Technology keeps Access vans on track
Access van drivers now have enhanced trip information -- including maps -- at their fingertips.
Getting passengers from Point A to Point B, now also involves M-D-T for King County Metro Transit’s Access paratransit program that provides transportation service for persons with disabilities and the frail elderly.
Last month, Access operations completed the installation of Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) in all 280 vehicles in its fleet. The new technology improves Metro's Access service, plus provides significant operational efficiencies to save money.
The MDTs supply wireless, real-time data communication between the fleet and the dispatch center. Drivers receive up-to-the minute information about scheduled trips, their passengers, and even detailed maps – all displayed on a computer screen right at their fingertips.
But, it's also a two-way communication system. Drivers can input information on their MDT screen to update the dispatch center from the road. An on-board automated vehicle locator uses GPS technology to transmit the exact location of each van back to the dispatchers. And, even mechanical diagnostic information can be transmitted directly back to maintenance workers in another location. Overall, more than 140,000 pieces of information are generated by the system daily.
“This system is easy to use, and provides us with a wealth of information to operate a paratransit system at peak efficiency,” said Park Woodworth, Metro's manager of Paratransit and Rideshare Operations. “The everyday operational matters are automated, allowing our staff to focus on unexpected events before they become problems.”
A few years ago, new interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) caused Access to re-evaluate its service. It was determined that 100 percent of all trip requests had to be provided to eligible riders. That goal was achieved in 2003, but more trips created delays in the schedule. The MDTs are already improving the schedule reliability, resulting in better service for Access customers.
Drivers and dispatchers receive minute-by-minute information on vehicle location and estimated arrival information. If there is a traffic jam or one passenger is delayed, the trip information can be updated immediately. If the van is going to be significantly delayed, another driver can be dispatched to pick up other passengers on time.
Access ridership for February 2004 exceeded numbers for the same month in 2003 by 6.5 percent, and that was 2.2 percent greater than anticipated. Overall, the program hit the one-million ride mark in 2003. Ridership has been rising steadily since King County began the policy of zero denials for all trip requests. This, coupled with the addition of 350 to 400 newly registered users a month, will continue to put upward pressure on ridership. The installation of the MDTs allows Metro to respond to that pressure with grace and efficiency.
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