Texas A&M University Transit: Addressing Efficiency and Customer Service Needs
Company Size
1,000+
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- TripSpark CAD/AVL
- TripSpark Scheduling Software
- TripSpark MDTs
- TripSpark Automatic Passenger Counters
Tech Stack
- CAD/AVL
- Scheduling Software
- MDTs
- Automatic Passenger Counters
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Cost Savings
- Customer Satisfaction
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Education
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Real-Time Location System (RTLS)
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Texas A&M University is one of the largest universities in the United States, covering over 5,000 acres and hosting over 63,000 students. The College Station campus operates like a small city, with a transit system that includes 97 buses running on 18 routes both on and off campus. The transit system serves not only the university's students and staff but also the general population of College Station. The university's transportation services are the 6th largest transit operation in Texas, transporting an average of 50,000 passengers on a typical fall or spring semester day. The transit system plays a crucial role in the daily operations of the university, ensuring that students, staff, and the public can move efficiently across the expansive campus and surrounding areas.
The Challenge
Texas A&M University faced several challenges with its transit system, including the need to adjust services to avoid running empty buses, splitting shifts on short notice, and reducing complaints from riders. The university's transit system, which serves a large student population and the general public, required a more efficient operation to manage the fluctuating demand for service during off-peak periods, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, the majority of the transit drivers were students, necessitating flexible rostering to accommodate their schedules. The university also needed to improve on-time performance and provide riders with real-time information to reduce outdoor wait times and enhance overall rider satisfaction.
The Solution
To address the challenges, Texas A&M University implemented several solutions using TripSpark's technologies. The university utilized TripSpark's CAD/AVL and scheduling software, MDTs, and automatic passenger counters to manage their fixed route operations more effectively. By leveraging ridership data, the university was able to intelligently adjust evening, weekend, and holiday services, reducing driver hours without negatively impacting ridership. This approach allowed the university to redeploy driver hours and maintain excellent service levels without the need for additional buses. Additionally, the use of drag-and-drop rostering enabled the university to easily manage the schedules of student drivers, accommodating shorter and split shifts. Real-time dispatching and the provision of real-time bus location information to riders helped improve on-time performance and reduce outdoor wait times, leading to fewer complaints and higher rider satisfaction.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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