WTI

Statewide Demand-Responsive Software

Primary Investigator Contact Information

David Kack
  • Western Transportation Institute
  • PO Box 174250
  • Bozeman, Montana 59717
  • 406-994-7526
  • dkack@coe.montana.edu

External Project Contact(s)

Robin Kline
  • USDOT/Research and Innovative Technologies Administration, Office of Research, Development, & Technology
  • 400 Seventh Street Southwest Room 2440
  • , Washington DC 20590-0001
  • 202-366-2372
  • robin.kline@dot.gov

Report(s)

  1. Statewide Demand Responsive Software Executive Summary
    1. David Kack
    2. 425074_Executive_Summary.pdf

Project Objective

To provide a one-year Beta test of the demand responsive client management software that was developed for GALAVAN.

Project Abstract

Many demand-responsive transit providers in Montana have inadequate software for tracking their clients and operations. Reports that could be automated are being done by hand, in some instances taking up to nearly 40 percent of a person’s day. Further, more robust software would allow more data to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the transit operations. Finally, with a current emphasis on coordination, compatibility of software becomes a concern.

Task Descriptions

  1. Software Installation and Training
    1. At each of the selected sites, the software will be installed and training for the software will be provided to the applicable staff members.
  2. Project Documentation
    1. All aspects of the project will be documented in a final report.
  3. Software Revision #1
    1. It is anticipated that a revision to the software will be performed based on the input of the test sites and their desired changes to the software.
  4. Software Evaluation
    1. The Western Transportation Institute will work with the test sites to evaluate the performance of the software and examine how the software benefited the transportation provider, its productivity and efficiency.
  5. Technical Assistance
    1. Once installation and training is provided, technical assistance in the form of a “hotline” and in-person assistance or troubleshooting will be provided as necessary.
  6. Software Revision #2
    1. Based on the test sites input, a second revision to the software may be necessary or desired.
  7. Site Selection
    1. In addition to GALAVAN, three other demand-responsive transportation providers will be selected within Montana to participate in the one-year Beta test of the software.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Start Date:6/1/2003
End Date:6/30/2004

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Transit, Demand-responsive Transportation, ITS software

Partners

Galavan and Research and Innovative Technology Administration