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#microtransit software
qrydebyhbss · 9 months
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Streamline Your Paratransit Operations and Enhance Rider Experience with QRyde
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QRyde: Your all-in-one solution for efficient ADA and paratransit scheduling and dispatching. We empower independent transportation companies and government transit systems to optimize operations, access new markets, and compete effectively in today's dynamic landscape.
Empowering Riders with Disabilities:
QRyde understands the unique needs of riders with disabilities. We provide reliable transportation solutions for those who:
Cannot utilize fixed-route bus or rail services
Require dependable transportation for essential needs
Desire to create personalized profiles with accessibility features and mobility preferences
Say Goodbye to Guesswork:
With QRyde, you can:
Accurately predict rider wait times and improve punctuality
Boost engagement with riders through seamless communication
Optimize schedules and routes for maximum efficiency
Plan rides effectively for both advanced bookings and on-demand requests
Track rides in real-time and monitor vehicle capacity
Reduce no-shows and ensure efficient resource allocation
Control costs by increasing passengers per mile, reducing driver idle time, and minimizing overtime
QRyde: The Solution You've Been Waiting For:
We understand your concerns about traditional transit software: high cost, excessive features, and overwhelming complexity. QRyde addresses these challenges head-on:
Tailored Solutions: We customize our software to fit your specific needs and budget.
Global Scheduling Engine (GSE): This innovative system optimizes scheduling for both bookings and last-minute requests, maximizing ridership while ensuring ADA compliance.
Auto-Dispatch: Automate the assignment of delayed trips to available vehicles, ensuring smooth operations and timely service.
Unlocking New Possibilities:
QRyde is more than just scheduling software. It's a powerful tool for:
Reducing manual tasks through automation
Improving cost containment with lower fuel consumption and optimized operations
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for data-driven decision making
Exploring new service options and expanding your reach
Streamlining communication with automatic booking/cancellation notifications
Ready to take control and maximize your impact? Contact QRyde today for a personalized demo and discover how we can revolutionize your paratransit operations.
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transportaionsoftware · 2 months
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How does microtransit software enhance the passenger experience?
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In today's rapidly evolving transportation landscape, the focus on enhancing passenger experience is more prominent than ever. The advent of microtransit software is revolutionizing the way people perceive and utilize public transportation. Companies like QRyde are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging advanced technologies to provide seamless, efficient, and user-friendly transportation solutions. This article delves into the myriad ways microtransit software enhances the passenger experience, touching on its integration with paratransit software, paratransit scheduling software, and the broader implications for public transportation and NEMT fleets.
1. Personalized and Flexible Transportation Options
Microtransit software provides personalized transportation options tailored to individual passenger needs. Unlike traditional public transportation software, which operates on fixed routes and schedules, microtransit solutions offer flexible routing. This flexibility allows passengers to request rides that best fit their schedules and destinations. QRyde's microtransit software, for instance, enables passengers to book rides via a mobile app, specifying their pick-up and drop-off locations. This level of personalization ensures that passengers are not bound by rigid schedules, making transportation more convenient and efficient.
2. Improved Accessibility and Inclusivity
One of the significant advantages of integrating microtransit software with paratransit software is the enhanced accessibility for passengers with disabilities. Paratransit scheduling software is designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals who require special transportation services. By incorporating features such as wheelchair accessibility, real-time tracking, and personalized assistance, microtransit solutions ensure that all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities, have access to reliable and comfortable transportation. QRyde's software, for instance, allows for easy scheduling of paratransit services, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations and enhancing inclusivity.
3. Real-Time Information and Tracking
Microtransit software enhances the passenger experience by providing real-time information and tracking capabilities. Passengers can track the location of their rides, receive updates on estimated arrival times, and get notifications about any delays or changes. This transparency reduces uncertainty and anxiety associated with waiting for transportation. QRyde's platform integrates real-time tracking features, ensuring that passengers are always informed about the status of their rides. This level of real-time communication fosters trust and reliability, essential components of a positive passenger experience.
4. Efficient Route Optimization
Microtransit software utilizes advanced algorithms to optimize routes, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency. By analyzing traffic patterns, passenger demand, and other variables, the software can suggest the most efficient routes for drivers. This not only reduces travel time for passengers but also helps in managing fuel consumption and operational costs. QRyde's route optimization features ensure that passengers reach their destinations promptly, making the entire journey more pleasant and stress-free.
5. Seamless Integration with Public Transportation
Microtransit software can be seamlessly integrated with existing public transportation systems, creating a cohesive and interconnected network. This integration allows passengers to switch between different modes of transportation effortlessly. For example, a passenger might use a microtransit service to reach a major transit hub and then continue their journey on a traditional bus or train. QRyde's software supports such integrations, enabling a smooth transition between different transportation services. This interconnectedness enhances the overall passenger experience by providing more options and greater convenience.
6. Enhanced Safety and Security
Safety and security are paramount concerns for passengers using public transportation. Microtransit software incorporates various features to ensure passenger safety. Real-time tracking, driver background checks, and emergency response mechanisms are some of the measures implemented to enhance security. QRyde's platform, for instance, includes safety protocols and monitoring systems to ensure that passengers feel secure throughout their journey. The knowledge that these safety measures are in place contributes significantly to a positive passenger experience.
7. Streamlined Payment Systems
Microtransit software often includes integrated payment processing systems, simplifying the fare collection process. Passengers can pay for their rides using various methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, or even prepaid accounts. This eliminates the need for cash transactions and makes the payment process more convenient and secure. QRyde's software supports multiple payment options, ensuring that passengers have a hassle-free experience from booking to payment. Streamlined payment systems also reduce boarding times, contributing to overall efficiency.
8. Data-Driven Improvements
One of the significant advantages of using microtransit software is the ability to collect and analyze data on ridership and traffic patterns. This data provides valuable insights into passenger behavior, peak travel times, and service demand. Organizations can use this information to make informed decisions, such as adjusting routes, schedules, and service offerings to better meet passenger needs. QRyde's software includes robust data analytics tools that help transportation providers continuously improve their services based on real-world data. This iterative improvement process ensures that the passenger experience keeps getting better over time.
9. Environmental Benefits
By optimizing routes and reducing the number of vehicles on the road, microtransit software contributes to environmental sustainability. Efficient route planning minimizes fuel consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers who are environmentally conscious will appreciate the reduced carbon footprint associated with using microtransit services. QRyde's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its software's ability to plan eco-friendly routes, making it a preferred choice for passengers who prioritize environmental responsibility.
