Case Studies Sault Ste. Marie On Demand

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	Sault Ste. Marie On Demand

Sault Ste. Marie On Demand

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS) Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries	Cities & Municipalities Transportation
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Fleet Management Public Transportation Management Smart City Operations
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	The City of Sault Ste. Marie sought to optimize routing efficiency at times of low demand by tapping vehicle resources only when needed. The goal was to reduce operating costs while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience. Historically, Sunday evening ridership has been low, leading to underperforming fixed route services. The city needed a solution that could improve service dependability and maximize fleet efficiency during these low-demand periods. Read More
About Customer	The City of Sault Ste. Marie is a small Canadian city located in Ontario. It has a diverse population that includes university students and other residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes. The city is committed to providing efficient and reliable transit services to its residents, even during off-peak hours. With a focus on improving the customer experience and reducing operational costs, the city has been exploring innovative solutions to optimize its public transportation system. Read More
Solution	Following a competitive procurement process in the spring of 2019, the City of Sault Ste. Marie selected Via to transition their Sunday evening fixed route network of nine buses to an on-demand transit network of eight buses. The service, named Sault Ste. Marie On Demand, launched in September 2019. It operates on Sunday evenings, allowing riders to travel from one existing bus stop or approved 'Virtual Bus Stop' to another as requested through mobile app booking or by calling a dispatcher. Riders pay the regular $2.95 bus fare or use their transit pass. The service uses the city's existing fleet of full-size buses and unionized workforce. Due to its success, the city is now considering expanding the on-demand service to other times. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)

Networks & Connectivity - Cellular

Applicable Industries

Cities & Municipalities

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Public Transportation Management

Smart City Operations

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

The City of Sault Ste. Marie sought to optimize routing efficiency at times of low demand by tapping vehicle resources only when needed. The goal was to reduce operating costs while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience. Historically, Sunday evening ridership has been low, leading to underperforming fixed route services. The city needed a solution that could improve service dependability and maximize fleet efficiency during these low-demand periods.

About Customer

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is a small Canadian city located in Ontario. It has a diverse population that includes university students and other residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes. The city is committed to providing efficient and reliable transit services to its residents, even during off-peak hours. With a focus on improving the customer experience and reducing operational costs, the city has been exploring innovative solutions to optimize its public transportation system.

Solution

Following a competitive procurement process in the spring of 2019, the City of Sault Ste. Marie selected Via to transition their Sunday evening fixed route network of nine buses to an on-demand transit network of eight buses. The service, named Sault Ste. Marie On Demand, launched in September 2019. It operates on Sunday evenings, allowing riders to travel from one existing bus stop or approved 'Virtual Bus Stop' to another as requested through mobile app booking or by calling a dispatcher. Riders pay the regular $2.95 bus fare or use their transit pass. The service uses the city's existing fleet of full-size buses and unionized workforce. Due to its success, the city is now considering expanding the on-demand service to other times.

Impact #1	Sault Ste. Marie On Demand has been popular with both transit users and city officials. Transit users appreciate the convenience and shorter wait times that come with Via’s on-demand technology.
Impact #2	City officials have successfully reduced the number of buses needed on Sunday evenings while providing an enhanced level of service.
Impact #3	The service has demonstrated how transitioning to an on-demand model can save money while also improving the rider’s experience during off-peak hours.

Impact #1

Sault Ste. Marie On Demand has been popular with both transit users and city officials. Transit users appreciate the convenience and shorter wait times that come with Via’s on-demand technology.

Impact #2

City officials have successfully reduced the number of buses needed on Sunday evenings while providing an enhanced level of service.

Impact #3

The service has demonstrated how transitioning to an on-demand model can save money while also improving the rider’s experience during off-peak hours.

Benefit #1	13 passengers per vehicle hour on average prior to COVID-19.
Benefit #2	97% of rides were shared prior to COVID-19.
Benefit #3	Service zone covers 50+ square kilometers.

Benefit #1

13 passengers per vehicle hour on average prior to COVID-19.

Benefit #2

97% of rides were shared prior to COVID-19.

Benefit #3

Service zone covers 50+ square kilometers.

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Overview

Sault Ste. Marie On Demand

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit