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Arlington Handitran Case Study
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
Applicable Industries
- Transportation
- Cities & Municipalities
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Arlington Handitran originally contracted with Ecolane to replace an outdated, inefficient and manual scheduling and dispatching system. An inaccurate on-time-percentage, unreliable tracking of drivers and an overall user-unfriendly system added to Arlington’s woes. The key goals for the replacement were to increase productivity via schedule and dispatch automation and incorporate AVL functionality. Additionally, installation of MDT’s for data communications was a requirement. The overarching goals for the project included increasing the number of rides per hour, improving data collection, and enhancing reporting.
About The Customer
Arlington Handitran has provided door-to-door para transit service for disabled and elderly citizens in the communities of Arlington and Pantego, Texas for almost 30 years. Their fleet consists of over 20 specialized vehicles providing over 500 trips per day with a sizeable service area of 99 square miles in Arlington alone. Since 2008, Arlington Handitran has been an Ecolane customer and their platform has grown along with their needs.
The Solution
Ecolane originally partnered with Mentor Engineering to provide a turn-key solution with a focus on the key goals. Mentor Ranger mobile computers were installed on the dedicated vans and the Ecolane MDT software installed on touch screen smart phones for the contracted taxis. Both MDT solutions allow for real-time dispatching and AVL. Ecolane DRT was implemented for the tasks of route optimization, schedule automation, dispatching, supervision, and administration. The system provided continuous optimization and fully automated scheduling and dispatching. Automated data collection and real-time reporting improved system management and administration. Web-based supervision and administration tools allowed the staff to monitor, guide, control, and adjust their operation in real-time. Drivers had an intelligent interface, freeing them to focus on safety and customer service. As of 2014, all Handitran’s vehicles were equipped with Android-powered MDTs running Ecolane software.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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