10. Support for NEMT Fleets
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) fleets benefit significantly from microtransit software. These services are crucial for patients who need reliable transportation to medical appointments. The software's automated scheduling and real-time tracking capabilities ensure that patients are picked up and dropped off on time, reducing the risk of missed appointments. QRyde's NEMT Fleet solutions are designed to cater specifically to the needs of medical transportation providers, ensuring that patients receive timely and reliable service. The enhanced coordination and efficiency provided by the software improve the overall experience for both patients and healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Microtransit software is a game-changer in the realm of public transportation, offering numerous benefits that enhance the passenger experience. By providing personalized, flexible, and efficient transportation options, integrating seamlessly with existing systems, and ensuring safety and convenience, microtransit solutions like those offered by QRyde are setting new standards in the industry. As technology continues to evolve, the future of public transportation looks promising, with microtransit software playing a pivotal role in creating a more connected, accessible, and passenger-friendly transportation ecosystem.
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learnwithlavesh · 8 months
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How Paratransit Solutions is Helping 200+ Transit Agencies
United States, 19th Jan 2024
QRyde, a leading provider of paratransit routing software and microtransit software solutions, announced today its commitment to revolutionizing transportation accessibility for everyone. Their cutting-edge technology, including the Global Scheduling Engine (GSE) and Dispatch 360, empowers both independent transportation companies and government transit systems to create a more inclusive and efficient mobility landscape.
Beyond Static Schedules: Dynamic Journeys for All
Traditional paratransit and public transportation systems often struggle to cater to individual needs and changing circumstances. QRyde's paratransit scheduling breaks through these limitations, replacing rigid schedules with real-time routing algorithms that take into account
This dynamic approach creates customized journeys that minimize wait times, maximize efficiency, and empower individuals with greater control over transit scheduling software.
From Paratransit to Microtransit: Building Bridges Across Communities
QRyde's impact extends far beyond traditional paratransit. Their software powers the burgeoning world of microtransit, offering on-demand, shared transportation solutions for everyone. Whether it's connecting commuters to train stations, offering first-mile/last-mile solutions in public transit scheduling software deserts, or providing flexible options in rural communities, QRyde's technology is bridging critical gaps in accessibility.
Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives
QRyde's solutions deliver tangible benefits for both riders and service providers:
Streamlined operations: Optimized routes, reduced costs, and improved communication.
Enhanced inclusivity: Accessible booking tools, flexible routes, and real-time updates cater to diverse needs.
Data-driven decisions: Real-time data insights for strategic planning and transportation scheduling software.
Paving the Path to Success
QRyde's partnerships with organizations like the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston demonstrate the transformative power of their software. By implementing QRyde's solutions, these communities have achieved technology driven approaches to reduce the cost of transportation to transportation scheduling software
A Vision for the Future: Join the Journey
QRyde is committed to building a future where everyone has the freedom to navigate their world with confidence and ease. They invite transportation providers and communities alike to join the journey and embrace the transformative potential of their innovative solutions.
QRyde by HBSS has developed and provided software solutions for diverse transportation organizations since 1997.
Currently, we're partnering with 200+ agencies, across 900 sites, in over 25 states, to reduce operational costs, increase ridership, streamline route planning Efficiently manage finances, and provide technology advancement as the industry grows.
For more information on Qryde please visit at https://qryde.com . or contact at 978-379-0010.
Contact
Lavesh
Digital Marketing Executive 
Qryde by Hbss 
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meika-kuna · 1 year
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On-Demand Mobility: A Closer Look at Microtransit Vehicles
In a rapidly evolving world where convenience and efficiency are paramount, the concept of on-demand mobility has taken center stage, revolutionizing how we navigate our urban landscapes. Among the exciting innovations in this realm, microtransit vehicles have emerged as a game-changer. In this deep dive, we embark on a journey into the heart of this transformative mode of transportation. Microtransit represents a fusion of technology, urban planning, and sustainability, offering a more personalized and responsive alternative to traditional public transit. In the following pages, we will dissect the mechanics, advantages, and real-world applications of microtransit vehicles, shedding light on how they are redefining the way we move, reducing congestion, and ultimately shaping the future of transportation in our bustling cities. So, fasten your seatbelts as we delve into this exciting and dynamic world of on-demand mobility.
The Evolution of Microtransit: From Idea to Reality
In this section, we trace the origins of microtransit, exploring how it evolved from a visionary concept to a practical solution for modern urban mobility challenges. We delve into the historical context, highlighting the key milestones that led to the development and adoption of microtransit vehicle. From early experiments to the present, we paint a comprehensive picture of how this on-demand transportation mode has emerged as a viable alternative for commuters worldwide.
How Microtransit Works: A Technical Breakdown?
To truly understand the essence of microtransit, one must grasp the technical intricacies that power it. In this segment, we dissect the nuts and bolts of microtransit vehicles, explaining the technology that makes them tick. We delve into the hardware and software components, exploring the roles of algorithms, booking apps, and fleet management systems. By demystifying the mechanics behind microtransit, we offer insight into its efficiency and responsiveness.
Advantages of Microtransit: A Commuter's Dream
Microtransit isn't just a buzzword; it's a solution to many of the woes faced by urban commuters. In this chapter, we outline the compelling advantages that make microtransit an attractive option. From reduced wait times and personalized routes to cost-effective fares and environmental benefits, we shed light on how microtransit enhances the daily commute experience and addresses the pain points of traditional transportation methods.
Microtransit in Action: Real-World Case Studies
Theory meets reality in this section, where we examine how microtransit is being implemented in various cities around the globe. We present real-world case studies, showcasing successful microtransit projects and their impact on local communities. By exploring these practical examples, we illustrate the versatility and adaptability of microtransit in diverse urban environments.
Challenges and Hurdles: The Road Ahead for Microtransit
While microtransit holds immense promise, it's not without its challenges. In this segment, we discuss the obstacles that this mode of transportation faces, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure requirements, and competition from other transit options. We also explore ongoing efforts to address these challenges and pave the way for a more widespread adoption of microtransit.
Microtransit vs. Traditional Public Transit: A Comparative Analysis
To provide a comprehensive perspective, we compare microtransit to traditional public transit systems. We weigh the pros and cons of each, considering factors such as cost, convenience, accessibility, and environmental impact. By juxtaposing these two modes of transportation, we help readers understand how microtransit fits into the broader landscape of urban mobility.
Future Trends and Innovations: What Lies Ahead for Microtransit
The world of transportation is ever-evolving, and microtransit is no exception. In this section, we gaze into the crystal ball to predict the future of microtransit. We explore emerging trends and innovations, such as autonomous microtransit vehicles, partnerships with ride-sharing platforms, and integration with smart city initiatives. By doing so, we offer a glimpse of what tomorrow's urban commute might look like.
