data will continue to be key in adapting service to ensure inclusivity and accessibility . Agencies are ensuring they provide a connected network of public transportation and not isolated services . Data also helps identify “ unbanked ” communities to place ticketing machines accordingly and ensure everyone and anyone has access to job , education and entertainment by riding public transportation . All of these require updated technology . At Trapeze , we quickly recognized the key role that technology played when COVID-19 hit and throughout the pandemic . It was thanks to our technology that all our customers were able to adapt quickly and frequently . New routes , new processes , and new rules were easily incorporated to the system to ensure compliance and safety .
Given the budget constraints and expenditures incurred by transit agencies during COVID , what tips can you offer for accessible technology procurement in a post-COVID environment ? Realpozo : The additional federal dollars coming in to assist should help agencies upgrade technology to ensure a low touch / high tech solution offering , which is required now post-pandemic . Trapeze offers a full suite of products used by the majority of paratransit systems in North America to assist agencies meeting the future needs of their passengers . Technology provides great value to agencies ; the investment made today will pay off in the short and long term .
Ott : Transit was fortunate thanks to the investments of government stimulus throughout COVID . Of course , that is not going to be around forever , but it did allow the agencies to upgrade and invest during the pandemic . Transit agencies operate on pretty tight margins . When it comes to self-securement technology , the most cost-effective option for agencies is to acquire during the bus building process – so it is not coming out of operating dollars . The bid spec process can be slow , but it can a great way to obtain game-changing technology for passenger safety . Agencies are always looking for something better when it comes to specs . In some cases , they just do not even know a certain technology exists . So , we are diligent about getting information into the hands of the people writing these documents and finding champions for our technology .
What best practices do you recommend for agencies , companies , and drivers in a post-COVID transportation environment ? Trudeau : Stay current on safety operations , commit to a thorough pre-trip inspection cycle , and make use of the BraunAbility resources for operators . With the quick scan of the QR code on products , our new virtual training and troubleshooting content is now so easy to access . Our loading and unloading training procedures have not changed . We still focus on safety of the customer above all and meeting them at their comfort level .
Ott : We have a very strict set of requirements for securement in order to meet transportation safety goals . Those requirements are not going to go away or change due to the pandemic . Ensure devices are attached to wheelchairs in a proper manner , and utilize securement belts for occupants . For transit riders there are fears of contamination from securement belts that can create some challenges when securing passengers . We require that drivers recommend securement belt use to all riders , but the decision is ultimately up to them . Our technology , like QUANTUM or Q ’ POD , can help play a part in alleviating those fears . We did see an increase in the riders using the QUANTUM , versus the Q ' POD or traditional securement , during COVID . This did allow agencies to have more confidence in the product , simply because of continued use . Especially because of transit turnover , it is critical that staff have knowledge and understanding of the safety technology on board their buses .
What vehicle- or equipment-based steps can agencies take – whether in practice or with technology – to prep their operations for future crises ? Ott : The first step is having tools and protocols to keep vehicle disinfected on a regular basis . Paratransit vehicle specifiers should consider space planning when defining vehicle layouts and would push for agencies to really plan for spacing when scheduling rides , given what we know about COVID-19 and social distancing . Obviously , it is a balance , but spacing is something of which we must remain mindful . I could see some changes to floor layouts , and maybe the introduction of barriers to further protect passengers with wheelchairs . Contact tracing can be very controversial because of personal rights and privacy concerns , but I think it may become more prevalent in paratransit where you see repeat customers . Finally , I think fleet changes may occur as paratransit trips move to smaller vehicles with less passengers . People will be less inclined to ride together , and that may affect vehicle procurements moving forward . As a technology provider , it is our job to anticipate these changes and then automate as many steps of the process as possible .
Realpozo : There is a wide array of technology to empower riders and transit operations across the country and that will help agencies in their path to recovery : 1 . Enable passengers to manage trips easily and independently . While web and telephone should remain part of the mix , a mobile-first approach is the clear winner if you ’ re looking at how to spend resources to reach riders , reduce call volume and make paratransit operations more efficient . After COVID-19 riders will want to feel safe and be in the know about their journey with precise information in real-time .
2 . It is critical that your agency ’ s analytics platform is flexible , interactive , and transit-focused – that it enables you to determine if policies are having their intended effect , quickly and confidently manage performance , and identify areas for improvement .
3 . Cloud PASS allows paratransit customers more flexibility , and more control over booking and managing their trips . It helps you to reduce time spent on calls in your Control Center , and drastically increase automation to save countless hours on scheduling and dispatching . Post-pandemic services should be a better experience for your riders but also for your employees with user-friendly and intuitive software that makes the day of operations a smooth experience
4 . More than tracking basic work order information , Enterprise Asset Manegement ( EAM ) provides real-time “ actionable intelligence ” for better operational decision-making . Our EAM is designed specifically for a transit environment to help track and keep assets in a state of good repair ( rolling stock , facilities , linear , and components ). Vehicle preventive and proactive maintenance is complicated , but the EAM system you use to manage your fleet shouldn ’ t be . With EAM you ensure vehicle availability to serve your post-pandemic increased demand .
Trudeau : This timeless advice still applies – be sure you are conducting pre-trip inspections and conducting preventative maintenance on all your equipment . Many vehicles have been sitting through COVID . If your fleet has been idle for more time than is normal , it ’ s especially important that you ’ re regularly running the equipment , taking it for test drives and ensuring it ’ s ready and able to operate despite any down time . This is a critical time for the future of the commercial mobility transportation industry . BraunAbility is excited about our collaboration with Q ’ STRAINT and the potential to not only make wheelchair securement easier and faster , but also touchless and therefore safer as well . This partnership couldn ’ t have come at a better time .
24 | BUSRIDE . COM | AUG / SEPT 2021