(Part II) What new tech, services are transit agencies implementing?
METRO asked some of the top execs in the nation what they are doing to improve their offerings for ridership.
by Alex Roman, Managing Editor
October 15, 2019
David A. Genova
3 min to read
Q: What new technology/service are you now offering/planning to offer at your agency?
Vicki L. Shotland
Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director Greater Hartford Transit District Hartford, Conn. The Greater Hartford Transit District has been a Trapeze-licensed user for many years. Providing over 500,000 trips annually to our ADA paratransit riders has also created the need to advance the implementation of software that is available to us. The next step over this upcoming year will be to add EZ-Wallet, which is a Trapeze module that is designed to allow riders to prepay their fares, print usage reports, and examine historical transactions. The bottom line for us is that this component will allow the riders to travel without the need to have a fare ticket or cash. Many transit systems are already using this module, and we are excited to move in this direction for all of the anticipated benefits that EZ-Wallet brings.
Ad Loading...
Kevin Corbett
Kevin Corbett, Executive Director New Jersey Transit Newark, N.J. Access Link, NJ TRANSIT’s paratransit system, recently introduced several upgrades. Access Link Online allows customers to make reservations online, monitor vehicle arrivals, cancel rides, and use the cashless electronic fare option, EZ-Wallet. Additionally, Access Link riders are enjoying a new interactive voice-response telephone system, which features enhanced-communication options for Access Link customers who do not have the use of a computer or the internet. And, a pilot program for our bus customers is underway with new validators, which scan barcodes on paper and mobile tickets and sets the stage for our future contactless fare program.
Bradley T. Funkhouser
Bradley T. Funkhouser, CEO Capital Area Transportation Authority Lansing, Mich. CATA offers Transit App, with 22,000 unique users who, in the last month, generated 1.2 million sessions. Our online chat service improves customer access and satisfaction; and our high-tech bus shelters feature Wi-Fi, USB-charging, solar lighting, and real-time departure information. To improve accessibility and familiarize the community with CATA’s services, we created how-to-ride videos that are used to train both riders and employees; we implemented LookingBus, an app that connects operators and visually impaired riders; and for those on the autism spectrum, we offer 360-degree video surveillance of our three transit hubs, 40- and 60-foot buses, as well as a paratransit bus. Finally, we have converted three facilities to 100 percent renewable energy.
Henry Li
Henry Li, GM/CEO Sacramento Regional Transit District Sacramento, Calif. We launched an on-demand microtransit service, called SmaRT Ride. The app-based service is similar to Uber Pool and allows riders to request a ride inside a specific geo-fenced area. The first service area went live in February 2018, and SacRT now has three service areas across the Sacramento region. Two more service areas will launch later this year, with an additional eight in early 2020. The app-based service, which allows a rider to track the SmaRT Ride shuttle and know how long their wait will be, is helping riders connect to fixed-route bus, light rail, or just get around their community more efficiently.
David A. Genova
David A. Genova, GM/CEO Regional Transportation District Denver RTD continues to blaze the trail through successful collaborations with companies like Uber, Lyft, and Transit. We were the first in the world to enable riders to pay their transit fare through the Uber app; have expanded to the Transit app; and were the first to provide trip planning on Lyft. We completed an autonomous vehicle pilot program and plan to launch another pilot. Our goal is to enhance the customer experience with these and other initiatives.
As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.
As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
In reaching its decision, the board considered the District’s mounting long-term structural deficits, with current projections forecasting annual operating deficits of about $50 million beginning in FY 2027-28 and continuing in the years ahead.
The $143 million spending plan represents a 2.4% reduction from last year’s budget. Increasing expenses, along with depleted federal COVID-19 funds, continue to impact the overall budget, CDTA officials said.
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
The Executive Order has two parts. Within 45 days from signing, the Commissioner of Transportation, in her capacity as Chair of the NJ TRANSIT board, will develop and send to the Governor a comprehensive plan to improve riders’ experiences.
The KCATA board will remain actively engaged throughout the search process to ensure the selection of a highly qualified leader who will advance the agency’s commitment to serving the Kansas City region, the agency said.
