May 1, 2012–ATLANTA, GA—RouteMatch Softwaretoday announced that transit agencies across the U.S. have been rolling out commercially available tablets as the mobile data devices of choice for in-vehicle driver and dispatcher communications, in-vehicle navigation and vehicle tracking, and real-time data collection and analysis. Examples of transit agencies that have been using the tablets over the past six months include: Athens Transit System, East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), Pipestone County Transit, and Martin County Transit.

Martin County Transit is One Forward-Thinking Transit Agency that Uses Tablets for Improved Dispatch and Driver Communications

Affordability, Ease of Use and Low Maintenance Cited as Benefits

Key benefits cited include affordability, ease of use, quick uploading of enhancements, and consistent connectivity. By pairing the tablets with RouteMatch Software, transit agencies using the tablets also report improvement in accommodating passenger requests, tighter routing abilities, as well as improved communications between dispatchers and drivers.  Real-time data is available for instant viewing and analysis. Transit agencies using tablet technologies operate in both cold and warm climates.

“RouteMatch’s decision to offer our customers affordable, nimble alternatives to traditional mobile data computers reflects our commitment to providing innovative, practical solutions that work well in the field.  The tablets are delivered pre-loaded with our software, enabling customers to get up and running fast. We believe tablets are a smart option that allows agencies to stay on top of their data, make the most use of their limited funds,  and serve their riders and community in the best possible way,” says Tim Quinn, Executive Vice President and Co-founder, RouteMatch Software.

ETHRA- Replacing Mobile Data Computers with Tablets

East Tennessee Human Resource Agency operates tablets in six of their vehicles, in some of the most rural areas that the agency covers. The agency is currently operating both traditional mobile data computers and Samsung Galaxy tablets on its fleet of 137 vehicles. As traditional mobile data computers expire, or need to be shipped for repairs, ETHRA has gradually replaced them with the tablets due to lower costs and overall ease of use.

“We have had very few issues with the tablets, and no connectivity issues,” says Mike Patterson, ETHRA’s Director of Transportation. “We have found Tablets are much easier for our drivers to use – and it appears that they are quite durable. We have also found the mapping selection capabilities more robust. ”

Once ETHRA decided to install the tablets, it took one month from having them in hand to getting the first batch up and running, and drivers trained.  Each tablet can be repaired or replaced in under 20 minutes, if needed.  This technology upgrade has not only paid off in time savings and very little down time, it has resulted in significant cost savings as well. Whereas the mobile data computers typically run a few thousand dollars per unit and can get expensive when being shipped for repairs, ETHRA purchased each tablet for under $250, complete with an Otterbox, the protective performance case for ruggedization.

The decision to utilize tablets has reaped other benefits as well. ETHRA’s pre-vehicle inspections were previously captured on paper. Since the tablets use a non-proprietary Android platform, ETHRA’s web developer and mobility manager were able to quickly create an application for recording pre-vehicle inspections such as tire pressure, fluid levels, wheel chair lifts, and others inspections across 23 check points.  Reports can now also be easily pulled.

“Before, a driver would conduct an inspection, but no one would ever know if it was actually done, or what was measured. Now, because of the tablets’ web access, we can verify if someone has completed their inspection or not right from headquarters,” explains Mike. “We already see the difference; they are excellent products and provide terrific value.”

Athens Transit System – Keeping Drivers on Track and Tightening Routes with Tablets

Athens Transit System (ATS) is another forward-thinking transit agency that has been using commercially available tablets with RouteMatch Software. Prior to using the tablets, ATS’ senior dispatcher would have to record miles traveled which could take at least two hours, and sometimes a week, depending on trip volume and how accurately the data was recorded by drivers on pen and paper.

“The tablets, pre-loaded with RouteMatch’s software, were very easy to use- a lot like the iPhone,” said Patricia Barnett-Hale, Superintendent of Operations, Athens Transit System.  “They are sturdy on mounts, and even our less technologically – savvy drivers have adapted to them very quickly and love them.”

By using the Galaxy Tabs, miles between passenger pick- ups and drop- offs are automatically recorded in the devices, can be printed out within minutes, and then more accurately captured and delivered for National Transit Database (NTD) reporting.

“We can easily see when same day cancellations or adjustments need to be made. Knowing where each vehicle and passenger is at all times allows us to quickly slide passengers into vehicles, or group routes. This means we can accommodate more passenger requests, even if they are unplanned,” says Patricia. “Best of all, the tablets were really affordable.”
Pipestone County Transit and Martin County Transit – Affordability & Improved On Time Performance

Unlike ATS and ETHRA who were already using RouteMatch Software prior to installing the Samsung Galaxy tablets, Minnesota-based Pipestone County Transit and Martin County Transit completed implementation of RouteMatch passenger and vehicle management technology platform , comprising of scheduling and dispatching software combined with in-vehicle Samsung Galaxy Tabs to track vehicle locations and communicate with drivers.

