Introducing TBEST 4.0

TBEST 4.0 represents a technology shift to be compatible with latest advances from Microsoft and ESRI’s ArcGIS.  TBEST is now compatible with Windows 7 (also still compatible with Windows XP).  TBEST 4.0 is compatible with ArcGIS 10 and only ArcGIS 10.  However, you must continue to use TBEST 3.2 if you do not plan to upgrade to the latest ArcGIS software.

TBEST 4.0 sports an all-new look as it has been upgraded to the Microsoft.NET framework.  TBEST windows are configured as auto-hide panels.  This allows the user greater flexibility in moving, hiding, and pinning the various components in TBEST.  TBEST 4.0 is also easier to install as it no longer requires a user to have Administrative privileges on their computer.

TBEST 4.0 has a host of new features as well.  The Scenario Summary and Comparison tool is an application that allows a user to summarize all TBEST variables at the route or route collection level.  This tool will be greatly useful for transit planners to evaluate service scenarios and it also provides tables and charts for any of the data in TBEST (ridership, socio-economic data, employment, network, and performance measures).

The TBEST GFTS Import tool enables a user the ability to import routes using GFTS text files without the need for network coding.  This feature has been one of the most requested over the past few years and will enable agencies to save time and labor in updating their base networks so they can spend it in using the model for service planning and analysis.  This tool is available as a separate install and is supplied upon request.

TBEST 4.0 also includes other features such as the ability to code amenities, export socio-economic growth to a GIS map, view equation logs for quality control, and an update to 2010 employment data.

In addition, the TBEST User’s Guide has been updated to reflect the upgrades to the software.  To view the latest version, please click here.