Microtransit for All: Accessibility and Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a vital aspect of modern transportation. In this final segment, we delve into efforts to make microtransit accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities and underserved communities. We discuss initiatives to ensure that microtransit is a mode of transportation that leaves no one behind, emphasizing its potential to bridge transportation gaps and enhance mobility for everyone in our cities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, It has revealed a transformative force in urban transportation. From its evolution to its technical intricacies, advantages, and real-world applications, microtransit has emerged as a promising solution to urban mobility challenges. Real-world case studies highlighted its adaptability, while the comparative analysis showcased its potential against traditional transit. Challenges were acknowledged, yet a vision for the future, marked by innovation and inclusivity, was unveiled. As we conclude, it's clear that microtransit has not only disrupted the status quo but also opened doors to a more efficient, responsive, and accessible urban transportation landscape, offering a glimpse into a brighter, more interconnected future.
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gadgettree1 · 2 years
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In-Depth Focus: On-Demand & Shared Mobility
The transportation landscape is shifting. With the rise of ride-hailing apps and the popularity of electric scooters, it’s clear that on-demand and shared mobility are here to stay. But what exactly are on-demand and shared mobility? And how do they differ from traditional modes of transportation? In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of on-demand and shared mobility. From the development to their benefits, read on to learn everything you need to know about this growing industry.
Why is it newsworthy?
On-demand and shared mobility services have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for more flexible and affordable transportation options. These services allow users to book rides through a mobile app or website and often offer discounts for sharing rides with others.
On-demand and shared mobility can be beneficial for individuals,businesses and environment. For individuals, these services can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. For businesses, on-demand and shared mobility can help reduce traffic congestion and parking demands, while also providing a new revenue stream. For environment, these services can reduce carbon footprint of cities and regions.
There are a number of reasons why on-demand and shared mobility is newsworthy. First, the popularity of these services is growing rapidly. Second, they offer a new way to get around that is  more convenient and affordable than traditional transportation options. Finally, on-demand and shared mobility can have a positive impact on businesses, helping to reduce traffic congestion and parking demands while also providing a new source of revenue.
What are the benefits of on-demand mobility?
On-demand mobility solutions offer a number of advantages over traditional forms of transportation. They are  more convenient, flexible, and affordable.
1. On-demand transportation is  more convenient than traditional methods.
With on-demand services, you can request a ride whenever you need one, without having to plan ahead or worry about schedules. This can be especially helpful if you need to get around quickly or unexpectedly.
2. On-demand transportation is  more flexible than traditional methods.
On-demand services allow you to customize your trip to your specific needs and preferences. For example, you can choose the type of vehicle you want to use, the route you want to take, and even the time of day you want to travel.
3. On-demand transportation can be more affordable than traditional methods.
On-demand services often cost less than traditional forms of transportation, such as taxis or car rentals. This is because on-demand companies generally have lower overhead costs and can pass those savings on to their customers.
Software makes On-demand Transportation Seamless
Industry leading software such as QRyde allows communities to implement TNC-like solutions for their members. Paratransit/ADA Transportation Providers all over the nation have also implemented this technology over their existing scheduling software. 
QRyde’s On-demand/ microtransit software system automates all fleet management efficiently and makes operation profitable with the following features:
Global Scheduling Engine (GSE)
To place a ride and respond instantly with options to the consumer, a powerful, real-time transactional engine that locates best possible routes.  It takes into consideration, heading,   timings, location, accessibility capabilities along with current capacity.
App Integrated Real-Time Dispatch
To book and monitor the progress of their members rides, enables communities. Dispatchers can monitor live vehicle location on a map and track drivers’ work completion.
Mobile App
To find available vehicles already in their areas as well as book, pay for electronically and cancel rides,provides riders with the ability. The consumer App works on iOS, and Android, and brings to the rider multi-modal transportation options including on-demand rides, bus rides, commuter rail, and subway. In order to better analyze the complex inter-dependence of integrated transportation systems,the underlying technology cross references data .
In a nutshell
On-demand transit services with a ‘right software’ can efficiently:
Utilize Existing Routes: Within existing routes, extracts available capacity to offer lower-cost seats to general public enabling the agency to offer more rides to more people.
Manage Schedules: software can easily manage routes, rider and driver schedules reducing vehicle downtime and increasing available rider capacity.
Increase Availability: Increases the availability of affordable rides to wellness, which will improve overall health at a community level and reduce healthcare costs as well as reducing the overall carbon footprint as a smaller number of vehicles will be on the road.
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prarthnahbss · 2 years
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What is MicroTransit software and how can it automatically schedule rides
Microtransit is "flexible transit,” conceptually positioned between private individual transportation (such as personal vehicles, taxicabs, or TNCs) and public mass transit (bus). Transit agencies nowadays are providing customers with more flexible on-demand trips with microtransit services.
MicroTransit is gaining popularity for transit agencies
It’s because of the advantages microtransit provides for both transit agencies and riders:
Cost-effective: An Alternative to fixed route service on low-performing routes or during off-peak hours
Increase service coverage: Allows agencies to reach areas that their fixed route buses may not accommodate, without having to dedicate regular service
Flexible service: Accommodates riders whose schedules may not fit into fixed route service timings (shift workers/those who work during off-peak hours)
Equitable & Economical: Provide inclusive service and maximize use of resources by facilitating paratransit and conventional riders travelling together in the same vehicles
Efficient: Pick up and drop off riders at common locations and stops, reducing travel time
Why do you need a software for scheduling and dispatching?
Every state, region, and transportation provider has its own unique challenges, but when it comes to transportation, there are a few common macro-level issues: Some rail and bus infrastructure is perpetually overloaded or underutilized, while other neighbourhoods lack transit or have very limited service. Meanwhile, traffic congestion and vehicle emissions continue to grow, and a personal vehicle is an expensive necessity in all but a few places, rather than a choice. In an effort to solve these challenges, transportation planners and transit agencies are partnering with mobility technology companies and microtransit developers to help eliminate transit gaps. They provide software solutions, popularly known as "Software as a Service" (SaaS), to mitigate the agency’s existing challenges as well as to increase their future efficiency. One of the best examples is QRyde Automated Scheduling and Dispatching Software by HBSS, which has been serving the transportation industry for more than two decades. QRyde enables independent transportation companies and government transit systems to optimize current operations, explore new markets, and compete with newer app technologies and business models.
QRyde helps microtransit providers fill the gaps in transit and provide a mobility lifeline. Over half of non-driving, older adults don’t leave their home most days. This problem could be greatly reduced with available microtransit. Riders need an easy way To book trips – easy to use, on-demand scheduling and flexible routes and same can be taken care by QRyde. It is also a cost-effective solution as Microtransit can help add more fixed routes by offering services on an as-needed basis.
Basic features for Microtransit that QRyde provides
Global Scheduling Engine: A powerful, real-time transactional engine that locates best possible routes to place a ride and respond instantly with options to the consumer.  It takes into consideration timings, location, heading, accessibility capabilities as well as current capacity.