The tablets, pre-loaded with advanced scheduling and dispatching software, have enabled the transit agencies to improve the agencies’ demand response operations. The tablets help the transit agencies track and verify status of passenger pick-ups and drop offs, easily record and alert drivers of same-day bookings or changes in manifests in real-time, improve on time performance, and facilitate communications between drivers and dispatchers.

Martin County Transit

“RouteMatch’s implementation went very well and was much easier than we initially thought,” said Scott Higgins, Transit Coordinator for Martin County Transit, which services 65,000 passengers a year.   “The software has proved beneficial in helping us with better planning and routing, and gaining complete visibility into where are buses are at all times.”

Prior to using RouteMatch Software and the Galaxy Tabs, Martin County Transit used paper, clipboard and a two-way radio system for communicating driver manifests. The implementation of the devices, as well as the new software, and staff training took approximatelythree months.

With the software and tablets, Martin County Transit has been able to view usage of routes and verify both passenger and route data. By utilizing the planning and reporting tools found in RouteMatch Software, the transit agency can now group paratransit routes more meaningfully, and more closely adhere to schedules. The Galaxy tablets serve as a nice communication tool between dispatch and the drivers as well.

“We decided as a consortium that it would be more economical to go with the Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Our drivers acclimated to the devices fairly quickly,” said Scott.  “We encouraged our drivers- most of whom are semi-retired- to individually acclimate themselves with the devices, and then provided individualized trainings for each of the drivers. We’ve been pleased that it is so simple to use and durability has been good.”

Martin County Transit operates 50% of their rides as bus services and the remaining 50% as taxi services.

Pipestone County Transit

Neighboring transit agency Pipestone County Transit has experienced similar results. Utilizing window mounts, Pipestone County Transit has installed the Samsung Galaxy Tab mobile data devices in five vehicles.

Said Marc Hall, Transit Director, Pipestone County Transit, “We’ve had the devices running for a few  months now , and our drivers love them. With seven drivers and five vehicles, we wanted something bigger than phones. These devices offered much better visibility for our drivers. At the end of the day, we really think this is the next wave. We look at the devices as we would lap tops. They are accessible and the performance and durability has been good. It really helped it become proper routing options and do their jobs. We also like the availability of the general applications. We are collecting data and fine-tuning data.”

Both Minnesota transit agencies are utilizing carrier services provided by Verizon Wireless, and the technologies are deployed through RouteMatch Cloud Services, enabling the two transit agencies, as well as other transit agencies, to take advantage of the ability to access one centralized database over the Web.

Offering More and Diverse Mobile Data Device Options

Being hardware and network carrier agnostic, RouteMatch offers the commercially available tablets as a solution in its expanding portfolios of diverse mobile offerings to help transit agencies automate data collection, mobile communication, in-vehicle navigation, and emergency response capabilities. RouteMatch applies deep industry knowledge, work flow, and customer feedback to bring best-of-breed mobile software and hardware solutions to transit agencies.

“RouteMatch is pleased that transit agencies are embracing the transition to the tablets, and are excited that our customers are so engaged and have partnered with us to provide continuous feedback on how to improve their user experience and rapidly make more enhancements. We are committed to raising the bar in the industry and are confident that the tablet solution offers one of the best combinations of flexibility and affordability that our customers deserve,” says Tim.

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 500 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route ,CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, mobile solutions for transit, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

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April 16, 2012 – ATLANTA, GA and OLYMPIA, WA – Intercity Transit, of Olympia, Washington, has launched a new customer web portal and RouteMatch Software’s interactive voice response (IVR) technology to better serve their paratransit riders with online scheduling and trip management, as well as automated notifications and communications to riders.

Intercity Transit is a public transit agency that covers an area of approximately 94 miles with 101 fixed route buses serving 24 bus routes, 34 ADA paratransit vans and 221 vanpool vans.  The agency utilizes RouteMatch’s paratransit solution to perform driver and vehicle management, dispatching, verification, reporting and overall trip management for the (average) 500 passengers they accommodate per week day, and 200 on weekends.

Intercity Transit Uses RouteMatch Software for Customer Notifications and Web Portal

Intercity’s RouteMatch-Powered Customer Web Portal Allows for Easier Scheduling and Dispatching

Intercity worked with RouteMatch to help build a secure, easy to navigate,  and branded customer facing web portal that captures all of the necessary rider information and parameters, making it more convenient for passengers to book rides, and for the transit agency to more effectively accommodate rides.  The customer web portal is integrated into Intercity’s current RouteMatch scheduling and dispatching technologies.

