ATLANTA, GA and CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwire - Sep 4, 2012) - Linn County LIFTS has successfully upgraded their fleet of 22 vehicles with RouteMatch Software's tablet technology after deciding to replace their aging mobile data computers (MDCs) with an easier, more cost effective and reliable wireless solution.
LIFTS turned to RouteMatch, their current intelligent transportation systems (ITS) provider, to implement their transition to Samsung Galaxy tablets. LIFTS performs approximately 80,000 - 90,000 trips a year, with a ridership that is 40% senior citizens and 60% disabled.
"Our existing devices were due for a replacement, and we sought to improve hardware reliability and our response to consumers through the use of newer, upgraded technology," explains Tom Hardecopf, Director of LIFTS.
Before investing in the tablets, the agency had experienced occasional connectivity issues and was also concerned about the potential incurred costs to replace or repair MDCs.
Earlier this year, LIFTS initiated a pilot program, in which the agency slowly integrated use of the tablets with their older MDCs to evaluate overall functionality, versatility and driver adaptation.
Tablets were assigned to each of their 17 drivers whereas previously the agency had each of their 22 vehicles outfitted with a more expensive MDC. The agency is now fully transitioned over to the tablets and is pleased with the results.
"It's been better than we expected. Deployment went very smoothly," says Hardecopf. "Our IT department and RouteMatch coordinated very well and before we knew it, we were up and running and our drivers are confident that no communications are being lost."
Aside from the cost savings of tablets, LIFTS was able to seamlessly continue its scheduling, dispatching, and automated vehicle location (AVL) functions.
"The change to the tablets was so seamless that dispatchers didn't notice the difference. Information transmission and communications also seem to be faster," says Hardecopf.
Going forward, LIFTS will be considering using the tablets for additional procedures such as pre-trip inspections, trip logs, incident reports, and employee work logs. "We didn't go into this process looking for something drastically new and different, but now that we're up and running we are excited about the new procedures and options we see with the tablets," says Hardecopf.
"The smooth implementation of tablets done at LIFTS was an exemplary partnership between their IT staff, willingness to embrace new technology, and partnership with the RouteMatch team," says Tim Quinn, RouteMatch Executive Vice President. "We are excited to work with them on additional functionalities and making the most of their tablet investment."
About RouteMatch Software
RouteMatch is the leading provider of end-to-end transit ITS software and innovative passenger and vehicle technology solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and works with more than 450 transit agencies across the U.S. and internationally, providing quality software and customer service. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company's products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route, CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, mobility management, and more. Additional information about RouteMatch's ITS technologies are available at www.routematch.com or by calling RouteMatch toll-free at (US) 1-888-840-8791.
About Linn County LIFTS
LIFTS provides safe door-to-door transportation for eligible elderly and disabled citizens in the metro area of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha, Iowa. LIFTS also provides public transportation to all Linn County residents outside the metro area.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Brooke Phillips
E:
P: 404-253-7839
