Case Studies Self-sustaining Microtransit model allowing integration of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, workforce, and ondemand trips via web portal or app

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	Self-sustaining Microtransit model allowing integration of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, workforce, and ondemand trips via web portal or app

Self-sustaining Microtransit model allowing integration of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, workforce, and ondemand trips via web portal or app

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS) Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries	Healthcare & Hospitals Transportation
Applicable Functions	Facility Management Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Fleet Management Predictive Maintenance Remote Asset Management
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	MART faced several challenges in its operations, including increased ridership using the existing fleet, non-availability of empty seats during peak hours, and difficulties in scheduling and dispatch. Additionally, there was low shared ridership, which further complicated the efficient use of resources. These challenges necessitated a solution that could optimize the use of available seats, improve scheduling, and increase shared ridership to reduce costs and improve service delivery. Read More
About Customer	The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) is a non-profit regional transit authority providing public transportation services primarily outside of the Greater Boston area. With an annual operation budget of $132 million, MART serves 18 north central Massachusetts communities. The organization is dedicated to offering reliable and efficient public transportation options, including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), workforce trips, and on-demand services for the general public. MART's commitment to improving transportation accessibility and efficiency is evident in its innovative approaches to addressing operational challenges and enhancing service delivery. Read More
Solution	MART implemented the QRyde web portal and app for booking, scheduling, and dispatching trips. The solution, operated by HBSS, utilized a self-sustainable MicroTransit model with two 14-18 seat vehicles and union drivers. Half of the seats were reserved for NEMT recurring shared-rides, workforce trips, and regular paratransit/ADA services, while the remaining seats were made available for on-demand transit rides for priority populations such as the workforce and general public. QRyde’s Global Scheduling Engine (GSE™) played a crucial role in increasing shared ridership and reducing per trip costs by efficiently combining multiple funding sources. This approach allowed MART to optimize the use of its fleet, improve scheduling, and enhance service delivery for various rider profiles, including students, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and the general public. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Healthcare & Hospitals

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Facility Management

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Predictive Maintenance

Remote Asset Management

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

MART faced several challenges in its operations, including increased ridership using the existing fleet, non-availability of empty seats during peak hours, and difficulties in scheduling and dispatch. Additionally, there was low shared ridership, which further complicated the efficient use of resources. These challenges necessitated a solution that could optimize the use of available seats, improve scheduling, and increase shared ridership to reduce costs and improve service delivery.

About Customer

The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) is a non-profit regional transit authority providing public transportation services primarily outside of the Greater Boston area. With an annual operation budget of $132 million, MART serves 18 north central Massachusetts communities. The organization is dedicated to offering reliable and efficient public transportation options, including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), workforce trips, and on-demand services for the general public. MART's commitment to improving transportation accessibility and efficiency is evident in its innovative approaches to addressing operational challenges and enhancing service delivery.

Solution

MART implemented the QRyde web portal and app for booking, scheduling, and dispatching trips. The solution, operated by HBSS, utilized a self-sustainable MicroTransit model with two 14-18 seat vehicles and union drivers. Half of the seats were reserved for NEMT recurring shared-rides, workforce trips, and regular paratransit/ADA services, while the remaining seats were made available for on-demand transit rides for priority populations such as the workforce and general public. QRyde’s Global Scheduling Engine (GSE™) played a crucial role in increasing shared ridership and reducing per trip costs by efficiently combining multiple funding sources. This approach allowed MART to optimize the use of its fleet, improve scheduling, and enhance service delivery for various rider profiles, including students, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and the general public.

Impact #1	By utilizing empty seats on its vehicles, MART achieved significant operational improvements. The project saw an increase in passengers per vehicle hour, reaching 4.6, which represents a 31% increase. The lower per trip cost compared to the average fare of other NEMT providers was another notable achievement. During the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, the general public took three times more rides, highlighting the system's adaptability and effectiveness. Additionally, the project provided economic benefits to the community by facilitating trips for medical (non-qualified), nutrition, shopping, and employment purposes for the general public.

Impact #1

By utilizing empty seats on its vehicles, MART achieved significant operational improvements. The project saw an increase in passengers per vehicle hour, reaching 4.6, which represents a 31% increase. The lower per trip cost compared to the average fare of other NEMT providers was another notable achievement. During the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, the general public took three times more rides, highlighting the system's adaptability and effectiveness. Additionally, the project provided economic benefits to the community by facilitating trips for medical (non-qualified), nutrition, shopping, and employment purposes for the general public.

Benefit #1	4.6 passengers per vehicle hour - an increase of 31%
Benefit #2	3x more rides taken by the general public during COVID in July 2020

Benefit #1

4.6 passengers per vehicle hour - an increase of 31%

Benefit #2

3x more rides taken by the general public during COVID in July 2020

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Overview

Self-sustaining Microtransit model allowing integration of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, workforce, and ondemand trips via web portal or app

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit