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Sault Ste. Marie On Demand
Technology Category
- 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
- Smart City Operations
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
The City of Sault Ste. Marie sought to optimize routing efficiency at times of low demand by tapping vehicle resources only when needed. The goal was to reduce operating costs while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience. Historically, Sunday evening ridership has been low, leading to underperforming fixed route services. The city needed a solution that could improve service dependability and maximize fleet efficiency during these low-demand periods.
About The Customer
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is a small Canadian city located in Ontario. It has a diverse population that includes university students and other residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes. The city is committed to providing efficient and reliable transit services to its residents, even during off-peak hours. With a focus on improving the customer experience and reducing operational costs, the city has been exploring innovative solutions to optimize its public transportation system.
The Solution
Following a competitive procurement process in the spring of 2019, the City of Sault Ste. Marie selected Via to transition their Sunday evening fixed route network of nine buses to an on-demand transit network of eight buses. The service, named Sault Ste. Marie On Demand, launched in September 2019. It operates on Sunday evenings, allowing riders to travel from one existing bus stop or approved 'Virtual Bus Stop' to another as requested through mobile app booking or by calling a dispatcher. Riders pay the regular $2.95 bus fare or use their transit pass. The service uses the city's existing fleet of full-size buses and unionized workforce. Due to its success, the city is now considering expanding the on-demand service to other times.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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