Idaho delegates attend RouteMatch Software conference

The ITD Division of Transportation Performance is managing a deployment of specific technology applications at six separate transit provider locations throughout Idaho.The technologies are aimed at helping the transit providers improve their operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The technology applications are being provided by RouteMatch Software, Inc. and include demand response dispatch software, fixed route management software, automated vehicle location devices and mobile data terminals onboard the vehicles.

The transit providers receiving this technology include Regional Public Transportation (Moscow area), Treasure Valley Transit (Payette, McCall, and Mountain Home), Mountain Rides Transportation Authority (Sun Valley/Ketchum), Trans IV (Twin Falls), Pocatello Regional Transit (Pocatello), and Targhee Regional Public Transportation Authority (Idaho Falls area).

The project began in October and is expected to be complete this August. Many of the technology applications are in place and being tested.

RouteMatch Software hosts an annual spring user conference in Atlanta where the company is located. This year’s conference was April 18-21, and Idaho had a significant presence. Transit agencies that sent representatives included TVT, Trans IV, MRTA, TRPTA, and Valley Regional Transit, which also is deploying RouteMatch software in its Paratransit operations under a separate contract.

ITD’s project manager overseeing the technology deployments also attended.

Approximately 130 user agencies (about 300 people) attended the conference that was staffed by RouteMatch employees. In addition to presentations to the large audience, the conference offered several parallel sessions on topics related to the software products. That allowed for audience discussion regarding personal experiences with the products.

“It was a great opportunity to learn how others use the products being deployed in Idaho and share our experiences with others,” said Randy Kyrias, administrator of the Division of Transportation Performance.

Another important opportunity offered at the conference was one-on-one work sessions with RouteMatch technical staff to address specific questions or concerns users are experiencing with the systems, Kyrias said. Many of the Idaho participants took advantage of the opportunity, helping them better use the system.

The ITD public transportation project manager was asked by RouteMatch to share Idaho’s project management approaches that are being applied to this statewide deployment. In a “change management” session, he presented examples of how Idaho’s approaches are yielding success.

RouteMatch indicated that one of the most challenging elements of deployment is the client’s approach to project management. The audience appreciated hearing how Idaho’s project management approaches were being applied and mentioned after the presentation how relevant and important the session was to them.

Idaho is at the forefront of transit technology deployments in rural areas and the presentation helped to demonstrate national leadership in the field.

All eleven Idaho participants in the 2011 RouteMatch User Conference said they gained real value from the conference and felt the information presented and one-on-one assistance will help them use the technology more efficiently.

Published 5-6-2011