Tim Quinn RouteMatch Software, Exec Vice President Atlanta, Georgia

Transcription

1 Real-time ETA to Travelers on Smartphone s and Tablets: Transforming Data to Useful Traveler Info Tim Quinn RouteMatch Software, Exec Vice President Atlanta, Georgia

2 RouteShout- one stop for rider communications RouteShout helps riders quickly find upcoming bus arrival times using their mobile phones, tablets, kiosks, displays, and IVR interactive voice response.

3 A About RouteMatch Software Inc. More than 500 agencies use RouteMatch and RouteShout Software More than 145 Agencies Use RouteShout, RouteMatch s Traveler Information products Provider of comprehensive intelligent transportation systems technology Over a decade of experience and dedication to the Public Transit Industry 24/7 Customer Support US- based Company headquartered Atlanta Committed to delivering results and innovation

4 A Why Traveler Information Systems Now? Increase and Attract New Ridership Improve Customer Service and Riders Experience Improve Your Public Transit Brand Name Improve and Increase Advertising Revenues Leverage Wireless Technologies and New Innovations Reduce Operating Costs Leverage Existing ITS Investments

5 A Increased Ridership Forecasted If gas prices reach $4 a gallon across the nation, an additional 670 million passenger trips could be expected, resulting in more than 10.8 billion trips per year and 2008 gas price spike, 85 percent of transit agencies reported capacity constraints on their systems. Over one-half of systems operated service crowded beyond their local service standards. This was despite 48 percent of agencies adding service. Source: APTA March 14 Potential Impact of Gasoline Prices Increases on U.S. Public Transportation Ridership ) Thirty-nine percent reported that overcrowded conditions were such that they were turning away passengers.

6 RouteShout Differentiators 1. Real-time arrival info. 2. Hub for all rider communications, not just SMS. 3. Turnkey 4. Mobile advertising 5. Easy set-up and admin. 6. Instant reporting and data analysis tools 7. Promotes transit application innovation (open API) 8. Integrates to existing fixed route data 9. Delivered by transit technology experts, RouteMatch 10. Affordable

7 Multi-mode communications SMS texting (1.2 trillion text messages vs. 600 billion voice calls) Smart phones cover only 30% of mobile phones; still popular with universities Display signage informs riders. Interactive Voice Response (IVR)/Call Center better managed

8 RouteShout TIS Portal Mobile The Brain Scheduling and route data hub Web -Notifications - IVR/Call center Voice Display LEDs, LCDs API New applications Other Scheduling Technology Providers

9 Product: RouteShout iphone Application The RouteShout iphone app now provides times for over 50 agencies. Standard Branded

10 Product: RouteShout Android + Mobile Web

11 No heavy-lifting is required by the agency. RouteShout integrates seamlessly with GTFS and can deliver both scheduled and real-time information. RouteShout features: No hardware to install; web-based GTFS-compliant Detailed reporting and real-time activity monitoring Data published to iphone, Android, and Mobile Web applications GTFS data can be updated manually, automatically at recurring times, or through a custom process Can pull data from XML or another web service Ability to subscribe to route or systemwide mobile alerts

12 Quick rider adoption for SMS text messaging

13 Getting started with RouteShout is fast. With or without GTFS, installation is fast and painless. With GTFS Most installs take less than one hour. Trip exceptions can be handled internally (in the UI) or externally through an API. Updates can be automated. With other output Can integrate with XML or other web service Custom solutions are often available. GTFS can be output from RouteShout. We re using RouteShout to improve our communications with the public. - John Kanyan, IndiGO Transit Executive Director Bus arrival times are the perfect information packets for texting, because they re short, useful and informative... - Library Alchemy Blog ( I don t have to call and speak to an operator; that takes forever. -- OSU student Mark Buckley on why he ll use COTA s RouteShout system

14 The Dashboard tracks real-time activity.

15 Alerts notify passengers of system changes. Alerts Send a system-wide alert. Send route specific alerts. Manage alert subscriptions and monitor activity.

16 Integrate with AdShout platform. COMING SOON Advertising helps to offset service costs. Advertising Offer sponsorships of individual stops. Create notifications and system notices.

17 Subsidizing Programs with Mobile Advertising Advertising helps to offset service costs. Contextual ads by stop Coupons Alternative or Supplement media mix Separate interface for ad agencies Transit oriented content filters

18 What does a text message ad look like?

19 RouteShout Web

20 RouteShout Mobile Web Application

21 Step by Step of How it Works Step One: Connect your existing data to the RouteShout network Provide GTFS Schedule data and API access for predictions to RouteMatch Access RouteShout s simple, user friendly admin dashboard Activate free Mobile Apps for Riders Step Two: Promote Mobile Apps Announce availability on your website Release announcement to local media Step Three: Consider SMS Option and getting real time route info. Select a SMS subscription plan today To launch the system create keywords then hang signs or stickers 35 Million rides/week (APTA) SMS Subscription Pricing Annual plans start at about $5000 for 100,000 messages

22 Considerations Determine and clearly understand your agency s ridership demographics Research your cellular network plan Target the largest percentage of riders possible Know your architecture and budget Determine if you plan to scale

23 Indiana County Transit Authority Case Study Using SMS Texts to Increase Ridership and Save Costs

24 About Indiana County Transit Authority - Southwestern Pennsylvania - Community of 89,000 covering Indiana County - 41 Vehicles - 22 Routes - 470,000 rides in Indiana University of Pennsylvania - 70% of ridership

25 Goals - Sought a way to reach college students to alert them of schedule changes and send messages - Needed easy to manage, affordable technology - Wanted to meet the demands of growing ridership and provide convenience - Supplement existing means of communications (Twitter, the Web, Signage, Printed Schedules)

26 ROI from RouteShout Using for two years now 11% jump in ridership last year; expected to increase with current gas prices attribute much to RouteShout (heaviest concentration near university) Reduced schedule printing costs by 75%, helping with green initiative Signed on with local advertiser for funding Positive feedback from community

27 Next Steps Culture of SMS has been built RouteMatch Real Time Data Connection Conduct additional advertising Prepare for increase in ridership Lessons Learned Know your demographics Don t be afraid of technology Concentrate on heavy users/riders Prepare for increase in ridership and change

28 Questions and Contact Information Tim Quinn Executive Vice President