Implementing a new software platform is simpler when you have the right partner and solution. They provide detailed assistance with setup and training, building your confidence and expertise.
When selecting transit scheduling software, it’s crucial to plan carefully. Effective training and onboarding methods are vital for ensuring your staff transitions smoothly. Everyone needs time to learn how the solution works and how it will impact your operations.
If a provider limits their training to online videos, they might not meet your needs. Videos can be informative but aren’t enough on their own. Look for providers that combine online instruction with in-person sessions to keep training flexible yet thorough. Continuous training is also important, especially as your team changes, to ensure everyone remains informed and aligned.
Quality Customer Service
Your system should work correctly to avoid any disruptions for riders, but customer service goes a long way when hiccups do occur. Choose a scheduling software provider with a proven track record of quality implementation support so you can avoid or reduce impacts on daily service.
Attention to Your Details
Your software provider needs to thoroughly understand your operating environment and current practices to set up your system properly. If a potential vendor isn’t willing to observe your operation and talk with your team face to face, they may not be an ideal long-term partner.
Communication Support
When you implement new software, it may mean making changes to rider communication. Such changes can make communication with riders easier, but they may need a little time to get acclimated. Select a paratransit scheduling software provider that will help riders adjust to new processes while minimizing disruption. Seek out a track record of success from a vendor who has helped other agencies make similar transitions and can also help communicate its value to the public.
Ecolane Makes On-Boarding Easy
In 2023, our team implemented our software for 28 new customers in 16 states, adding 1,163 vehicles in total. Our team's 90 years of combined transit experience helped make each implementation successful. On average, these agencies experienced a 29% increase in riders per hour. All thanks to our seamless integration process that uses these milestones to ensure that you are up and running as soon as possible.
Milestone 1: Project Planning
Milestone 2: Data Collection, Analysis, and Design
Milestone 3: Operational Review, Reporting, Scheduling, and Dispatch Functions
Stage 1: Basic Data Collection
Stage 2: Collection of Scheduling Data
Stage 3: Subscription and Group Trip Review
Milestone 4: Testing and Authorizations for Go-Live
Milestone 5: Training
Milestone 6: Go-Live
Milestone 7: Support and Handover
Our Successes Speak for Themselves
Detroit DOT in Detroit, MI increased their rides per hour from 1.4 to 2.45 after switching to Ecolane from another software provider and had a 92% decrease in customer complaints and a 23% increase in on-time performance.
Akron Metro in Akron, OH surpassed their target RPH with 2.28 rides per hour and reduced cab trips by 200 per day. The agency covered their scheduling software costs in less than one year with the savings resulting from their productivity increase.
Rabbit Transit in York, PA saved over $1 million in operational expenses with 2.5 rides per hour and the ability to grow from a 2-county agency to a 10-county urban and rural agency. Their main dispatch in York County dispatches trips to all other counties and providers.
Smooth Transit Software Change Management
Change can be challenging in any work environment as employees often settle into their routines. Supporting the team's learning process is essential when introducing a new scheduling solution. Various training methods should be used to accommodate different learning styles among agency staff, helping them adapt to the new software efficiently. Continue with on-the-job support until they get the hang of the new routine.
Learn more about how Ecolane can enhance your operations by requesting a demo of our paratransit software.
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