APP Integrated Real-Time Dispatch: Enables communities to book and monitor the progress of their members' rides. Dispatchers can monitor vehicle locations on a map and track drivers’ work completion, live.
Mobile APP: Provides riders with the ability to find available vehicles already in their areas as well as book, pay for, and cancel rides electronically, if need be.
Many other customized features according to the agency’s needs.
How transit agencies get benefited using those features?
Utilize Existing Routes: Extract available capacity within existing routes to offer lower-cost seats to the general public, enabling the agency to offer more rides to more people.
Efficiently Manage Schedules: Utilize QRyde to efficiently manage routes, rider, and driver schedules, reducing vehicle downtime and increasing available rider capacity.
Mobile App: Our consumer app works on iOS and Android and brings to the rider multi-modal transportation options, including on-demand rides, bus rides, commuter rail, and the subway. The underlying technology cross-references data in order to better analyze the complex interdependence of integrated transportation systems.
Increase Availability: This increases the availability of affordable rides to wellness, which will improve overall health at a community level and reduce healthcare costs, as well as reduce the overall carbon footprint as a smaller number of vehicles will be on the road.
The Takeaway
The next few years might just be the golden era for public transportation. To get there, we must rely on the expertise of transportation professionals who understand their community intimately and support their ability to design mobility services flexibly and nimbly.
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qryde · 3 years
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Flexible Transport Services Improve Transit Service Quality in Rural Areas
Coweta County is one of the top 50 fastest-growing counties in the United States. This rapid growth is placing demands on both the current – and future – transportation networks that will move people, goods, and services throughout the county safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Coweta Transit agency is one of those dedicated service providers who are actively working on Microtransit services. Rural demand response provides service throughout the service area of Coweta County.
The county provides a Dial-a-ride program to areas like business, commercial and activity centers in Coweta County. It is generally implemented as an on-demand, door-to-door, or curb-to-curb transportation service.
The county officials mentioned that “people who are eligible under ADA act can book these services”. The county is presently running its services with 9 vehicles covering almost every possible land use in the area.
Officials from the agency have informed that the operation of the program is handled by Transitions Commute Solutions, a third-party contractor already operating in Coweta County. The program is designed and available for anyone who needs transportation within Coweta County.
According to the reports released by the county in 2019, Coweta County Transit scheduled 4,912 trips during April 2019. Approximately 74% of those scheduled trips were ultimately provided while 23.2% of trips were canceled by riders in advance.
The Funding for these trips is coming from different authorities over the state. The largest share of demand response trips provided during the trial period was funded by the ‘Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ category (44.9%). Other major funding categories were ‘Aging’ and ‘Public Transportation’, which funded 30% and 21% of trips during the sample period, respectively.
Coweta county mentioned that, according to the guidelines provided by the Georgia Department of transportation, we are teamed up with HBSS to manage and streamline our operations. At present, all our vehicles are equipped with the QRyde software which is provided by HBSS.
QRyde reduces the high cost of technology barrier for communities, agencies, and its cost-per-ride pricing model beats, by a large margin, the hundreds of thousands of dollars that are needed for the optimization of transportation systems.
Coweta County is excited to embark on this update to their people and establish a future vision that accurately reflects the desires to constantly improve their services.
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qryde01 · 4 years
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MART has partnered with QRyde to offer rides to citizens in Fitchburg for groceries, pharmacy or for essential services thru its MicroTransit Pilot Project. Rides can be booked on-demand or in-advance with the QRyde Rider app, on the web, or by calling the QRyde Dispatch at 888-318-9043. During these critical times rides will be performed for free like all MART services.
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transportaionsoftware · 2 months
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How do microtransit systems handle route deviations and changes?
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Microtransit systems have become an essential component of modern public transportation, offering flexibility and efficiency that traditional fixed-route systems often lack. As urban areas continue to grow and mobility demands increase, microtransit systems must be adaptable, especially when handling route deviations and changes. In this article, we will explore how microtransit systems manage these challenges, focusing on the role of paratransit software, micro-transit software, and paratransit scheduling software. We will also highlight how QRyde, a leading brand in the transportation technology sector, facilitates seamless operations for public transportation and NEMT fleets.
The Importance of Flexibility in Microtransit Systems
Microtransit systems are designed to provide on-demand transportation services that can adapt to the real-time needs of passengers. This flexibility is crucial in urban and suburban environments where traffic conditions, passenger demand, and other variables can change rapidly. Unlike fixed-route services, which follow predetermined paths and schedules, microtransit systems can modify routes on the fly to optimize service efficiency and passenger convenience.
Utilizing Paratransit Software for Dynamic Route Management
Paratransit software is a cornerstone of modern microtransit systems. It enables operators to manage route deviations and changes with ease. This software uses advanced algorithms to analyze real-time data, such as traffic conditions and passenger requests, to adjust routes dynamically. By integrating paratransit software, microtransit providers can ensure that vehicles are always taking the most efficient paths, reducing travel time and improving service reliability.
QRyde’s paratransit software, for example, offers robust features that allow operators to handle route deviations seamlessly. The software’s intuitive interface and powerful analytics tools make it easy for dispatchers to reroute vehicles in response to unforeseen events, such as road closures or traffic jams. This capability is particularly valuable for NEMT fleets, which often need to navigate complex urban environments to transport patients to medical appointments on time.
The Role of Micro-Transit Software in Handling Route Changes
Microtransit software plays a critical role in managing route changes and deviations. This software integrates real-time data from various sources, including GPS tracking, traffic management systems, and passenger apps, to provide a comprehensive view of the transportation network. By leveraging this data, micro-transit software can automatically suggest alternative routes and make adjustments as needed.
For instance, QRyde’s micro-transit software is designed to support dynamic route planning and real-time updates. The software can quickly process new information and provide drivers with updated routes via their mobile devices. This ensures that microtransit services remain efficient and responsive, even when conditions change unexpectedly. Additionally, the software’s ability to handle multiple variables simultaneously allows it to optimize routes for both individual and shared rides, maximizing vehicle utilization and reducing operational costs.
Paratransit Scheduling Software: Ensuring Smooth Operations
Paratransit scheduling software is another essential tool for managing route deviations and changes in microtransit systems. This software allows operators to schedule rides in a way that accommodates both regular and ad-hoc requests. It also provides the flexibility to adjust schedules on the go, ensuring that all passengers are served efficiently.
QRyde’s paratransit scheduling software offers advanced scheduling capabilities that can handle complex transportation needs. The software’s automated scheduling engine can quickly reassign rides and adjust routes based on real-time data, minimizing disruptions and ensuring timely service. This is particularly important for NEMT fleets, where timely transportation is critical for patients’ health and well-being. By using QRyde’s scheduling software, operators can ensure that their services remain reliable, even when faced with unexpected changes.
