JUNE 2017 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 41
Des Moines, Iowa
CCESS TO REAL-TIME TRANSPORtation
data is becoming a necessity for
residents of the Des Moines metro.
As the largest mass transit provider in
the area, the Des Moines Area Regional
Transit Authority has made real-time
data availability for riders one of its
highest priorities.
WEB-BASED INTEGRATION
DART was one of the fi rst agencies of our
size to off er real-time data in any capacity
several years ago. We did this by providing
basic web-based products that allowed for
trip planning, basic views of vehicles on a
map and email alerts. We also provided
an integrated voice recording system that
allowed users to call into an automated
system to fi nd real-time data for their trip,
which increased availability of real-time
information for visually impaired customers.
All of these products were provided by
our automatic vehicle location provider.
MOBILE INTEGRATION
Th e web and voice products were a good
step in the right direction for making
transit easier to use and more convenient
for our customers. However, we knew we
needed to quickly make real-time data
accessible on mobile platforms for riders
to access when they are on the move. Our
fi rst mobile applications became available
in 2015 when we launched the RideTime
app and text or SMS service. Th e Ridetime
app allowed users to see when the next bus
is coming to nearby bus stops and on which
route. Th e text messaging service gave riders
the ability to text their stop number to
fi nd the next departure times and routes.
Both the mobile app and text alerts were
a huge success with our riders because it
gave them the ability to easily fi nd when a
vehicle was going to be at their stop.
SHARING OUR DATA
We also make our real-time data available
to developers using the standard GTFS
protocol and the use of a unique API key
for each developer aft er they sign up for
access to the data on our website. Since we
made our real-time data openly available, it
has been integrated into several third-party
mobile apps and that number continues to
grow as more developers request the data.
Th is has provided more options for our
riders, giving them the ability to select the
app that best meets their needs.
Providing a variety of ways to access
real-time data makes using public transportation
easier, and has really pleased our
riders. In a recent customer satisfaction
survey, DART received an 84 percent satisfaction
rating and I strongly believe the
access to real-time data has allowed us to
increase our customer’s overall satisfaction
with our services. As a result, we plan
to continue to grow and improve these
even further in the future.
Corona, Calif.
ROVIDING TIMELY AND ACCURATE
information directly at bus and rail
stops is key to boosting rider confi -
dence, according to multiple transit agency
surveys. Delivering accurate, real-time
information directly at the stop to support
information on the rider’s mobile device
is quickly becoming the norm.
Tolar Manufacturing and Streamline
Integrated Solutions (SIS) are leading the
way in developing distinctive at-stop technological
solutions that address growing
passengers expectations.
Th e fi rst product to come from this alliance
is the team’s all-in-one, real-time
digital passenger information displays and
free-standing kiosks now seen at Jacksonville
Transportation Authority in Florida
along its First Coast Flyer routes.
Th ese durable, environmentally robust,
UL-listed displays with optional interactive
capabilities, integrate real-time route
and schedule information, including upto
the-moment detours and traffi c updates
on 32-inch digital screens. While not part
of the JTA project, the displays have the
ability to also off er contextually relevant,
revenue-generating advertising, news and
information options. Passengers being
able to view this information in real-time
directly at the transit stop, creates a level of
comfort for them in knowing when their
bus is arriving. When news and advertising
is added, agencies can also engage the
riders with current news and information.
Importantly, the ability to off er advertisers
oversized, highly visible, high defi -
nition digital display advertising directly
at the bus stop is an enticement that brings
dollars to the transit agency and/or municipality.
Th ese unrestricted revenue dollars
are great sources of income to provide even
more confi dence-boosting, real-time amenities
at more transit stops throughout the
community. In fact, Tolar Manufacturing
recently installed 75-inch large-format,
LCD digital displays enclosed in IP-rated,
weather-resistant NEMA enclosures at
transit stops in Portland, Oregon. Th ese
larger-than-life displays at shelters are providing
opportunities for both revenue-generating
advertising and optional real-time
passenger information.
Tolar Manufacturing is committed
to continuing to work with agencies to
bring more and better real-time bus stop
information at transit shelters to communities
throughout North America.
Pairing its diverse street furniture design
portfolio with customized branding and
cutting-edge technology allows Tolar to
create a personalized sense of place that
improves passenger confi dence and supports
increased use of public transportation
in the communities it serves.
A
P
Luke Lester
IT Manager
Des Moines Area
Regional Transit
Authority
Patrick Merrick
Executive Vice
President
Tolar
Manufacturing
Company Inc.