Q: What new technology/service are you now offering/planning
to offer at your agency?

John C. Andoh, Executive Director/CEO
Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority
Columbia, S.C.

The COMET is preparing to launch a new comprehensive intelligent transportation system, which will take into consideration adding automated passenger counters; an automated vehicle locator that can track buses via an app, text messaging, and telephone with GTFS-RT; and an ADA annunciator system on all fixed- and flex-route buses. The goal is to have one product that can enhance the overall operations management and customer experience, and replace three different vendors providing the current ITS.

Carolyn Gonot, Executive Director
Utah Transit Authority
Salt Lake City

I am excited about UTA’s current innovative initiatives: the autonomous shuttle pilot and the microtransit pilot project. In April, UTA partnered with UDOT to kick off a year-long autonomous shuttle pilot. Operating in several communities, the shuttle is being evaluated for its technology, safety, public perception, and future applications. In November, UTA will launch the microtransit pilot in partnership with Via. The microtransit project will serve an area in the southwest Salt Lake Valley to better meet the needs of remote communities. Via will provide the mobile app, drivers, and vehicles.   

Gary Rosenfeld, CEO
Memphis Area Transit Authority
Memphis, Tenn.

We have plans to improve delivery of high-quality transit services to customers by launching a next-generation fare collection system, including new fareboxes, smart cards, and ticket vending machines. Additional service improvements include, building a new website to fully integrate all aspects of the fare collection system, installing Wi-Fi service for the entire fleet, and continuing work to launch a bus rapid transit line.

Darrell E. Johnson, CEO
Orange County Transportation Authority
Orange, Calif.

During the last two years, we have launched college student pass programs at four local community colleges, allowing students to ride OCTA buses for free. Through collaborative partnerships with the colleges and an innovative use of funds from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program — a part of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program — we have increased access to higher education while introducing new riders to public transportation. To date, these programs have generated more than 2.3 million boardings.

Ben Capelle, CEO
Laketran
Painesville, Ohio

The goal of EZfare is to make transit use easier across the state and beyond. The app allows transit passengers to travel between multiple agencies utilizing a single fare payment system promoting regional transportation. EZfare integrates with TransitApp to assist customers with trip planning and real-time information. Working with NEORide, I hope the number of agencies using the app will continue to grow as widespread as E-ZPass has for turnpikes.

Raymond Suarez, CEO
Denton County Transportation Authority
Lewisville, Texas

In May 2019, DCTA finalized its Mobility as a Service contract, which qualified 30 companies that provide an array of services. The five-year contract is available to other public agencies and municipalities nationwide, as allowed by Texas law, and provides access to services ranging from on-demand software to integrated full-service providers, bike-share, scooters, fare payment systems, autonomous vehicles, and more. DCTA plans to use these services as the agency transforms to better serve its stakeholder communities, and the contract is already being utilized by another agency with interest from several others.