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Rogue Valley Transit Builds Better Routes Using Data
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Process Control & Optimization
Services
- Data Science Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
In 2014, RVTD faced a budget crunch and needed to cut services if they could not secure additional funding. They proposed a property tax levy, but it did not pass, forcing them to make tough routing decisions. Using stop-level data from Streets ITS and APCs, RVTD identified areas where they could shorten and streamline routes to improve efficiency while minimally impacting riders. For instance, they cut service to the airport, which had low ridership, thereby shortening the route and allowing for more efficient use of driver time. In 2016, RVTD proposed another property tax levy, which passed, providing additional funding. They aimed to use this funding efficiently to improve services. Using time-point level route-schedule adherence data, they identified that riders on route 60 were often missing their connections due to late arrivals at the transit hub. They made targeted adjustments to the route to improve on-time performance and reduce missed connections.
About The Customer
Rogue Valley Transit District (RVTD) is an award-winning public agency based in Medford, Oregon, providing fixed route service to seven communities in Jackson County. The agency operates 26 fixed route buses across 8 routes. In June 2017, RVTD received the CTAA award for Urban Community Transportation System of the Year, recognizing their responsiveness to customer and community needs. Jon Sullivan, Transit Planner at RVTD, attributes their success to the use of fixed route software, which has been crucial in enhancing customer service. The agency has demonstrated a commitment to making data-driven decisions to optimize their services, even in the face of budget constraints.
The Solution
RVTD utilized ridership and RSA data to make informed decisions about route adjustments. In 2014, when faced with budget constraints, they used stop-level data from Streets ITS and APCs to identify low-ridership stops, such as the airport, and cut services to improve efficiency. This allowed them to shorten routes and make better use of driver time. In 2016, after securing additional funding through a property tax levy, RVTD aimed to use the funds efficiently to enhance services. They used time-point level route-schedule adherence data to identify issues with on-time performance on route 60. By making small changes to the route pattern, such as bypassing a residential neighborhood and consolidating stops, they improved the bus's arrival time at the transit hub, reducing missed connections for riders. These data-driven decisions have enabled RVTD to provide excellent service and be responsive to customer needs, even with limited resources.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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