“The web portal is a terrific enhancement for our riders, and it has helped alleviate some specific challenges,” says Emily Bergkamp, the Dial-A-Lift Manger at Intercity.  “We would receive multiple email requests for rides; however, requests sometimes did not contain complete rider information which would cause confusion.” The addition of the customer web portal has allowed Intercity to improve processes and better manage scheduling and dispatching, and streamline the number of rider requests that come in each day.

“Our clients have been thankful for this new service,” says Emily.  RouteMatch worked closely with Intercity to ensure the web portal reflected Intercity’s brand, look-and-feel, with customized language, colors and overall content.  RouteMatch’s open architecture permits ongoing design modifications and changes as Intercity sees fit.

Agency and Riders Reap Communications Benefits from Interactive Voice Response Technologies

In addition to the customer web portal, Intercity has also implemented RouteMatch’s interactive voice response and notification system.  Currently, Intercity’s IVR system is configured to perform outbound calls.

“Now, we can perform call-outs to clients the night before. Many times, riders may forget they had a ride scheduled, and we now can remind them.  The IVR system also has the capability for us to quickly and consistently communicate to our customers about standing holidays or changes in ride service,” explains Emily.

During the two month period that Intercity has utilized the IVR technology, they have noticed a slight decrease in their number of no-shows, and anticipate this to grow.  Prior to launching the IVR system, Intercity worked closely with RouteMatch to establish parameters and ensure required features were included. Intercity then piloted it with a small group of clients, before going live on the system.

“Piloting really helped us,” explains Emily.  “We were able to get a sense of what the issues were early on, and we also let clients opt-out of calls, which helps to manage expectations.”

“Intercity’s decision to invest in these two forward-thinking technologies – RouteMatch’s customer portal and IVR system – demonstrates that relatively small operational changes can reap large benefits to passengers down the road.  By introducing easy, web-friendly passenger communications tools, Intercity is making their agency more efficient and growing customer relationships and trust at the same time,” says Tim Quinn, RouteMatch’s Executive Vice President and Co-founder.  “We look forward to continuing to work with Intercity as they continue to enhance their ITS technologies and abilities.”

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route ,CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

About Intercity Transit

Intercity Transit is a municipal corporation that provides public transportation for people who live and work in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm, an area of approximately 94 square miles. They operate 24 bus routes, a door-to-door service for people with disabilities, a vanpool program, specialized van programs, and are active in community partnerships.

March 28, 2012–ATLANTA, GA and SHERMAN, TX- Texoma Area Paratransit System (TAPS) today announced plans to pair RouteMatch Software’s integrated passenger and vehicle management technologies with Samsung Galaxy Tablets on their fleet of 104 vehicles. Serving six counties in a region approximately 62 miles north of Dallas, TAPS is also unrolling RouteMatch’s paratransit solution with automated notifications for improved passenger communications and flex deviation functionality to support 65 of their routes, including two university routes. Having outgrown their existing ITS platform, TAPS was looking to partner with a provider committed to quality customer service, as well as one that offered a web-based system to support their Cloud Services environment.

TAPS made the decision to choose RouteMatch Software as their technology partner and invest in the tablet solution after evaluating costlier alternatives. The agency determined that the tablet’s combination of flexible technology, reliability and web-enabled driver/dispatcher communications abilities was the best choice for a transit agency that values and implements innovative solutions. The tablets will be pre-loaded and automatically connect with RouteMatch’s end-to-end passenger and vehicle management platform and integrated peripheral devices.  RouteMatch’s technologies will help TAPS more effectively optimize routes, monitor vehicles and on-time performance, improve scheduling and dispatching functionalities and communications, and coordinate with other regional transportation providers.

“We’re taking a little bit of a different approach with the tablets,” says Brad Underwood, Executive Director at TAPS. “We are assigning the tablets to our drivers, instead of to each bus. The buses are equipped with wireless routers, with Wi-Fi set up from the tablets to the Internet. We are then able to control dispatcher/driver communications and the camera and fare card capabilities while providing wireless service to our riders.”

One of the benefits of the tablets is that it can be used beyond day-to-day scheduling and dispatching and gathering real-time data. TAPS has also uploaded each tablet given to a driver with their employee training materials, handbook, and reports. Employees will even receive their electronic paycheck record on the tablet (TAPS’ cellular plan is based per bus, not per tablet).

“Our drivers are so excited. We’ve already distributed the tablets to them, so they are able to start learning the ins and outs and become familiar with the technology. This has created a nice level of excitement in the company,” says Brad.

