Case Studies RIDE Wilson, NC

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	RIDE Wilson, NC

RIDE Wilson, NC

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS) Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries	Cities & Municipalities Transportation
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Fleet Management Public Transportation Management Remote Asset Management Smart City Operations
Services	Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services System Integration Training
Challenge	Wilson, North Carolina, faced a significant challenge with its outdated public transit system, which was originally designed in the 1960s for commuters working in the downtown area. As the city's economic development and commuting patterns evolved, the fixed-route bus network failed to serve those commuting to jobs away from the city center. This inadequacy in public transportation was seen as a major contributor to unemployment in Wilson. The city needed a solution that could expand transit coverage and improve service efficiency without increasing the budget. Read More
About Customer	Wilson, North Carolina, is a small city known for its innovative approach to public services. Despite its small population, the city has been proactive in addressing the needs of its residents, particularly in terms of public transportation. The city partnered with Via in July 2020 to overhaul its public transit system. Wilson's bus system, introduced in the 1960s, was initially designed to cater to commuters working in the downtown area. However, as the city's economic landscape changed, the fixed-route bus network became less effective in serving the needs of residents commuting to jobs outside the city center. This led to a pressing need for a more flexible and efficient public transit solution. Read More
Solution	In September 2020, Wilson replaced its fixed-route bus network with an on-demand transit system called RIDE, developed in partnership with Via. RIDE covers the entire city with a fleet of 10 on-demand vans, providing corner-to-corner service for residents. The system is designed to be inclusive, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles, phone booking for customers without smartphones, and payment options for unbanked individuals. The fare is a flat $1.50 for trips within the city, with free or discounted rides for seniors and riders with disabilities. This new system ensures that all residents have access to reliable and affordable transportation. Via also worked closely with Wilson to secure a grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Accelerating Innovative Mobility program, which will allow the city to extend service hours. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Networks & Connectivity - Cellular

Applicable Industries

Cities & Municipalities

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Public Transportation Management

Remote Asset Management

Smart City Operations

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

Wilson, North Carolina, faced a significant challenge with its outdated public transit system, which was originally designed in the 1960s for commuters working in the downtown area. As the city's economic development and commuting patterns evolved, the fixed-route bus network failed to serve those commuting to jobs away from the city center. This inadequacy in public transportation was seen as a major contributor to unemployment in Wilson. The city needed a solution that could expand transit coverage and improve service efficiency without increasing the budget.

About Customer

Wilson, North Carolina, is a small city known for its innovative approach to public services. Despite its small population, the city has been proactive in addressing the needs of its residents, particularly in terms of public transportation. The city partnered with Via in July 2020 to overhaul its public transit system. Wilson's bus system, introduced in the 1960s, was initially designed to cater to commuters working in the downtown area. However, as the city's economic landscape changed, the fixed-route bus network became less effective in serving the needs of residents commuting to jobs outside the city center. This led to a pressing need for a more flexible and efficient public transit solution.

Solution

In September 2020, Wilson replaced its fixed-route bus network with an on-demand transit system called RIDE, developed in partnership with Via. RIDE covers the entire city with a fleet of 10 on-demand vans, providing corner-to-corner service for residents. The system is designed to be inclusive, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles, phone booking for customers without smartphones, and payment options for unbanked individuals. The fare is a flat $1.50 for trips within the city, with free or discounted rides for seniors and riders with disabilities. This new system ensures that all residents have access to reliable and affordable transportation. Via also worked closely with Wilson to secure a grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Accelerating Innovative Mobility program, which will allow the city to extend service hours.

Impact #1	RIDE has significantly improved mobility for Wilson residents, with 75% of customers booking trips using the Via Rider App.
Impact #2	The service has an average rider rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Impact #3	Transit coverage has increased from 40% to 100% of the city without any increase in budget.

Impact #1

RIDE has significantly improved mobility for Wilson residents, with 75% of customers booking trips using the Via Rider App.

Impact #2

The service has an average rider rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, indicating high customer satisfaction.

Impact #3

Transit coverage has increased from 40% to 100% of the city without any increase in budget.

Benefit #1	0% increase in budget.
Benefit #2	60% increase in service coverage.
Benefit #3	Pre-COVID fixed route system had 275 daily riders; post-COVID, it dropped to 55 rides per day.

Benefit #1

0% increase in budget.

Benefit #2

60% increase in service coverage.

Benefit #3

Pre-COVID fixed route system had 275 daily riders; post-COVID, it dropped to 55 rides per day.

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Overview

RIDE Wilson, NC

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit