The Routing Company (TRC) announced the launch of Pingo Sandbox, an innovative transit operations environment simulator designed to empower partners to explore the capabilities of the Pingo platform in their specific operational contexts.

Pingo Sandbox provides a unique opportunity for both existing and prospective partners to gain an in-depth understanding of how demand responsive transit can be set up locally, while helping minimize risk before physical deployments occur.

For current users Pingo Sandbox can now be used to test new configurations and scenarios in a risk-free environment. New partners can see a customized demonstration showing reservations, scheduling, dispatch and rider interactions.

The goal of Pingo Sandbox is to demystify the functionality of the platform, offering partners valuable insights into its performance across various scenarios.

Simulating Transit Systems

Users can simulate operations with agent riders who book hypothetical trips,, and drivers serving those trips based on schedules automatically generated by Pingo. The feature demonstrates both scalability and allows users to modify trips and schedules to mirror the operations of a live service.

“Pingo Sandbox offers an unmatched product design perspective, enabling users to engage directly with the technology that drives their operations,” said Niko Rekhviashvili, director of product management at TRC. “It facilitates a deeper understanding of how the platform can be tailored to meet specific needs.”

In addition to its testing capabilities, Pingo Sandbox serves as a valuable training tool for transit personnel, including dispatchers, schedulers, and drivers. It provides a virtual platform for employees to familiarize themselves with the system before implementation.

“This tool embodies the philosophy of ‘try before you buy,’ giving partners a clear view of the capabilities of Pingo,” said Dami Adebayo, director of partnerships. “By experiencing the platform firsthand, they can confidently assess its fit for their transit needs.”

Putting Pingo Sandbox to Use

The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), is among the first agencies in North America to leverage Pingo Sandbox as part of its procurement process.

“Being able to use the Pingo platform in a detailed, localized, and hands-on manner was incredibly valuable, and was a difference maker for us,” said Chris Mahood, director of information technology for RGRTA. “Our agency’s specific needs don’t always translate to paper, but Pingo Sandbox gave us the visibility and confidence we needed to select the right partner in a highly competitive RFP process.”

Written responses to RFPs or technical specifications do not fully align with the expectations of agencies once the software goes live. Pingo Sandbox challenges this conventional approach by providing agencies with full transparency and the opportunity to validate functionalities in real-time.

This hands-on experience allows agencies to make informed decisions ensuring that the solutions they choose align perfectly with their operational needs and expectations.

Pushing Pingo Forward

The launch of Pingo Sandbox builds upon TRC’s recent product advancements, including nine distinct paratransit upgrades. These are designed to dramatically enhance the dispatcher, operator, and rider experience.

Three additional upgrades focused on improving the scheduler experience were also implemented.

“By enhancing customer experience through continuous product improvement, and now adding the ability to dive into hands-on testing with Pingo Sandbox, we are helping our partners be fully prepared for success,” said James Cox, CEO of TRC. “It aligns perfectly with TRC’s commitment to innovation and excellence in public transit.

TRC’s commitment to customer satisfaction is backed by its recent industry-leading Net Promoter Score of 92.

The Pingo Platform includes Drive Pingo, Ride Pingo, and Pingo Dashboard, has powered nearly two million trips to date.