBTA through the procurement process.
• Assist the MBTA Railroad Operations with the procurement of transportation, mechanical and engineering services, acting as the operation specialist for the development of procurement and contract documents.
• For the Macedonia Railway, a strategic planning effort to establish freight and passenger profit centers within the railway, preparing 5-year traffic forecasts and working on developing a system of Public Service Obligation payments to the Macedonian Railway for unprofitable passenger services which the Government wishes to continue for social reasons.
• Develop and implement practices to improve the efficiency of operations for the Durban (South Africa) Commuter Rail Operation.
• For the MBTA, identify potential improvements to commuter rail services available within existing budgets, capital plants and manpower requirements.
• Performed financial analysis of master lease agreement for South Station in Boston, resulting in an amendment to the contract which provided the MBTA with a more equitable and increased share of income from the station.
• Worked with Amtrak to develop a route-based cost allocation procedure for all intercity services, to support the development of route-based profit and loss statements for service evaluation.
• Developed cost allocation and network planning models to support strategic planning studies for the Polish and Hungarian National Railways.
• Directed KKO’s MIS Audit of the Alaskan Railway.
• Develop financial and operations planning applications to support reorganization of Amtrak into a decentralized organization consisting of multiple strategic business units.
• MIS system design for operations applications to support the Metrovias commuter rail franchise in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Develop several financial planning models for the Chicago RTA.

Boston & Maine Corporation North Billerica, Massachusetts
Information Services Manager, Commuter Service, 1982-1984

Designed and developed an online train reporting and equipment management system. Project leader for conversion of a Cost Reporting/Labor Allocation/Payroll package from an outside agency to in-house operations. Responsible for purchasing, setting up and training for a network of 10 IBM PC systems. Installed and implemented a telephone management system.

MultiSystems Incorporated Cambridge,Massachusetts
Transportation Systems Analyst, 1982

Principal analyst/programmer for development of an automated crew scheduling system for New Jersey Transit Corporation.

Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments Albuquerque, New Mexico
Consultant, 1981-1982

Project Manager for analysis of a systemwide transit survey, and for the development of a computerized bus route ridership forecasting system.

Charles River Associates Boston, Massachusetts
Research Associate, 1980-1981

Project Manager for development of transit ridership verification procedures for Pennsylvania DOT. Programmer and analyst on rapid transit planning study for Baltimore’s North Corridor. Project Manager for various other federally funded transit evaluation and research projects.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Boston, Massachusetts
Transportation Planner & Systems Analyst, 1978-1980

Principal Analyst for development of SENTRY MIS to monitor and evaluate transit route performance. Organized and monitored systemwide field survey of bus ridership, coordinated and supervised data analysis to provide data base for service planning studies. Analyzed route modifications and new route proposals; provided technical support for special surveys and studies.

Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Assistant, 1977-1978

Developed air pollution and energy consumption models to evaluate automobile use management strategies. Contribute on projects to analyze future automobile ownership patterns, and vehicle restraint strategies.

Michigan Department of Transportation Lansing, Michigan
Intern, 1976

Participated in an experimental computer mapping project for transportation networks.