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Fixed Route Software Success: Lethbridge Transit
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- 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
The Challenge
Lethbridge Transit faced the challenge of tracking both fixed route and paratransit vehicles while improving boarding processes and reducing late cancellations. The city needed a solution that would balance ease-of-use for dispatchers and staff with smooth IT operations. Additionally, they sought to enhance customer satisfaction by providing accurate and timely information to riders, reducing wait times, and improving overall service efficiency.
About The Customer
The City of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, serves a diverse collection of transit users, including a large number of college-aged students and an aging population. Lethbridge Transit (LT) operates a fixed route system with 40 vehicles and also provides paratransit services. Abby Slovack, a transit planner, oversees technology purchasing and planning to meet the needs of LT’s ridership. Funding is a significant aspect of her role, with much of it directed towards purchasing ITS fixed route software and paratransit software solutions. The goal is to find a balance between ease-of-use for dispatchers and staff while ensuring smooth IT operations.
The Solution
Lethbridge Transit implemented TripSpark’s complete ITS solution for both fixed route and demand response operations. The ITS solution transformed their entire operation, encouraging staff to work more efficiently. Drivers benefited from in-vehicle MDTs (Ranger units), which allowed them to focus on driving and customer service. The Ranger units served as a single point of logon to the integrated system, automating many tasks and enabling drivers to make schedule adjustments for more efficient routes. The ability to monitor buses in real-time and review daily events helped resolve schedule adherence issues. The integration of fixed and paratransit software and hardware with scheduling and routing software was a key factor in choosing TripSpark. This single-vendor approach ensured seamless integration of all components, including downtown signs and the MyRide website, which provided accurate information to riders. The web-based passenger information system allowed riders to access schedules, locate buses, and plan trips easily from any web-enabled device or telephone. The paratransit software system improved driver efficiency by enabling precise vehicle location monitoring and offering same-day bookings. The notification system reduced late cancellations and no-shows by alerting riders before their vehicle arrived. The self-service trip portal allowed riders to book, cancel, and manage trips online, providing convenience without the need for additional staff.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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