McGrane expressed confidence that her agency's operating costs will be affordable. Mich. Unlike the PRTC and Community Transit, which tailored their services to key segments of their communities, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority in Michigan sought simply to grow. Now 23 vehicles are equipped with MDTs and AVL systems, which are programmed for paratransit or fixed-route service, depending on the need. The AVL system allows a dispatcher to track vehicles in real time. The agency installed Trapeze's multimodal scheduling software and since December has used its fully automated dispatching features.
Drivers provide feedback via their MDTs to the system, which stores the data.
We actually have knowledge of what's going on out there and can make better decisions on same-day trip scheduling. The software sends cancellations or add-ons directly to the driver's MDT, which beeps when the schedule changes. All paratransit passengers use AATA ID cards-the agency's first step toward a smart card. Today its main funding sources include a property tax from city residents and the purchase of service agreements with local townships and the city of Ypsilanti. The FCW.COM privacy policy , our link disclaimer and information about linking to us and online permissions .