Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904
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Thinking Beyond Safety Not all complex problems require a complex solution. Adding user independence and subtracting drivers and tip-overs from the equation keeps it simple. GET ALL THE ANSWERS AT: QSTRAINT.COM/QUANTUM SIMPLICTY 11 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 m ETRO m AGAZINE > metro news WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO INCREASE RIDERSHIP? "We are working on an app to get the word out about our services and sched- ules. We think it's a good idea to make people aware of what we offer with faster and smarter access to updates, whereabouts, ridership and incidents." Cedric Dumas Management Analyst Chatham Area Transit Savannah, Ga. "We looked at our highest frequency rid- ership routes and ex- amined ways to improve them. We decided that add- ing more frequency to our two biggest routes would be the best starting point. We're continuing to try and build new sys- tems without a ton of capital costs." Joe Clemens Long Range Planner Capital Metro Austin Public Transit Austin, Texas "Having special events in Los Angeles is an op- portunity to grow rider- ship because it brings in infrequent riders. Plus, mil- lennials are changing the way we send and receive information. We're expanding and people can see the reach we're beginning to serve." Stephen Tu Manager of Operations & Service Delivery L.A. Metro Los Angeles WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE EXPO? "It's interesting to go to the show and see the 'new stuff ' that may be avail- able to the private sector. They are sort of our test- ing grounds for technology in how it plays out in the transit world. We have an opportunity to look at it and antici- pate what might be coming down the road for us in terms of seeing things that will improve the experience for the customer." Victor Parra President/CEO United Motorcoach Association Alexandria, Va. "That there are people here who consult spe- cifically for IT for transit agencies. Normally, you have to explain and teach that role. Here, I got to test equipment designed for rail." David Snyder Development Manager Utah Transit Authority Salt Lake City "How important it is to report back percent- ages of Buy America. If you violate Buy Ameri- ca, it's much harder to fix after the fact." Anna Penoyar Capital Analyst Marin Transit Marin, Calif. "It's so nice to have a refresher on FTA regu- lations and have an op- portunity to talk to the FTA face-to-face." Nicole Gilardi Procurement Department Golden Gate Transit San Francisco "Seeing the increase in the number of elec- tric bus models and increase in range and seeing Dr. George Smerk receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from APTA was a highlight for me, be- cause I studied under Dr. Smerk when I attended Indiana University and consider him one of my mentors." Martin Gombert Administrator Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority Rolling Hills, Calif.