Detroit Department of Transportation
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- Ecolane DRT Brokerage Software System
- Touch screen MDT software on Android tablets
- SMS Text Messaging
- Self-Service Web Bookings
- Google Transit Integration
Tech Stack
- Android
- SMS
- Web Bookings
- Google Transit
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Productivity Improvements
- Cost Savings
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
Applicable Industries
- Transportation
- Cities & Municipalities
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Remote Asset Management
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
About The Customer
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is a public transportation agency serving the city of Detroit, Michigan. It operates a comprehensive network of bus routes and services aimed at providing reliable and efficient transportation options for residents and visitors. DDOT is committed to enhancing mobility and accessibility within the city, ensuring that public transportation meets the needs of its diverse population. The agency faces the challenge of managing a large fleet of vehicles and coordinating with multiple subcontractors to deliver timely and efficient transportation services. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, DDOT continuously seeks innovative solutions to address the complexities of urban transportation.
The Challenge
DDOT faced several challenges including poor communication between management and drivers due to reliance on paper manifests and outdated technology. Coordination between DDOT, the previous broker, and subcontractors was cumbersome due to manual scheduling processes. This resulted in limited visibility into driver data, scheduling, and execution, causing drivers to frequently run behind schedule. Staff had to manually collect all pick-up calls for the next day by 4:30pm and compile them into a report to send to each provider, leading to disjointed delivery of customer trips. Additionally, there was zero visibility into how trips were being booked, and the scheduling method often resulted in multiple provider vehicles being dispatched to pick up a single customer.
The Solution
DDOT implemented the Ecolane DRT Brokerage Software System to address its challenges. The solution included touch screen MDT software on Android tablets, ensuring that 100% of vehicles in operation daily were equipped with modern technology. The system also featured SMS text messaging, self-service web bookings, and Google Transit integration to streamline communication and booking processes. A subcontractor portal was introduced to provide added visibility, and an advanced reporting system with an ad-hoc reporting tool was deployed to enhance data analysis and decision-making. These technological advancements aimed to improve scheduling efficiency, increase visibility into driver data, and enhance overall operational performance.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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