NRT OnDemand: Transforming Transit in Niagara, Canada with IoT
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Public Transportation Management
- Transportation Simulation
About The Customer
The customers of NRT OnDemand are the residents of the western Niagara region, including the areas of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Old Town, and Virgil. These residents were previously underserved by the traditional fixed-route transit system. The customers include a diverse demographic, from students to seniors, who require reliable and efficient transportation to community centres, GO Transit connections, and other point-to-point destinations. The service allows them to book rides through an app or by phone, providing them with a convenient and flexible transportation solution.
The Challenge
The western Niagara region in Canada, a mix of rural and urban areas, was struggling with providing efficient and wide transit coverage for its residents. The Regional Municipality of Niagara was grappling with the challenge of ensuring that residents could access community centres, GO Transit connections, and other point-to-point destinations conveniently. The traditional fixed-route transit system was proving inadequate in meeting the diverse transportation needs of the region. The Municipality, therefore, partnered with Via Strategies, Via’s consulting team, to explore the feasibility of an on-demand transportation system that could provide better coverage and improved service.
The Solution
In August 2020, Via and Niagara launched NRT OnDemand, a turnkey service in the western part of Niagara Region. The service uses 10 vans, including accessible vehicles, and covers the entire region. The service was later expanded by two vans to include Niagara-on-the-Lake, serving the Old Town and Virgil, and providing connections to regional transit in Glendale. For both west Niagara and Niagara-on-the-Lake, riders can book rides through an app or by phone. Special concession fares are available for students and seniors. The service has exceeded expectations, with ridership growth remaining strong despite the challenging market conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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