Rob Thompson. Manager of Grants, Capital. Projects and Procurements.
Technology: We All Want It,. But At What Cost. Small Operator Perspective ...
Technology: We All Want It, But At What Cost Small Operator Perspective
Rob Thompson Manager of Grants, Capital Projects and Procurements
WestCAT • • • • •
12 Paratransit Vehicles 44 Fixed Route Buses Approx 1.3M Passengers Annually Contracted Operations & Maintenance Small Agency staff – 7
What can Technology do for us? • Lessen burden on staff • Can Solve issue – help resolve complaints • Enhance Reporting Capabilities • NTD • Monthly Reports
• Customer Service
WestCAT – early Technology • Automated Paratransit Scheduling • Time saver?
• Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s) • Promise, but implementation hurdles
• Voice Annunciation System • ADA compliance • Stand alone system • Triggered by driver
• First generation AVL system • Neighborhood complaints (speeding) • Record of data – not Real Time
Technology Advances – 2008-10 • Electronic Fareboxes • Electronic tickets
• Scheduling Software • To relieve burden on staff • Initial installation
Schedules - Excel
Next Generation Technology • Real Time Departure System • Upgraded AVL & Voice Annunciation system • Part of Regional 511 Real Time System • Adds more layers to the Scheduling process
AVL / Real Time Software
Updating • Holidays • School • BART strikes / Bridge Closures
Single Point log in – Benefits vs. Constraints • Ties Real Time AVL system to Headsigns, Voice Annunciator and Farebox • • • •
Server Issues Communication Issues Updates Headsigns Incompatibility across fleet
Last piece of the technology puzzle? • Reporting Software • Using technology to tie data together
Will Technology help? • Saving Staff time • Do you have the right staff
• Technology can complicate things – Updates to software
• Who does updates – You or the Vendor? • You may never fulfill your expectations • Technology can change overnight
Rob Thompson Manager of Grants, Capital Projects and Procurements
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