Integration with Public Transportation Systems
One of the key advantages of modern microtransit systems is their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing public transportation software networks. This integration allows microtransit services to complement traditional fixed-route services, providing a more comprehensive and flexible transportation solution.
QRyde’s software solutions are designed to integrate with public transportation systems, enhancing overall mobility in urban areas. By sharing data and coordinating routes, QRyde’s software helps create a cohesive transportation network that can adapt to changing conditions. For example, if a bus route is temporarily closed, QRyde’s microtransit software can reroute vehicles to cover the affected area, ensuring that passengers still have access to reliable transportation.
Supporting NEMT Fleets with Advanced Technology
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) fleets face unique challenges, as they must provide timely and reliable transportation for patients with specific medical needs. Managing route deviations and changes is particularly critical in this context, as delays can have serious consequences for patients’ health.
QRyde’s comprehensive suite of transportation software is tailored to support NEMT fleets. The software’s real-time tracking and dynamic routing capabilities ensure that vehicles can navigate the most efficient paths, even when conditions change unexpectedly. Additionally, QRyde’s software includes features specifically designed to meet the regulatory requirements of the healthcare industry, such as HIPAA compliance and secure data management.
Collecting and Analyzing Data for Continuous Improvement
Data collection and analysis are crucial for improving the performance of microtransit systems. By gathering data on ridership, traffic patterns, and route efficiency, operators can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
QRyde’s software solutions provide comprehensive data analytics tools that help operators monitor and evaluate their services. The software collects data from various sources and presents it in easy-to-understand dashboards and reports. This information can be used to optimize routes, improve scheduling, and enhance overall service quality. By continuously analyzing data, QRyde helps transportation providers adapt to changing conditions and meet the evolving needs of their passengers.
Conclusion
Handling route deviations and changes is a fundamental aspect of operating a successful microtransit system. By leveraging advanced technologies such as paratransit software, micro-transit software, and paratransit scheduling software, operators can ensure that their services remain flexible, efficient, and reliable. QRyde innovative solutions provide the tools needed to manage these challenges, supporting public transportation and NEMT fleets in delivering high-quality transportation services. As urban areas continue to grow and mobility demands evolve, the ability to adapt to changing conditions will remain a critical factor in the success of microtransit systems.
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learnwithlavesh · 8 months
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How paratransit routing software is Helping 200+ Transit Agencies
United States, 19th Jan 2024
QRyde, a leading provider of paratransit routing software and microtransit software solutions, announced today its commitment to revolutionizing transportation accessibility for everyone. Their cutting-edge technology, including the Global Scheduling Engine (GSE) and Dispatch 360, empowers both independent transportation companies and government transit systems to create a more inclusive and efficient mobility landscape.
Beyond Static Schedules: Dynamic Journeys for All
Traditional paratransit and public transportation systems often struggle to cater to individual needs and changing circumstances. QRyde's paratransit scheduling breaks through these limitations, replacing rigid schedules with real-time routing algorithms that take into account
This dynamic approach creates customized journeys that minimize wait times, maximize efficiency, and empower individuals with greater control over transit scheduling software.
From Paratransit to Microtransit: Building Bridges Across Communities
QRyde's impact extends far beyond traditional paratransit. Their software powers the burgeoning world of microtransit, offering on-demand, shared transportation solutions for everyone. Whether it's connecting commuters to train stations, offering first-mile/last-mile solutions in public transit scheduling software deserts, or providing flexible options in rural communities, QRyde's technology is bridging critical gaps in accessibility.
Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives
QRyde's solutions deliver tangible benefits for both riders and service providers:
Streamlined operations: Optimized routes, reduced costs, and improved communication.
Enhanced inclusivity: Accessible booking tools, flexible routes, and real-time updates cater to diverse needs.
Data-driven decisions: Real-time data insights for strategic planning and transportation scheduling software.
Paving the Path to Success
QRyde's partnerships with organizations like the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston demonstrate the transformative power of their software. By implementing QRyde's solutions, these communities have achieved technology driven approaches to reduce the cost of transportation to transportation scheduling software
A Vision for the Future: Join the Journey
QRyde is committed to building a future where everyone has the freedom to navigate their world with confidence and ease. They invite transportation providers and communities alike to join the journey and embrace the transformative potential of their innovative solutions.
QRyde by HBSS has developed and provided software solutions for diverse transportation organizations since 1997.
Currently, we're partnering with 200+ agencies, across 900 sites, in over 25 states, to reduce operational costs, increase ridership, streamline route planning Efficiently manage finances, and provide technology advancement as the industry grows.
For more information on Qryde please visit at https://qryde.com . or contact at 978-379-0010.
Contact
Lavesh
Digital Marketing Executive 
Qryde by Hbss 
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smartwebhostingblog · 6 years
Text
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
New Post has been published on http://dubrovnikoutthere.com/ford-shuts-down-its-chariot-shuttle-service/
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Chariot has crashed. On Thursday, five years after launching and two and half years after being acquired by Ford for a reported $65 million, the app-based shuttle service announced it is rolling to a permanent stop. Transportation technology companies have never been sexier than in the past decade, but this stumble is a potent reminder that creating a profitable transportation business can be far harder than it seems.
When Chariot launched in 2014, it joined a wave of Uber-inspired “microtransit” tech companies hoping to disrupt transportation services by providing faster, more efficient options for riders sick of—and underserved by—traditional public transit.
Less than half a decade on, most have gone the way of the Hawaiian tree snail. San Francisco-based, elitist-wooing Leap Transit closed up shop just three months after its March 2015 launch, amid a regulatory fight with California. Bridj, which promised on-demand shuttle services, ceased American operations in early 2017. Shared rides company Via still operates in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, but has diversified—it also runs a software business. Meanwhile, Uber itself continues to burn through millions and millions in funding every year, even as it preps for an IPO in 2019.
Chariot struggled with ridership, spokesperson Erin Simpson says. Its 14-seat commuter shuttle services, which run limited, public routes in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in London, will shut down February 1. Chariot’s newer initiative, running vans for specific companies, will end in March. Some of its 625 employees could be offered positions within Ford.
Turns out transporting people really is very hard. In dense cities, it’s competitive: Riders might choose to use public transit, ride-hail, or even the bike- and scooter-share networks that now blanket so many city sidewalks. In less dense places, the transportation business is pricey: Dispatching vehicles to retrieve far-flung passengers takes time and plenty of fuel. And transportation firms generally must contend with regulators, another oft-expensive hurdle. In October 2017, California briefly shut down Chariot’s operations in the state after discovering some drivers did not have proper licenses.
