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Increasing public transit efficiency in times of lower demand.
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Public Transportation Management
- Real-Time Location System (RTLS)
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
During evenings and weekends, North Bay Transit was experiencing a drop in the demand for their fixed route transit services. This meant the six buses that were running were often carrying few riders and not meeting their travel needs effectively. The City decided an on-demand solution could help optimize their fixed routes during times of low demand to provide a better service for customers and achieve operational efficiencies.
About The Customer
North Bay Transit is a public transportation agency serving the city of North Bay in Ontario, Canada. Like many small transit agencies, it faces challenges in maintaining efficient and effective service during periods of low demand, such as evenings and weekends. The agency operates a combination of fixed route and on-demand transit services to meet the diverse needs of its residents. North Bay Transit is committed to improving public transit efficiency and customer satisfaction by leveraging innovative solutions and technologies. The agency's goal is to provide reliable, flexible, and cost-effective transportation options for the community, ensuring that residents can move around the city with ease, even during off-peak hours.
The Solution
In January 2021, North Bay Transit partnered with Via to launch myRideNB — an innovative transit model that combines an on-demand solution with fixed route transit on evenings and weekends. The City is divided into an on-demand zone where three buses operate dynamically and a fixed route zone where two buses operate on a schedule. After a rider requests a trip using the myRideNB app or by phone, Via’s algorithm directs them to an on-demand vehicle or a fixed route bus — depending on which is the better option at the time of booking. For riders needing to connect between the on-demand and fixed route services, Via’s technology calculates a multimodal trip proposal with guidance on when and how to transfer between the two modes.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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