Why Pilots Work: Charting a Course for Transit Success
Public transit is the lifeblood of our communities, connecting people to work, education, healthcare, and beyond. Yet launching a new service is no small task. Transit agencies must balance the needs of riders, elected officials, operators, union partners, and taxpayers – all while delivering a cost-effective, equitable solution. This is where pilot programs shine.
With The Routing Company’s pilot service now in its third iteration and applications open until December 20, 2024 at theroutingcompany.com/pilot, the opportunity for transit agencies to experiment, learn, and grow has never been more exciting – or more essential.
Pilots: A Proven Path to Success
Pilots offer a unique low-risk, no-cost opportunity to test and refine on-demand transit solutions. They are invaluable for assessing feasibility, engaging stakeholders, and making data-driven decisions that ensure long-term success. Here’s how they work:
- Test Without Commitment
Pilots allow agencies to trial innovative transit solutions without the financial or operational commitment of a full deployment. For example, TRC’s Pingo platform has empowered agencies to experiment with flexible options like commingled paratransit, shuttles, and microtransit – transforming transit accessibility. - Learn and Adapt in Real-Time
Using robust analytics and insights, agencies can fine-tune operations during the pilot phase. This iterative approach ensures that the final service design meets both rider needs and operational goals. - Stakeholder Engagement and Buy-In
Pilots provide a structured forum for engaging community members, riders, operators, and local officials. Their input helps shape a service that reflects collective priorities and builds long-term support. - Building a Bridge to Long-Term Success
Successful pilots pave the way for scalable, sustainable transit solutions. They de-risk innovation by demonstrating tangible results and informing expansion strategies.
Empowering Early Adopters: Tools to Succeed in On-Demand Transit
Embarking on a pilot program is a crucial step in deploying on-demand transit, but having the right tools and knowledge to navigate the journey is just as essential. That’s where TRC’s On-Demand Transit Buyer’s Guide comes in. Available for free download at theroutingcompany.com/resources, this comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for transit agencies seeking to understand the nuances of on-demand service design, implementation, and optimization.
By combining the Buyer’s Guide with a pilot program, transit agencies can test innovative solutions in a low-risk environment while leveraging expert knowledge to make well-informed decisions. The Buyer’s Guide complements the pilot process by helping agencies:
- Understand Service Models: From fixed-route integration to commingled paratransit and microtransit, the guide outlines best practices for designing services that work for communities.
- Inform Decision-Making: Use the guide to explore metrics and operational benchmarks that define success. Pair this knowledge with real-time insights gathered during the pilot to refine service offerings.
- Enable Stakeholder Collaboration: Share the guide with boards, elected officials, and community leaders to align everyone on service goals, costs, and outcomes.
- Deploy with Confidence: A pilot shows what’s possible; the Buyer’s Guide ensures you’re equipped to take those insights to scale effectively.
Together, these tools help agencies deliver services that are not only efficient and flexible but also deeply integrated into the broader transit ecosystem, improving lives and connecting communities.
Celebrating Success: WAVE and Waco Transit System
Behind every successful transit initiative is a bold agency willing to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and pursue solutions that meet their community's unique needs.
At TRC, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with agencies that exemplify this courage and vision. Through their pilot programs, Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) and Waco Transit System not only transformed their operations but also delivered meaningful, lasting change to the communities they serve.
Their stories are a testament to what’s possible when agencies are empowered with the right tools and support to drive progress. These are not just transit improvements – they are blueprints for how public transportation can enrich lives, increase accessibility, and redefine efficiency.
WAVE, Michigan
Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) doubled its weekly unique riders and improved efficiency by leveraging Pingo’s real-time analytics. As Marie Gress, WAVE’s Executive Director, explains:
“Pingo completely transformed how we operate. TRC’s unwavering customer support and collaborative partnership have been just as impactful – ensuring we maximize the platform’s value for our community.”
Waco Transit System, Texas
Through its “Micro Dash” pilot, Waco brought microtransit to life with TRC’s platform and team support. Serena Stevenson, General Manager of Waco Transit System, reflects:
“The opportunity to utilize the TRC platform did not just allow Waco Transit System to build a successful pilot program…we transformed our possibility into reality.”
Why Now?
As agencies face increasing demands for efficiency, accessibility, and equity, the stakes for getting transit right have never been higher. Pilots provide the freedom to explore groundbreaking solutions like One Transit, TRC’s vision of seamless intermodal transit connectivity, where every rider enjoys equitable access to mobility.
Transit agencies must seize this moment. With TRC’s pilot applications closing December 20, the time to act is now. Together, we can chart a course toward more accessible, sustainable, and innovative transit systems.
Pilots aren’t just a test– they’re the first step in building a transit future that works for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about TRC’s exclusive pilot program and how it can transform transit in your community.
What’s Next?
TRC’s pilot service is again open for applications, but only until December 20, 2024. Learn more about our pilot offering at theroutingcompany.com/pilot.