Chariot, which in San Francisco was charging $3.80 for off-peak rides and $5 during rush hour, always had a difficult road ahead. In fact, it hadn’t expanded its public commuter transit options in at least a year. “The microtransit companies would never say this, but you could see from their actions that a market for a public transit service paid for through fares was, at best, very limited,” says Bruce Schaller, a former New York City transportation official who now runs a transportation consultancy.
Furthermore, Chariot could only fit so many fare-paying riders into its vans. It owns those vehicles, and its drivers are unionized. “Running a van cheaper than a bus, per passenger, is a daunting idea,” adds Schaller.
As Chariot put it in a blog post announcing its death: “In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly. As those changes continue, it has become clear that the mobility services delivered by Chariot over the past five years will not be a sustainable solution going forward.”
In recent months, the Ford subsidiary had tried to adjust its business to fit customers’ needs. Though it continued to run its San Francisco-based commuter network, open to any member of the public, it had focused its business on enterprise solutions, signing contracts with private businesses that wanted to give its employees other options for getting to or from work. As recently as December, Chariot CEO Dan Grossman told WIRED that the company was focusing on solving first mile/last mile problems—helping companies connect their offices to major commuter train or bus lines. Grossman also said the company had thought about growing the size of some vans, perhaps up to 28 seats. “We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” he noted then.
Ford spokesperson Karen Hampton says lessons learned from Chariot’s run will inform the automaker’s larger mobility business. That includes “routing, dispatch, customer interfaces” at Ford Commercial Solutions, its fleet telematics and data arm; GoRide, its nonemergency medical transportation division; Ford Pass, its mobile application for vehicle owners; and “even the self-driving businesses we are building,” according to Hampton. The company has said that it will have a fully automated vehicle in commercial service by 2021.
While Chariot’s demise proves the transit business is a tricky one, tech-enabled shuttle services aren’t dead. Public transit agencies—including Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation—are still experimenting with on-demand options, which riders beckon with a call or tap of an app. Agencies hope these sorts of services might help them cut down the costs of providing public transit in areas with little demand. Flexible van services and jitneys continue to operate in US cities too, including New York City’s robust, decades-old dollar van system.
Ford, meanwhile, already has its hands in the latest transit hotness. In November, it acquired startup Spin. The Detroit stalwart has joined the scooter game.
More Great WIRED Stories
0 notes
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
New Post has been published on http://dubrovnikoutthere.com/ford-shuts-down-its-chariot-shuttle-service/
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Chariot has crashed. On Thursday, five years after launching and two and half years after being acquired by Ford for a reported $65 million, the app-based shuttle service announced it is rolling to a permanent stop. Transportation technology companies have never been sexier than in the past decade, but this stumble is a potent reminder that creating a profitable transportation business can be far harder than it seems.
When Chariot launched in 2014, it joined a wave of Uber-inspired “microtransit” tech companies hoping to disrupt transportation services by providing faster, more efficient options for riders sick of—and underserved by—traditional public transit.
Less than half a decade on, most have gone the way of the Hawaiian tree snail. San Francisco-based, elitist-wooing Leap Transit closed up shop just three months after its March 2015 launch, amid a regulatory fight with California. Bridj, which promised on-demand shuttle services, ceased American operations in early 2017. Shared rides company Via still operates in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, but has diversified—it also runs a software business. Meanwhile, Uber itself continues to burn through millions and millions in funding every year, even as it preps for an IPO in 2019.
Chariot struggled with ridership, spokesperson Erin Simpson says. Its 14-seat commuter shuttle services, which run limited, public routes in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in London, will shut down February 1. Chariot’s newer initiative, running vans for specific companies, will end in March. Some of its 625 employees could be offered positions within Ford.
Turns out transporting people really is very hard. In dense cities, it’s competitive: Riders might choose to use public transit, ride-hail, or even the bike- and scooter-share networks that now blanket so many city sidewalks. In less dense places, the transportation business is pricey: Dispatching vehicles to retrieve far-flung passengers takes time and plenty of fuel. And transportation firms generally must contend with regulators, another oft-expensive hurdle. In October 2017, California briefly shut down Chariot’s operations in the state after discovering some drivers did not have proper licenses.
Chariot, which in San Francisco was charging $3.80 for off-peak rides and $5 during rush hour, always had a difficult road ahead. In fact, it hadn’t expanded its public commuter transit options in at least a year. “The microtransit companies would never say this, but you could see from their actions that a market for a public transit service paid for through fares was, at best, very limited,” says Bruce Schaller, a former New York City transportation official who now runs a transportation consultancy.
Furthermore, Chariot could only fit so many fare-paying riders into its vans. It owns those vehicles, and its drivers are unionized. “Running a van cheaper than a bus, per passenger, is a daunting idea,” adds Schaller.
As Chariot put it in a blog post announcing its death: “In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly. As those changes continue, it has become clear that the mobility services delivered by Chariot over the past five years will not be a sustainable solution going forward.”
In recent months, the Ford subsidiary had tried to adjust its business to fit customers’ needs. Though it continued to run its San Francisco-based commuter network, open to any member of the public, it had focused its business on enterprise solutions, signing contracts with private businesses that wanted to give its employees other options for getting to or from work. As recently as December, Chariot CEO Dan Grossman told WIRED that the company was focusing on solving first mile/last mile problems—helping companies connect their offices to major commuter train or bus lines. Grossman also said the company had thought about growing the size of some vans, perhaps up to 28 seats. “We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” he noted then.
Ford spokesperson Karen Hampton says lessons learned from Chariot’s run will inform the automaker’s larger mobility business. That includes “routing, dispatch, customer interfaces” at Ford Commercial Solutions, its fleet telematics and data arm; GoRide, its nonemergency medical transportation division; Ford Pass, its mobile application for vehicle owners; and “even the self-driving businesses we are building,” according to Hampton. The company has said that it will have a fully automated vehicle in commercial service by 2021.
While Chariot’s demise proves the transit business is a tricky one, tech-enabled shuttle services aren’t dead. Public transit agencies—including Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation—are still experimenting with on-demand options, which riders beckon with a call or tap of an app. Agencies hope these sorts of services might help them cut down the costs of providing public transit in areas with little demand. Flexible van services and jitneys continue to operate in US cities too, including New York City’s robust, decades-old dollar van system.
Ford, meanwhile, already has its hands in the latest transit hotness. In November, it acquired startup Spin. The Detroit stalwart has joined the scooter game.
More Great WIRED Stories
0 notes
lazilysillyprince · 6 years
Text
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
New Post has been published on http://dubrovnikoutthere.com/ford-shuts-down-its-chariot-shuttle-service/
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Chariot has crashed. On Thursday, five years after launching and two and half years after being acquired by Ford for a reported $65 million, the app-based shuttle service announced it is rolling to a permanent stop. Transportation technology companies have never been sexier than in the past decade, but this stumble is a potent reminder that creating a profitable transportation business can be far harder than it seems.
