Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT), a transit agency serving the Arizona communities of Cottonwood, Sedona and Clarkdale, recently implemented RouteMatch Software's paratransit solution in four weeks, meeting their aggressive timeline by utilizing RouteMatch's Cloud Services/hosted solution and a streamlined training process for their staff.

CAT operates five paratransit buses along with three fixed routes, averaging 100 to 150 trips per day. The system serves an American Disabilities Act (ADA)-qualified and senior ridership. The decision to move away from their previous Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provider was driven by funding challenges, as well as a desire to have more control over the future expansion of the system and the use of innovative technologies such as integrated tablet mobile data devices and traveler information systems.

RouteMatch's technologies help CAT generate operational efficiencies through advanced scheduling, mapping, routing and dispatching, billing and reporting, in vehicle location and ADA compliance. The system also utilizes a single code base, making it easier for transit agencies to expand into other modules or mix and match modules as needed.

Cottonwood's use of ITS technology paired with a larger strategic outlook on how they can better serve their community is a win-win for both the agency and its riders. For example, the transit agency is working closely with the Cottonwood Economic Development Committee, local businesses and recreation centers to discuss display signs for real-time scheduling and routing information for easier travel planning and future mobile advertising opportunities.