CyRide, the city transit system for Ames, Iowa, partnered with INIT to implement a scheduling, block building and runcutting system, as well as a bid dispatch system for their agency's scheduling, staff and fleet operational needs.

The new scheduling software, MOBILE-PLAN, will streamline operations and consolidate time-intensive tasks that were previously manually performed by Ames administrative staff.

The software is a modular system that completely integrates with other INIT products to ensure data consistency between scheduling, CAD/AVL and fare collection systems. CyRide currently operates 12 routes with a peak pullout of 59 buses. MOBILE-PLAN will adapt to CyRide's expected growth over the length of the contract and allow them to add vehicles to the existing fleet by easily making route changes and adding new routes, according to the company.

MOBILE-PERDIS, INIT's bid dispatch system, will benefit CyRide with the ability to perform automatic or manual dispatching functions. The software streamlines dispatching making the dispatcher aware of the exact runs his drivers are assigned to. MOBILE-PERDIS automatically assigns drivers to a work schedule and runs consistency checks validating the work rules and sending the dispatcher a warning if there is an issue.

The new contract is scheduled to kick-off at the end of March, with implementation expected to be complete by summer of 2012.