Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS): Demand Response Mobile Computing
Download PDF"We have always been very pleased with Trapeze’s service delivery. We get very quick response from very knowledgeable technicians. I wish I could tell you how the service was during a major software outage, but since installing the Trapeze solution, that has never happened. We are also very satisfied with the value we get for our money."
Robert Moery, MIS Specialist, Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS)
Background
The Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) provides fixed route bus transportation within the Muncie city limits, as well as a door-to-door service called MITSPlus for individuals who are unable to use the traditional bus service.
MITS was named “Outstanding Public Transportation System” by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in 2005 and again in 2008. This award recognizes excellence in ridership growth, financial management, system security and safety, and customer service. In 2007 MITS was awarded the “Gold Award for Safety” by APTA.
Challenges
In 2006, prior to installing a Trapeze solution, MITS demand response vehicles were equipped with on-board computers that had quickly become obsolete. Maintenance and repair of the units was a constant challenge, and they only functioned a fraction of the time.
These unreliable on-board computers forced MITS dispatchers to hand out printed manifests to their drivers each day. This led to many driver complaints about assignments later in their shift. Drivers did not realize that dispatchers, when communicating by on-board computers, would usually implement last-minute changes and resolve scheduling conflicts. When same-day cancellations or other changes occurred, dispatchers had to engage drivers over the radio to re-assign trips. Overall this was a tedious and inefficient process.
| Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Type of service: | Public and Demand Response Transport |
| Number of vehicles: | 31 Fixed Route Vehicles, 14 DR Vehicles |
| Demand Response Trips per Day: | 300 |
| Trapeze products used: | NOVUS-DRM, NOVUS-DRM-MDC, NOVUS Treq, among others |
Solution
MITS installed Trapeze NOVUS-DR, a demand response software solution, that allowed them to enhance their scheduling and streamline their operation. They then added a hardware solution, which included the Treq on-board computers. These mobile data computers work through cellular modems and have proven to be far more dependable than the preceding system. The Trapeze solution is extremely reliable and consistent in its performance. MITS configured the customizable NOVUS-DR system so that drivers see only a certain amount of their upcoming schedules. This means that dispatchers can add and subtract pick-ups and drop-offs, without confusing the drivers with multiple changes. For MITS it is as simple as the click of a button.
Furthermore, through a GPS tracking screen, dispatchers always see where all vehicles in their fleet are located. NOVUS-DR is browser based and can be Web enabled, allowing it to be accessed from anywhere. This allows MITS dispatchers the flexibility to work from home. At MITS, it also reduces the required manpower by having a night dispatcher supervising fixed route as well as demand response operations.
Results / Conclusion
Through the implementation of NOVUS Treqs, the dispatching time at MITS has been reduced significantly, and the passengers per hour number has gone up by about three percent from 2.99 to 3.07 between 2006 and 2010.
MITS revised several internal processes as a result of the NOVUS-DR software and Treq install. Dispatchers and drivers are not using the radio as frequently anymore, because all schedules are being displayed on the on-board computers. Even personal messages can be sent out via the in vehicle software. Finally, handing out paper schedules is a distant (and unpleasant) memory!
MITS drivers like the new Trapeze Mobile Solution as well. One driver said: “Our Treqs have really helped us stay on schedule and synchronized with dispatch. Less radio traffic due to trips automatically being updated on our Treqs is awesome! I never want to revert back to using a paper manifest again!”
