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OC Flex Orange County
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Public Transportation Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
OCTA sought a solution to provide a missing first- and last-mile connection to existing fixed route transit and reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the road. The region is known for its dependence on private cars, making it challenging to support fixed-route transit. OCTA initially started microtransit services with a different platform but turned to Via for a more effective solution. Via's expertise and advanced technology platform offered a custom branded smartphone app, flexibility in configuring algorithms, and delivering custom reporting and strategic advice, which proved extremely valuable.
About The Customer
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is a major public transportation operator in Orange County, California. OCTA is responsible for providing a range of transportation services, including bus, rail, and paratransit services, to the residents of Orange County. The organization aims to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion in a region known for its heavy reliance on private cars. OCTA partnered with Via and Keolis to launch OC Flex, a microtransit service designed to provide first- and last-mile connections to existing fixed-route transit options. The service operates in two zones and aims to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, thereby improving overall transportation efficiency and environmental impact.
The Solution
Via launched OC Flex in October 2018 with eight custom-branded, wheelchair-accessible Ford vans. Via developed a customized 'OC Flex' app for the service, available for free download on iOS and Android app stores. Riders can also book rides over the phone. To ensure OC Flex complements OCTA's existing fixed-route infrastructure, Via developed a multimodal ticketing functionality called 'OC Flex Pass,' enabling seamless transfers between OC Flex and the Authority's legacy bus routes. Additionally, customers connecting with Amtrak and Metrolink trains can transfer for free using either OC Flex or the bus. Via's advanced technology platform provided flexibility in configuring algorithms and delivering custom reporting and strategic advice, which proved extremely valuable for OCTA.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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