North Dakota Department of Transportation Selects RouteMatch Software's Multi-Modal Technology Platform for Deployment of Intelligent Transportation System

BISMARK, ND and ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - Feb 5, 2013) - RouteMatch Software and the North Dakota Department of Transportation  today announced that RouteMatch Software will be rolling out its intelligent transportation system to 39 transit systems.

By standardizing on RouteMatch's technologies, the North Dakota Department of Transportation will be able to help transit agencies improve operational efficiencies, supporting the region's growing ridership demand and coordination efforts. RouteMatch Software's flexible technology platform accommodates the needs of small rural operations, but also scales to tackle integrated fixed route, demand response and traveler information needs of urban systems through built in configuration and modules. Transit systems in North Dakota will receive RouteMatch's core scheduling, dispatching, route optimization module and tablet mobile data devices for automated vehicle location, reducing paper, and improving driver and dispatcher communications. Since RouteMatch's technologies are deployed through the Cloud, transit agencies benefit from faster deployment and access to shared resources without the need for large hardware costs and IT support.

The City of Grand Forks, for example, has experienced savings of $85,000 annually by gaining greater visibility into data and refining American Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility and verification for its contracted demand response services. In addition, tablet mobile data devices installed on its vehicles have helped reduce idle time, save on fuel costs, and maximize the use of vehicles. RouteMatch has enabled more streamlined billing and verification of trips by funding source, and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reports can be more quickly and accurately run. 

"We have had an over 30% spike in ridership over the past few years, and we want to concentrate on customer service and running efficient operations," said Dale Bergman, Transit Director of Grand Forks' Cities Area Transit (CAT), which runs 55,000 demand response and 329,000 fixed route trips annually.

Cities Area Transit was asked by the North Dakota Department of Transportation to be the pilot for a regional and statewide coordination project that would upgrade Cities Area Transit call center and website to provide "One-Call/One-Click" functionality, and equip rural transit providers in North Dakota with computer-assisted scheduling and dispatch software. After fully implementing the pilot project, the North Dakota Department of Transportation plans to implement the same model in other regional centers throughout the state.

While transit agencies gain benefits of moving from a manual system of running operations to technology and diversifying their range of technologies, the North Dakota Department of Transportation will use the technology for centralized data management and standardized reporting. Automated and more consistent documentation of transit agency information and streamlined processes will help the Department more closely follow FTA guidelines and reporting requirements.

"Our expectations are very high. We are seeking value across the whole state and in multiple areas," said Kim Adair, Transit Section Program Leader, North Dakota Department of Transportation. "Our primary goal is to equip all our providers with the tools they need to help them succeed. We chose RouteMatch after extensive due diligence and liked how flexible their technology is and their team of people. Customer service is a big priority for us. It means a lot when you have the follow up and follow through. We wanted to invest in technologies that could grow with us, and be with us not just for now, but also for the future." 

The North Dakota Department of Transportation will also extend RouteMatch Software's platform for Transit Asset Management for preventative vehicle maintenance, as well as to manage the "One Call/ One Click Call Center," enabling providers to schedule information from start to finish with multiple transportation providers. With this approach, transit agencies can more effectively serve community health and human service providers, medical facilities and nursing homes that rely on public transportation for their clients.

"We're very excited that North Dakota is using our technology across so many different areas of operations and to further their long term vision for regional coordination and transit asset management," said Tim Quinn, Executive Vice President, RouteMatch Software. "Transit agencies are already seeing ROI and are deeply committed to helping North Dakota transit agencies and the North Dakota Department of Transportation succeed in reaching their goals and helping their communities."

In addition to North Dakota, RouteMatch has statewide intelligent transportation system (ITS) contracts with Georgia, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

About RouteMatch Software

RouteMatch is the leading provider of passenger transportation technology solutions. Founded in 2000, the company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and RouteMatch works with more than 600 transit agencies worldwide. Partnering with public and private sector passenger transportation providers, the company provides an end-to-end technology platform which addresses multiple operational, safety and ridership needs. RouteMatch's technologies address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed route and CAD/AVL, demand response, business analytics, and fixed route integration, traveler information services, fleet management, and more. Additional information about RouteMatch's ITS technologies is available at www.routematch.com or by emailing info@routematch.com.