Brad Underwood, Executive Director, TAPS

Another factor in TAPS’ decision to choose the tablets over traditional mobile data computers and other automated vehicle location (AVL) solutions was the ability to configure additional booster antennas onto the routers of each bus. Because they serve several rural areas, TAPS uses a router with a double-fail ratio, ensuring that the driver never loses communication with dispatch.

“For the people in rural areas, I can pull cell signals from the booster that’s on the router. It makes so much sense,” explains Brad. “Over 65% of our business is demand-response, and the notification module was also very important for us. Being able to tell a client when a bus is going to be there is huge; it creates an overall better experience for our clients.”

TAPS ran a beta test before implementing the bus router-booster system, and are pleased with what they’ve devised. As an extra bonus, they also determined that the tablets are about 90% cheaper, overall, compared to what they might have spent on traditional mobile data computer units.

Aside from the affordable tablet solution offered by RouteMatch, TAPS was looking to partner with a technology provider that would engage in a long-term business partnership.

“We chose RouteMatch because of their focus on understanding our needs and operations, reputation and collaborative approach. We were looking for someone we can grow with, who would be a partner with us before, during and after the sale,” Brad explains.

“TAPS is a stellar example of an agency taking a fresh look at an existing solution – the tablets – and making it work even better for them,” says Tim Quinn, RouteMatch’s Executive Vice President. “Aside from the cost savings, TAPS has applied RouteMatch technologies beyond their core operational needs, and created positive buy-in among their employees and better service for their riders. We are excited about the partnership and helping them achieve their goals.”

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route ,CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

Mississippi’s Coast Transit Authority Uses RouteMatch Software’s Technologies to Improve Demand Response and Emergency Preparation

Experiences 65% reduction in customer complaints and 15% reduction in operational costs

GULFPORT, MS and ATLANTA, GA -February 29, 2012– Coast Transit Authority and RouteMatch Software today announced that Coast Transit Authority has generated significant efficiencies and cost savings by using RouteMatch’s passenger and vehicle transportation management technologies. The return on investment gains underscore how Coast Transit Authority’s commitment paired with innovative technologies can bring better service to the community’s one million annual riders and improve operations.  RouteMatch’s technologies have also been applied by Coast Transit Authority for effective emergency preparation and disaster preparedness in Harrison County, Mississippi.

ROI Gains

Since implementing RouteMatch Software’s scheduling, routing and dispatching technologies for its paratranist services, Coast Transit Authority has been able to achieve:

• 15% reduction in costs associated with fuel consumption, operations,  and staff time
• 65% reduction in customer complaints
• 25% reduction in empty vehicles on the road
• 5% increase in passenger pick ups or ridership
• Savings of $17,000 in administrative cost yearly due to move to paperless environment

“We can’t say how excited we are when we look at the data,” said Kevin Coggin, Executive Director, Coast Transit Authority. “RouteMatch’s technologies, approach and support have brought tremendous value to our transit agency and helped us bring timely service to our riders, especially after Hurricane Katrina. It was a real game-changer. We would have been stranded if we had not decided to embrace technologies when we did.”

Hurricane Katrina Spurs Change in Ridership and Transit Agency Operations

Situated in an active hurricane zone, Coast Transit Authority serves Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties in
Mississippi.  After Hurricane Katrina impacted the community in 2005, Coast Transit Authority’s management team was faced with a daunting challenge. The transit agency found that many members of the gulf community who historically resided along the coast decided to move further afield to avoid severe weather conditions. This sudden relocation resulted in a greater distance (2 miles) between passenger pick-up points.

Passenger scheduling and pick-ups became harder to manage, and fuel consumption and costs swelled. Coast Transit Authority had little visibility into route planning and where the vehicles were located at any given time, which resulted in duplicate routes and inefficient service.

Concerned,  Coast Transit Authority’s management team, board members, and staff knew that they needed prompt change and began an extensive search for an ITS technology partner to not only automate scheduling and dispatching, but also work with the transit agency through its evolving operational and ridership needs. The transit agency serves a diverse community of retirees, military personnel from two military bases, Biloxi (a major casino and tourist destination), Gulfport, commuters, and university students. With a 10% year over year increase in ridership demand, it was important for the agency to “stay ahead” of changes and influxes.

Like many transit agencies across the United States, the transit agency’s supervisor, dispatchers and 16 drivers had been using pen and paper, faxes and two- way radios to create and update passenger manifests and schedule routes and pick-ups. This took 10 hours of staff time a week, and resulted in $6,630 in annual administrative costs.  Coast Transit Authority turned to RouteMatch Software, implementing core scheduling, automating and dispatching functions and in-vehicle mobile data devices for real-time tracking of vehicles and driver communications.

