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Translink Cuts Scheduling Costs with Trapeze

Savings follow upgrade to improved runcutting system

July 28, 2004 (Toronto, ON) – Coast Mountain Bus Company, an operating subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (Translink) recently upgraded its Trapeze fixed route scheduling system and immediately yielded significant cost savings. The agency migrated to an up-to-date version of the Trapeze system and at the same time implemented new runcutting capabilities.

When the newly trained schedulers executed the September 2004 runcut, they saved approximately 30 work hours per weekday. That adds up to 7,500 weekday hours per year or approximately $200,000 per year.

The Transit Authority attributes these immediate, significant cost efficiencies to a combination of factors, including the power of the new tools, the quality and thoroughness of the Trapeze implementation specialists who trained the special team of “super users,” and the committed CMBC team.

“The trainers did a great job working with each scheduler individually and contributed importantly to savings we have found with the software,” said Wanda Webb, Project Manager at Translink. “CMBC has been very pleased with the support and training that Trapeze has provided to us all.”

In addition to the fixed route scheduling system, Translink has implemented a demand response scheduling and dispatch system to manage the agency’s paratransit operations, and a traveler information system that includes call centre and automated telephone systems as well as Web-based trip planning.

About Translink
Translink plans, finances, implements and champions an integrated transportation system that moves people and goods safely and efficiently, supporting Greater Vancouver’s regional growth strategy, air quality objectives and economic development.

About Trapeze
Established in 1990, Trapeze delivers proven, scalable, innovative technology solutions for various transportation services including public and community transit, commuter, school and medical transportation. A growing number of organizations throughout North America, Europe and the United Kingdom use the company's integrated systems to increase efficiency, improve service, and control costs. Trapeze has offices throughout North America and Europe.