Technology Update

RTMS is a major technological upgrade for MTS buses. One of the enhancements is a faster communication process between bus operators and dispatch./ The new OneBusAway app allows passengers to view bus stop location maps and real-time information from their smartphones./ The old Stromberg clocks employees have use for years will soon be replaced by digital monitors for the HASTUS system.

MTS Bus has made some significant improvements to the way we track and monitor our bus fleet, and how our passengers receive real-time information. The team is also working on a solution to better track the hours worked for hundreds of in-house employees. Here’s a round-up of recent upgrades and some improvements employees and passengers may see on the horizon.

Regional Transit Management System (RTMS):

MTS conducted a major upgrade and expansion of RTMS nearly two years ago. The system offers full computer assisted dispatch capabilities, real-time vehicle tracking via GPS satellites, wireless data communications and automated vehicle location map and data displays. One of the most helpful add-ons was Automated Passenger Counters (APCs) “We now have APCs on 73 percent of our bus fleet,” said Devin Braun, MTS Bus manager of communication and technology. “This is huge, because previously we had to manually count ridership for each trip once per year. Now we have more accurate information about ridership patterns.” MTS will soon have RTMS installed on the entire fleet. Braun added that the final installation for APCs on our fixed-route fleet will take place this fall.

OneBusAway App:

The OneBusAway app is an enhancement our passengers have been able to realize thanks to the RTMS upgrades. This app allows passengers to get real-time arrival information about most MTS bus routes right from their smartphones. MTS has approximately 12,000 active daily users of OneBusAway. Braun said that this number should go up once real-time information from Trolley is integrated into the system. Currently, passengers can only see the scheduled arrival time for Trolleys rather than real-time. Other OneBusAway app enhancements that could come in the future include a trip planning function and/or adding bike-share information.

Stromberg Clock Replacement:

The outdated Stromberg punch clock system will soon be a thing of the past for approximately 600-700 bus and rail mechanics and other non-management and non-driving employees. Beginning in February 2018, these employees will be migrated to the HASTUS system that many other employees already use for planning, scheduling, operations, passenger information and analysis. The Stromberg clocks will be replaced by a computer kiosk – similar to what bus operators use to check in near dispatch. Some of the benefits for this migration include: • Replacement of an outdated system • Saves money by expanding the current HASTUS, rather than buying an entirely new system • Helps Human Resources track FMLA information and employee attendance.