Since implementation, the new efficiencies and achieved ROI gains have been a welcome change to Coast Transit Authority.

Said Kevin Coggin, “RouteMatch’s technology is not only user- friendly and helps us do a better job, but also serves as a foundation for future regional coordination efforts. We have been most impressed with the software’s flexibility. We can maneuver data in multiple ways, and I can use all the route, schedules, billing and ridership information to plan ahead and fully understand and adjust my routes based on different and sometimes obscure variables. We reviewed many software applications that were larger and more expensive, but they would not give us the flexibility that we needed. We grew with the software, and the software easily stretched with us. RouteMatch Software is by far one of the best mid-priced software products on the market.”

Coast Transit Authority Uses RouteMatch for Evacuation Planning and Emergency Management

Coast Transit Authority has been able to extend RouteMatch’s flexible platform to serve as the technology and coordination foundation for Harrison County Emergency Management Agency.  Coast Transit Authority works closely with Harrison County Emergency Management Agency and utilizes RouteMatch’s data management tools to input and maintain a pre-registration list for disabled citizens or citizens who are at risk who need emergency evacuation during hurricanes or other emergency situations.  By geo-coding evacuation locations and easily creating evacuation routes and run paths through RouteMatch’s  configurable software with point and clicks, Coast Transit Authority is prepared to quickly shift vehicles already in the field to “immediate evacuation mode” by locating each vehicle and communicating through mobile data devices, enabling faster and more efficient service to citizens.  Each summer, evacuation drills are held surrounding this emergency management and coordination effort.

“Through the effort of Coast Transit Authority working as the Lead Agency in the Emergency Service Function #1 Transportation of Harrison County, transportation of citizens during any event/incident is handled professionally. Timely and extreme care is given to the needs of those in need,” said Rupert H. Lacy, MCEM, Director of Harrison County Emergency Management/Homeland Security/ E911 Commission. “Coast Transit Authority has moved people within the county and outside the affected area numerous times and their efforts are recognized nationwide.”

Future Plans to Bring Enhanced Traveler Information Systems and Customer Notification Technologies

Coast Transit Authority’s staff has been long committed to ongoing training through RouteMatch’s educational webinars and User Conference. The transit agency has maintained a keen interest in RouteMatch’s latest technological developments, reviewing additional technologies to bring even greater value. The transit agency is looking at RouteMatch’s interactive voice response technologies, for example, so that the agency’s customers can be notified or reminded of pre-planned trips.  The agency is also looking at RouteMatch’s traveler information systems, RouteShout, so riders can text for information for scheduled and real-time bus arrival times through cell phones or smartphones, access traveler information via the Web, kiosks, electronic signage, and other public-facing mediums.

This integrated system can also be easily and quickly converted to become an effective pre- and post- disaster mass communication platform so Coast Transit Authority can push out urgent alerts, and customers can access more information during times of crisis.

“Coast Transit Authority is a terrific example of a progressive transit agency that has really thought out- of- the- box and maximized the value of their intelligent transportation systems investment,” said Tim Quinn, Co-founder and Executive Vice President, RouteMatch Software. “Coast Transit Authority’s  management team and commitment to technology to run operations and provide emergency management  have improved the lives and well-being of multiple communities. We are proud to be Coast Transit Authority’s long-term technology partner, and excited about new innovations to come.”

About Coast Transit Authority  

Coast Transit Authority is a non-profit provider of public transportation for the three coastal counties of Mississippi. It is an independently managed public utility governed by a Board of commissioners. It is the designated recipient of State and Federal funding for urban transportation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

 New partnership focuses on improving efficiencies for paratransit operations; Extends RouteMatch’s regional coordination effort in Denver Metro Area

 DENVER, CO and ATLANTA, GA—January 30, 2012 — RouteMatch Software, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) contract with Denver-based Seniors’ Resource Center (SRC) Transportation Services to improve operational efficiencies for the transit agency’s demand-response services.

SRC is a non-profit, modified demand response brokerage operating 18 small buses and vehicles as well as subcontractors for door-to-door transportation to seniors and persons with mobility impairments within the west and north Denver metropolitan area, including suburbs and a few outlying rural, mountainous areas. By using RouteMatch’s flexible transportation and vehicle management platform, SRC seeks to improve the number of passengers traveling within vehicles as well as conduct more efficient route planning and scheduling.