When Chariot launched in 2014, it joined a wave of Uber-inspired “microtransit” tech companies hoping to disrupt transportation services by providing faster, more efficient options for riders sick of—and underserved by—traditional public transit.
Less than half a decade on, most have gone the way of the Hawaiian tree snail. San Francisco-based, elitist-wooing Leap Transit closed up shop just three months after its March 2015 launch, amid a regulatory fight with California. Bridj, which promised on-demand shuttle services, ceased American operations in early 2017. Shared rides company Via still operates in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, but has diversified—it also runs a software business. Meanwhile, Uber itself continues to burn through millions and millions in funding every year, even as it preps for an IPO in 2019.
Chariot struggled with ridership, spokesperson Erin Simpson says. Its 14-seat commuter shuttle services, which run limited, public routes in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in London, will shut down February 1. Chariot’s newer initiative, running vans for specific companies, will end in March. Some of its 625 employees could be offered positions within Ford.
Turns out transporting people really is very hard. In dense cities, it’s competitive: Riders might choose to use public transit, ride-hail, or even the bike- and scooter-share networks that now blanket so many city sidewalks. In less dense places, the transportation business is pricey: Dispatching vehicles to retrieve far-flung passengers takes time and plenty of fuel. And transportation firms generally must contend with regulators, another oft-expensive hurdle. In October 2017, California briefly shut down Chariot’s operations in the state after discovering some drivers did not have proper licenses.
Chariot, which in San Francisco was charging $3.80 for off-peak rides and $5 during rush hour, always had a difficult road ahead. In fact, it hadn’t expanded its public commuter transit options in at least a year. “The microtransit companies would never say this, but you could see from their actions that a market for a public transit service paid for through fares was, at best, very limited,” says Bruce Schaller, a former New York City transportation official who now runs a transportation consultancy.
Furthermore, Chariot could only fit so many fare-paying riders into its vans. It owns those vehicles, and its drivers are unionized. “Running a van cheaper than a bus, per passenger, is a daunting idea,” adds Schaller.
As Chariot put it in a blog post announcing its death: “In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly. As those changes continue, it has become clear that the mobility services delivered by Chariot over the past five years will not be a sustainable solution going forward.”
In recent months, the Ford subsidiary had tried to adjust its business to fit customers’ needs. Though it continued to run its San Francisco-based commuter network, open to any member of the public, it had focused its business on enterprise solutions, signing contracts with private businesses that wanted to give its employees other options for getting to or from work. As recently as December, Chariot CEO Dan Grossman told WIRED that the company was focusing on solving first mile/last mile problems—helping companies connect their offices to major commuter train or bus lines. Grossman also said the company had thought about growing the size of some vans, perhaps up to 28 seats. “We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” he noted then.
Ford spokesperson Karen Hampton says lessons learned from Chariot’s run will inform the automaker’s larger mobility business. That includes “routing, dispatch, customer interfaces” at Ford Commercial Solutions, its fleet telematics and data arm; GoRide, its nonemergency medical transportation division; Ford Pass, its mobile application for vehicle owners; and “even the self-driving businesses we are building,” according to Hampton. The company has said that it will have a fully automated vehicle in commercial service by 2021.
While Chariot’s demise proves the transit business is a tricky one, tech-enabled shuttle services aren’t dead. Public transit agencies—including Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation—are still experimenting with on-demand options, which riders beckon with a call or tap of an app. Agencies hope these sorts of services might help them cut down the costs of providing public transit in areas with little demand. Flexible van services and jitneys continue to operate in US cities too, including New York City’s robust, decades-old dollar van system.
Ford, meanwhile, already has its hands in the latest transit hotness. In November, it acquired startup Spin. The Detroit stalwart has joined the scooter game.
More Great WIRED Stories
0 notes
qryde · 3 years
Text
BRINGING EQUALITY IN TRANSIT THROUGH INNOVATIVE PARATRANSIT SERVICES: CITY OF AMERICUS TRANSPORT
Over the past few years, private taxis, jitneys, and other paratransit services have blossomed in cities around the world. Paratransit services are designed to bridge the gap between fixed-route transit and flexible vehicle mobility. It caters to the demands of certain markets and users by providing personalized public transit. In the United States, these services are specialized transportation services for persons with disabilities who are unable to meet all, or part of their mobility demands using fixed-route public transit.
City of Americus Transportation Department is one of such agencies which provide Microtransit facilities to the people of Americus, Georgia. The agency provides responsive services if you need a ride for shopping, work, doctor, or other group charter service.
People with disabilities need health care and health programs for the same reasons anyone else does to stay well, active, and a part of the community. Thus, the city of Americus transit strictly follows, Including the people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to have roles similar to their peers who do not have a disability which brings equality in the society.
This company currently has approximately 100 to 250 employees and carries out its services in Americus and Sumter County. In the year 2019, the City of Americus transit has performed about 16,260 unlinked trips in the county. It covered around 2 lakh annual revenue miles and 12,000 Annual vehicle revenue Hours.
City of Americus transport has 5 vehicles in operation and is used for demand-responsive paratransit services. To improve their services in the paratransit sector, the Americus transport department has collaborated with QRyde to streamline their services.
QRyde's industry-standard software assisted them in scheduling journeys for elders to medical appointments, students to be on time at their destinations, and other critical needs.
0 notes
hostingnewsfeed · 6 years
Text
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
New Post has been published on http://dubrovnikoutthere.com/ford-shuts-down-its-chariot-shuttle-service/
Ford Shuts Down Its Chariot Shuttle Service
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Chariot has crashed. On Thursday, five years after launching and two and half years after being acquired by Ford for a reported $65 million, the app-based shuttle service announced it is rolling to a permanent stop. Transportation technology companies have never been sexier than in the past decade, but this stumble is a potent reminder that creating a profitable transportation business can be far harder than it seems.
When Chariot launched in 2014, it joined a wave of Uber-inspired “microtransit” tech companies hoping to disrupt transportation services by providing faster, more efficient options for riders sick of—and underserved by—traditional public transit.
Less than half a decade on, most have gone the way of the Hawaiian tree snail. San Francisco-based, elitist-wooing Leap Transit closed up shop just three months after its March 2015 launch, amid a regulatory fight with California. Bridj, which promised on-demand shuttle services, ceased American operations in early 2017. Shared rides company Via still operates in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, but has diversified—it also runs a software business. Meanwhile, Uber itself continues to burn through millions and millions in funding every year, even as it preps for an IPO in 2019.
