Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) Meets Mobility Needs With a Paratransit Software Solution
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- TripSpark Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs)
- TripSpark NovusDR
Tech Stack
- Web-enabled dispatch connectivity
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Employee Satisfaction
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Field Services
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Remote Asset Management
- Remote Control
Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
The Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) offers its riders remarkably affordable fixed route and paratransit services. With door-to-door van transportation to help meet the needs of mobility impaired persons in Muncie, MITS is a strong supporter of community transportation that strives to create a transit-friendly community. MITS is committed to promoting the health, environmental and cost benefits of public transit within their community. The MITSPlus van service is a paratransit addition to their city bus system, supporting MITS’ mission. Their goal is to provide affordable, safe, comfortable, and dependable transit options to those who would otherwise not be able to access public transit.
The Challenge
Despite being named “Outstanding Public Transportation System” by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in 2005, MITS’ paratransit service was using obsolete and malfunctioning on-board computers. Maintenance and repairs were ongoing and as a result, some consoles were simply not used, or ceased to function altogether. This led dispatchers and drivers to resort to an even more obsolete method of using paper manifests for their scheduling requirements. The size and scope of MITS’ service made this an incredibly inefficient system, leading to an overall dissatisfaction among their drivers. This unsustainable process eventually trickled down to negatively impact service to riders. The main problem with using paper manifests and communicating via radio is that information is slow in getting to those who need it. Unfortunate MITSPlus drivers would get schedule changes and assignments way too late in the day. Without a functional computer on board, direct radio communication was the only way to maintain schedules. However, this led to much confusion, errors, and radio congestion. Things urgently needed to change.
The Solution
The first thing that the TripSpark’s paratransit software solution NovusDR helped to alleviate was the stress involved with taking calls and dispatching vehicles. The full power of the total solution, however, was realized when MITSPlus installed TripSpark’s MDTs in their vehicles. The workload and stress heaped upon drivers who had been forced to use paper manifests, suddenly vanished. The computers helped drivers stay on schedule and become totally in synch with dispatch. Notifications and even personal messages could be sent to the MDT screen, greatly reducing radio congestion. Because of total synchronization of data, the dispatcher’s schedule was accessible to drivers as well. The web-enabled abilities of TripSpark paratransit solution allowed dispatchers the flexibility of working from home. With less confusion when it came to last minute calls and re-routes, drivers were able to focus entirely on the needs of their riders and the job of providing safe and reliable service.
Operational Impact
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