“We were ready for change and chose RouteMatch for quite a few reasons,” said Hank Braaksma, Transportation Director at Seniors’ Resource Center Transportation Services. “As a company, we like RouteMatch’s strong local presence here in Denver, paratransit work with Denver RTD, and civic involvement within the Colorado community. We also view RouteMatch’s technologies as becoming the primary transit solution for the entire Denver metro area. As a non-profit transit agency, we’re always looking for ways to be cost-effective with the funds we receive while getting good value for functionality and maintenance. We see RouteMatch as a long-term partner who grasps our needs.”

RouteMatch applies advanced algorithms and proven, best practice implementations to help transit agency directors, dispatchers and drivers manage time and resources through optimization. The software will enable SRC to glean pertinent information for improved coordination with its six different paratransit providers across a 750 square mile area of coverage.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Seniors’ Resource Center Transportation Services, and working with the team there to uncover hidden or overlooked opportunities for achieving greater transportation ROI,” saidTom Coogan, General Manager and Vice President, RouteMatch Software, West Region. “SRC has been a visionary leader in both community care and the transit industry, and we are thrilled to be on board in helping achieve their mission.”

SRC’s future technology plans include tapping into RouteMatch’s technologies to facilitate a one-click, one-call center model for regional coordination, using a real-time traveler information system to enhance customer service, and in-vehicle tracking and monitoring for greater cost savings, a lower carbon foot print, and safety.

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route , paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

About Seniors’ Resource Center Transportation Services

Seniors’ Resource Center Transportation Services provide accessible and affordable door to door and door-through-door transportation to older adults and persons with mobility impairments in the urban areas of Adams and Jefferson counties. Riders can travel with us to medical/dental appointments, grocery shopping, meal sites, community-based care programs and personal trips.

SRC uses small buses, sedans and many small service providers and their vehicles to maximize funding, create coordination and provide extended hours and boundaries. Safety and service quality is our goal. Seniors’ Resource Center Transportation ensures individual independence, provides mobility for self-sufficiency and the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.

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 State Standardizes on ITS & Cloud Services Technologies to Improve Coordination & Customer Service

ATLANTA, GA and LINCOLN, NE-  January 25, 2012- RouteMatch Software, a leading provider in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), was selected by Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) to become the state’s primary ITS partner, providing a standardized and integrated passenger transportation management technology platform for 13 Nebraska rural public and tribal transit agencies. The technologies address NDOR’s primary goals of improving mobility management and creating seamless, consistent transit coordination amongst these agencies.   The RouteMatch partnership will also allow NDOR to closely facilitate paratransit services with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and other non-emergency medical providers.

Comprised of Nebraskan transit agencies located as far east as Norfolk to as far west as North Platte – a span of 252 miles – RouteMatch and NDOR’s statewide initiative will help synergize operational efforts amongst the state’s widely dispersed transit programs, many which are doubly challenged with having only one to three vehicles at their disposal and only one administrator onsite.  With RouteMatch’s integrated technologies and easy- to- use reporting functionality, the transit agencies will be able to more efficiently optimize their existing resources and provide a more reliable transit experience for regional customers. The transit agencies will also be able to simplify their coordination efforts through automated scheduling and dispatching of vehicles, improved tracking of services, and overall improved public transportation planning and reporting.

RouteMatch’s Cloud Services works particularly well for states with multiple agencies seeking regional or statewide coordination. By deploying RouteMatch’s technologies in a Cloud environment, the 13 agencies can easily access and input their data from one centralized database over the Internet for more convenient installations, upgrades, and maintenance.  NDOR can also minimize hardware requirements and costs as well as the need for additional on-site information technology staff.

“The Nebraska Department of Roads looks forward to working with RouteMatch to help rural public and tribal transportation programs become more efficient in providing transportation services to the citizens of Nebraska,” said Jerry Wray, NDOR’s Transit Liaison Manager.  “We were impressed with RouteMatch’s deep experience with rural transit agencies and other statewide Departments of Transportation. We also liked RouteMatch’s Cloud Services approach which will allow us to quickly share information and scale to accommodate other transit providers and changes in ridership demand. Such technologies will help our transit riders experience a more consistent, quality level of service, no matter which agency they decide to use.”

To further improve NDOR’s transit systems, RouteMatch combined software with in-vehicle mobile data devices, giving drivers in-vehicle wireless access to up-to-date trip information in real-time.  The communication devices increase on-time performance while saving both time and paper on tedious data entry tasks.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the State of Nebraska in helping them achieve their mobility management goals.   Because many rural states are geographically spread out, it can be challenging for its transit agencies to coordinate efforts and ensure all riders are being serviced as efficiently and as accurately as possible. Using integrated technology, agencies can work smarter, not harder so they can allocate resources to focus on what matters most – the customer.  The end result is increased ridership as well as improved safety and security,” said Tim Quinn, RouteMatch’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President.