Chariot struggled with ridership, spokesperson Erin Simpson says. Its 14-seat commuter shuttle services, which run limited, public routes in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in London, will shut down February 1. Chariot’s newer initiative, running vans for specific companies, will end in March. Some of its 625 employees could be offered positions within Ford.
Turns out transporting people really is very hard. In dense cities, it’s competitive: Riders might choose to use public transit, ride-hail, or even the bike- and scooter-share networks that now blanket so many city sidewalks. In less dense places, the transportation business is pricey: Dispatching vehicles to retrieve far-flung passengers takes time and plenty of fuel. And transportation firms generally must contend with regulators, another oft-expensive hurdle. In October 2017, California briefly shut down Chariot’s operations in the state after discovering some drivers did not have proper licenses.
Chariot, which in San Francisco was charging $3.80 for off-peak rides and $5 during rush hour, always had a difficult road ahead. In fact, it hadn’t expanded its public commuter transit options in at least a year. “The microtransit companies would never say this, but you could see from their actions that a market for a public transit service paid for through fares was, at best, very limited,” says Bruce Schaller, a former New York City transportation official who now runs a transportation consultancy.
Furthermore, Chariot could only fit so many fare-paying riders into its vans. It owns those vehicles, and its drivers are unionized. “Running a van cheaper than a bus, per passenger, is a daunting idea,” adds Schaller.
As Chariot put it in a blog post announcing its death: “In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly. As those changes continue, it has become clear that the mobility services delivered by Chariot over the past five years will not be a sustainable solution going forward.”
In recent months, the Ford subsidiary had tried to adjust its business to fit customers’ needs. Though it continued to run its San Francisco-based commuter network, open to any member of the public, it had focused its business on enterprise solutions, signing contracts with private businesses that wanted to give its employees other options for getting to or from work. As recently as December, Chariot CEO Dan Grossman told WIRED that the company was focusing on solving first mile/last mile problems—helping companies connect their offices to major commuter train or bus lines. Grossman also said the company had thought about growing the size of some vans, perhaps up to 28 seats. “We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” he noted then.
Ford spokesperson Karen Hampton says lessons learned from Chariot’s run will inform the automaker’s larger mobility business. That includes “routing, dispatch, customer interfaces” at Ford Commercial Solutions, its fleet telematics and data arm; GoRide, its nonemergency medical transportation division; Ford Pass, its mobile application for vehicle owners; and “even the self-driving businesses we are building,” according to Hampton. The company has said that it will have a fully automated vehicle in commercial service by 2021.
While Chariot’s demise proves the transit business is a tricky one, tech-enabled shuttle services aren’t dead. Public transit agencies—including Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation—are still experimenting with on-demand options, which riders beckon with a call or tap of an app. Agencies hope these sorts of services might help them cut down the costs of providing public transit in areas with little demand. Flexible van services and jitneys continue to operate in US cities too, including New York City’s robust, decades-old dollar van system.
Ford, meanwhile, already has its hands in the latest transit hotness. In November, it acquired startup Spin. The Detroit stalwart has joined the scooter game.
More Great WIRED Stories
0 notes
scrappycoco8000 · 5 years
Link
In a widely anticipated move, Ford and Volkswagen announced Friday their plan to expand their seven-month-old alliance to include autonomous and electric vehicles. As part of the deal, VW will invest a whopping $2.6 billion in Argo AI, the autonomous vehicle startup based in Pittsburgh that practically no one had heard of until Ford’s own eye-popping $1 billion investment in 2017. VW will invest $1 billion in cash, as well as $1.6 billion in assets that include the auto giant’s Munich-based Autonomous Intelligent Driving team, which will be absorbed by Argo. After the deal goes through, Argo’s post-money valuation will be over $7 billion. In January, the two auto industry powerhouses announced they would join forces to build pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, but today’s announcement is a much riskier step: it broadens that partnership to include two technologies â€" autonomy and electrification â€" that are seen as having the potential to transform the way people get around, but also has proven to be incredibly expensive and difficult to get right. The deal also gives Argo a global reach. The company, which was founded by former Uber engineers with ties to Carnegie Melon University’s famed robotics lab, has been testing its cars with Ford’s backing in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Miami, and Washington, DC. Now it can also deploy its vehicles on European roads under VW’s guidance. In addition, Ford will gain access to VW’s electric-vehicle MEB platform, or “Modulare E-Antriebs-Baukasten” â€" German for “modular electric drive matrix.” The company is betting big on its MEB platform, which will serve as the basis for the 15 million electric cars it hopes to eventually sell. Ford says it will use the platform to design and build at least one high-volume fully electric vehicle in Europe starting in 2023. The automaker aims to deliver more than 600,000 European vehicles using the MEB architecture over six years, with a second all-new Ford model for European customers under discussion. The move would help Ford comply with European government mandates that push electrified vehicles and strict emissions standards. Ford and VW have been in talks for months about how to share the enormous costs associated with electric and self-driving vehicles. Car companies big and small are racing to build on Tesla’s success in electric vehicles by mass-producing battery-powered SUVs and sedans. In tandem, many of the same companies are also testing cars that drive themselves, either as taxis to ferry passengers around cities or as delivery robots carrying groceries and other goods. But EVs still represent a small fraction of the total vehicles sold globally. And many of the rosy predictions about a mass driverless cars hitting the road have failed to come to pass. To be sure, this isn’t a complete marriage between Ford and VW. The two automakers would have separate autonomous-vehicle businesses under the deal and unique go-to-market strategies, but both would use Argo’s software. Although they would share Argo’s technology and likely VW’s EV architecture, Ford and VW don’t plan to share revenue. By sharing technology and data, as well as the costs, Ford and VW hope to speed up the deployment of electric and self-driving cars onto public roads. The two companies are seen as having complimentary approaches to these new technologies that are changing the industry. Volkswagen has staked its future, to the tune of 80 billion euros ($91 billion), on being able to profitably mass-produce electric vehicles â€" a feat no carmaker has come close to achieving. Ford has teased its first serious EV, which is supposed to be on the road in 2020 as part of a more modest rollout. The company has said it plans to spend $11.5 billion on electric car development and production over the next few years. Meanwhile, Ford is trying to make a name for itself in the “mobility” space, investing in ride-sharing, bike-sharing, and even scooter-sharing programs. The auto giant acquired electric scooter startup Spin for a reported $100 million last year. It has also see some of its investments go belly-up, like its microtransit service Chariot which shuttered earlier this year. Still, today’s announcement is a significant step for both companies, but mostly for Argo. VW looked at a number of other AV startups, even partnering with some, before deciding to back the Pittsburgh company. https://adstoppipro.com/blog/ford-vw-alliance-expands-to-include-autonomous-and-electric-vehicles More blog here Via Adstoppi Blog : Blog Read more : Adstoppi
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