Rogue Valley Transit Builds Better Routes Using Data

In 2014, RVTD faced a budget crunch and needed to cut services if they could not secure additional funding. They proposed a property tax levy, but it did not pass, forcing them to make tough routing decisions. Using stop-level data from Streets ITS and APCs, RVTD identified areas where they could shorten and streamline routes to improve efficiency while minimally impacting riders. For instance, they cut service to the airport, which had low ridership, thereby shortening the route and allowing for more efficient use of driver time. In 2016, RVTD proposed another property tax levy, which passed, providing additional funding. They aimed to use this funding efficiently to improve services. Using time-point level route-schedule adherence data, they identified that riders on route 60 were often missing their connections due to late arrivals at the transit hub. They made targeted adjustments to the route to improve on-time performance and reduce missed connections.

Rogue Valley Transit District (RVTD) is an award-winning public agency based in Medford, Oregon, providing fixed route service to seven communities in Jackson County. The agency operates 26 fixed route buses across 8 routes. In June 2017, RVTD received the CTAA award for Urban Community Transportation System of the Year, recognizing their responsiveness to customer and community needs. Jon Sullivan, Transit Planner at RVTD, attributes their success to the use of fixed route software, which has been crucial in enhancing customer service. The agency has demonstrated a commitment to making data-driven decisions to optimize their services, even in the face of budget constraints.