In addition to Nebraska, RouteMatch has statewide ITS contracts with Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. After the initial 13 transit agencies are fully integrated with RouteMatch’s technologies, the next phase of the initiative involves deploying the software to other Nebraskan transit agencies.

“The goal is to ensure we have seamless, dependable transit systems throughout the entire State of Nebraska and we know RouteMatch can help us get there,” commented Wray.

 About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. Founded in 2000, the company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more.  Additional information about RouteMatch’s ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.

Atlanta, GA and Toronto, Canada – December 20, 2011- RouteMatch Softwaretoday announced that Rob Bryans has joined the company as International Sales Director.  Rob brings deep experience in transit sales, account management, and operations to RouteMatch.

Rob Bryans Joins RouteMatch as International Sales Director

“We are thrilled to have Rob join us here at RouteMatch,” said Tim Quinn, Executive Vice- President and Co-founder, RouteMatch Software. “We have maintained a strong relationship with Rob for many years in different capacities.  Whether a competitor, a partner, or a friend, we have always found him refreshingly astute in both business know-how and technical knowledge. Rob is known for execution and uses a consultative approach to customer engagement.  The drive and deep fixed route expertise he brings are assets which will help us further expand beyond U.S. borders and penetrate untapped international markets.”

Rob most recently comes to RouteMatch from TranSched Systems where he served as Director or Sales and Marketing for the enterprise software firm. There, he profitably managed and sustained healthy sales pipelines by growing and managing strategic accounts by bringing new products to market and building strategic partnerships. He additionally launched a cloud-based Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform. Earlier in his career, Rob was a Key Account Manager at Trapeze Group, where he directly managed relationships with C-level executives of the company’s large, strategic accounts which primarily comprised of large urban transit systems. His knowledge of ITS technologies include trip planning, ITS technologies for fixed route and paratransit, and consumer facing applications.

“I have worked very closely with RouteMatch’s management team for several years and RouteMatch has proven to be an extremely well–managed and forward-thinking company,” said Rob Bryans. “I was impressed with the high level of focus on innovation and research and development, as well as the level of customer service that they have been able to maintain.  I can’t think of any other software company with over 450 customers that have been able to maintain a 99% retention rate. I am looking forward to continuing the momentum and growing RouteMatch’s international marketshare.”

Rob holds a Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario with a specialization in finance and administration. Rob is based in Toronto, Canada.

 Foundation to ITS Success

Center for Community Building (CCB) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, extensively researched as many ITS applications as possible before investing in an intelligent transportation system.

With the assistance of an IT specialist from a local health center who had worked with multiple ITS systems in the past, CCB was able to avoid the headaches that could erupt if the software purchased was too rigid and lacked the ability to easily import and export information between different systems. The ability to scale was particularly critical given the center’s new customer growth rate and coordination plans the agency had underway.

With eight employees comprising of the CEO, mobility coordinator, three call center operators, two drivers, and one receptionist, CCB’s eligibility demographic coverage had expanded to manage the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, as well as trips for Capital Area Transit inHarrisburg.  Three to four hundred trips were assigned to Capital Area Transit in Harrisburg each day.  CCB handled 500 calls a day and 200 new customers were added per month.

“We really needed flexible technology and chose RouteMatch due to the architecture and because it was so user friendly,” said William Peterson, CEO.  “Having one single database meant all information and updates could be done from one place.”

Data Management and Reporting Benefits Realized

Upon adopting RouteMatch technology, CCB quickly realized the benefits of having configurable technology.  RouteMatch’s customizable fields, designed through powerful algorithms and flexible parameter settings, allowed CCB to accommodate the center’s multiple rules and requirements.  Slicing and dicing information by category and creating meaningful reports became easier.

Trips also became better defined.  Extra configurability allowed CCB to assign trips based on previous addresses saved and seamlessly book more logistically complex “three legged trips” – where passengers needed to be picked up at different locations throughout the day. Timing of pick- ups could be more easily negotiated and the type and purpose of each trip could also be quickly defined.  CCB could now choose the mobility type for each customer.

By using RouteMatch’s technology, CCB was able to cut down the time spent on trip scheduling by 50%, without adding more overhead.

Said Vernae Patterson, Mobility Coordinator:  “These configurations and categorizations are beneficial as they help us with compliance and save us time.  Visibility into customer interaction and history also gives us an opportunity to explain information a little differently to our customers. We are now able to suitably match vehicles with the customer.”

