“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible” – Tony Robbins
Successful people set goals – it’s how they stay focused and avoid distractions. I hate resolutions; mine are out the window by the end of the 1st week of January! Goals are a different story, they can be set at any time but it’s the New Year and there’s no better time than the present, but I will NOT call them resolutions!
Goal setting isn’t typically done in 5 minutes. Take a few days to reflect on the things that make you truly happy, write them down and prioritize them. Start with the goal that is easiest to attain – success breeds success.
Everyone’s heard about SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timed. Be sure that you set not only professional but personal goals as well – it’s remarkable how the two intertwine.
Not every agency can be the APTA or CTAA Agency of the year but those that have been selected, had a goal and it motivated them to do their very best. Your goal doesn’t have to be a System of the Year type of goal but what ever it is, make sure it’s impactful and that you hold yourself accountable for your actions.
Check out 3 ways to start the year right by incorporating goals into your transit software improvement (regardless who your provider is):
1. Remaster Subscription Trips
It's important to remaster subscription trips once every six months at least. This allows you to take out customers who no longer use the service or trips. The upside is a clean and up-to-date database.
2. Review Driver Performance
Ongoing driver performance reviews are essential in providing excellent service to your riders. Review each individuals record based on GPS, arrival, departure and OTP to optimize and train for improvements.
3. Check for Suspicious Data
Review any suspicious data on a daily basis and you'll stay on top of all KPI's. Investing shorter amounts of time day-to-day builds on the foundation of best practices and prevents the handling of a more substantial data backlog in the future.
Interested in learning more? See first-hand how you can create a more efficient and effective transit operation using the most advanced scheduling and dispatching system on the market. Reach out now for a risk-free trial.
About the Author:
Susan’s role encompasses all aspects of the pre-sales and post sales activities on behalf of Ecolane prospects and customers. This includes comprehensive account management beyond the initial implementation. Susan’s 18-year career in transportation has included business development and operations for transportation operators. Prior to joining Ecolane, Susan served as a Program Director for Coles County Council on Aging. Susan helped the agency grow through business development, meaningful marketing strategy and her grant writing skills. Her commitment to public transportation especially in the rural areas has been key to her success.
About the Author
Susan Starwalt
Susan Starwalt has been a Regional Sales Director for Ecolane since 2015. For 17 years, Susan served as Director for Illinois-based CCCoA’s transportation program and she joined Ecolane with a variety of experience in transit management and operations. Susan currently resides in Indiana with her husband, two children and two Miniature Schnauzers.