RouteMatch’s technology has additionally allowed CCB to expand their business and serve customers seeking to travel to areas beyond the Dauphin County radius.  For example, CCB’s “Premium” trips are dedicated to Lancaster,York, and Philadelphia and subcontracted to a taxi cab company.  By using RouteMatch’s system, CCB has been able to centralize all touch points and cut back on time- consuming reconciliation.  Faxing and printing manifests have been replaced with more environmentally-friendly and more efficient automated scheduling, dispatching and emailing.  At the end of the month, reports can be easily generated for greater collaboration and centralized management.

“On the reporting side, RouteMatch’s assistance with MATP reporting has been a tremendous help.  It has saved us 20 hours a month as a team.”

Looking forward – Expanded Coordination 

By using RouteMatch Software’s technology platform, CCB has achieved an enterprise standard that it can build its inter-agency coordination efforts around.  CCB can more quickly adapt to growth and changes, and seeks to open up its RouteMatch system even more than it has done in the past, by enabling partner providers to access the technology and receive some of the same benefits CCB has gained.  Current coordination between three counties has spurred tighter exchange of information under a shared vision to improve ridership services.

“We’ve been really pleased with RouteMatch’s technology.  It gets the job done,” said William.  “Vernae has attended RouteMatch’s User Conference for the past three years, and her entire team has attended the personalized “In the Field” training events which happen in our backyard.  The technology and the approach have worked well for us here.  They are a true partner.”

Macon Transit improvements bringing more bus riders

By: Mike Stucka

As another Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority bus roared by, longtime rider David Scott said he could see why the bus service is getting more popular.

“I think they’re doing better,” Scott said. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”

In August, the Transit Authority recorded 84,201 rides, the highest monthly ridership in three years and up 47 percent from its lowest months last year. Macon Transit ended October with about 6,000 fewer rides than the August high.

General Manager Rick Jones said new equipment has probably doubled the system’s on-time reliability. That means more people can place their faith in the bus system, he said.

“On time has become the objective,” Jones said. “That wasn’t the case before.”

Asked what the system’s objective was before, Jones replied, “Just trying to make the routes. That’s all they could do.”

Old buses from an out-of-business manufacturer routinely broke down. When buses did make it through the routes, they were often lumbering along with broken air-conditioning systems or other problems.

About half of the bus fleet has been replaced, with more buses scheduled to arrive early next year. Most of them are a different kind of bus, called a cutaway, which looks like an overgrown church bus. They hold about as many passengers, cost far less and get several times the mileage, Jones said. The cutaway buses aren’t as durable as the traditional transit buses, and more of those buses are on order.

Jade Daniels, the agency’s administrative and operations manager, said more people are riding all of the Transit Authority’s routes.

“From what I can tell, all of our routes are starting to show some increases,” she said. “Some more than others, but all of them are increasing.”

Ridership dropped sharply after fare increases and service cuts took hold three years ago. Not all of that ground has been made up.

But the transit agency has been adding about 1,000 riders each month, which means perhaps late next year the agency will break the 100,000 rides-per-month mark. That figure hasn’t been seen since October 2007, federal statistics show. Jones expects more.

“We should be able to maintain, I think, a 20-percent increase per year in fixed route ridership for the foreseeable future,” he said.

Jones said on-time reliability is now around 85 percent. In recent years, that reliability wasn’t tracked accurately, but as few as 40 percent of buses might have arrived on time, he said.

Such improvements in service are key to getting more bus riders, Jones said.

“Are we completely where we need to be?” he asked. “Noooo.”

But if service continues to improve along with the agency’s finances, more routes could be added. A year ago the agency added a route between Macon and Robins Air Force Base. It went from just six people on the first day to about 3,800 rides in a single month.

Jones has his eye on a route that would roughly follow Second Street, tying jobs, housing and other attractions from Coliseum Medical Center to Mercer University. He’s also thinking about adding bus service to southern Bibb County. The agency is also considering expansion to other counties to become a truly regional system.

All that will depend on finances.

Jones said the agency’s finances have vastly improved, in part because the Transit Authority is no longer waiting to get federal transit money that gets channeled through the state. The agency got 18 months of grants for 12 months of service, and then repeated it. Debts that reached as much as $2 million — with loans to meet payroll — have been almost erased, Jones said. The agency now gets federal reimbursements almost immediately.

The bus system has also cut fuel costs by getting the new buses, which slurp fuel instead of guzzling it. The agency also cut its insurance rates in half, from $429,000 to $209,000. Drivers now get a 25-cent-per-hour bonus if they have records clear of preventable accidents in each quarter.

Irvin Washington, who has been riding Macon Transit buses for about a decade, reflected on the service from the agency’s new transfer station, a glassed-in, air-conditioned building in front of Terminal Station.

“It’s getting better,” he said of the agency’s reliability. “The older buses had some problems.”