Category Archives: Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous articles about all things AddTransit, GTFS, Tracking and Online Ticketing.

Miscellaneous

20 Challenges Faced by Ferry Owners

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Small, medium and large passenger ferries

Here’s 20 challenges faced by Ferry Owners and their team and how GTFS can help.

1. Limited schedule accessibility

GTFS data can make ferry schedules available on major travel platforms, enhancing accessibility.

2. Seasonal schedule variations

GTFS allows for easy seasonal updates, reflecting changes in service frequency.

3. Inaccurate passenger information during disruptions

GTFS-RT can provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations, or service changes.

4. Difficulty reaching tourists

GTFS integration into tourism apps and websites can boost visibility among tourists.

5. Challenges with tide or weather-related adjustments

GTFS-RT can update schedules dynamically based on real-time weather or tidal conditions.

6. High cost of promoting routes

Using GTFS in free journey planners like Google Maps lowers marketing costs.

7. Poor route visibility in journey planners

GTFS enables ferry routes to appear in popular online maps and journey planners.

8. Complicated fare structures

GTFS can standardize fare information and integrate it with online planners.

9. Low online visibility

Publishing GTFS data makes ferry services searchable in widely used apps.

10. Regulatory compliance for public data sharing

GTFS may help meet data-sharing requirements for government and regulatory bodies.

11. Passenger safety and emergency alerts

GTFS-RT can be used to send emergency alerts directly to passengers.

12. Difficulties in route optimization

GTFS data analysis can provide insights into demand patterns for better scheduling.

13. Lack of consistent timetable updates

GTFS simplifies updating timetables across multiple platforms simultaneously.

14. Limited integration with other transport modes

GTFS data can help facilitate multimodal travel planning by integrating with buses and trains.

15. Struggles to attract commuters

GTFS integration with commuting apps and planners can make ferries more attractive.

16. Complex coordination with land transport

GTFS can help synchronize ferry schedules with connecting bus or train services.

17. Difficulty in analyzing passenger usage trends

GTFS data can be used to study route popularity and adjust service accordingly.

18. Lack of information about accessible services

GTFS can include details about accessibility, catering to passengers with special needs.

19. Challenges with onboard capacity management

GTFS data could be used to inform passengers of busy periods, helping manage crowding.

20. Inconsistent customer communication

GTFS-RT can provide timely notifications and updates to passengers.

Ready to Solve These Challenges? Join AddTransit Today!

Running a ferry service comes with unique challenges, but managing schedules, real-time tracking, and ticketing doesn’t have to be one of them. Start using AddTransit’s tools to streamline your operations, improve customer satisfaction, and boost efficiency. Sign up today to discover how we can support your ferry business with cutting-edge GTFS, real-time tracking, and ticketing solutions.

Sign Up Now and Simplify Your Ferry Operations

Miscellaneous

20 Pain Points for Bus Owners (GTFS can help!)

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Graphic to article about twenty pain points for small to mid-sized bus & transit companies and how GTFS can help

The following table outlines 20 different pain points that small to mid-sized bus and coach operators experience in running and marketing their business and outlines how GTFS can help.

# Pain How GTFS Can Help
1 Inconsistent schedule information GTFS can provide accurate, standardized schedules for journey planners, ensuring consistency.
2 Difficulty in reaching more passengers GTFS data enables integration with popular journey planner apps like Google Maps, reaching a wider audience.
3 Poor route visibility GTFS allows routes to appear in online maps, improving route visibility for passengers.
4 Lack of real-time service updates Implement GTFS-RT (real-time extension) to provide real-time vehicle locations and delays.
5 Limited marketing resources Leveraging GTFS data in free journey planners reduces the need for traditional advertising.
6 Complexity in updating route changes GTFS simplifies the process of updating schedules and routes across multiple platforms.
7 High operating costs GTFS data analysis can identify underutilized routes, helping optimize operations.
8 Challenges in planning route expansions GTFS can be used to analyze passenger demand and optimize new route planning.
9 Poor service reliability due to traffic GTFS-RT can help by informing passengers of delays and updating journey times dynamically.
10 Difficulty in adapting schedules seasonally GTFS makes it easy to create seasonal variations in schedules and service levels.
11 Struggles with customer satisfaction Accurate GTFS data helps ensure passengers have reliable schedule information.
12 Regulatory compliance with data reporting GTFS formats may meet some local reporting requirements, reducing administrative workload.
13 Trouble integrating fare information GTFS supports fare information integration, making fare details accessible in journey planners.
14 Lack of data for decision-making Analyzing GTFS data can provide insights into route performance and passenger demand.
15 Inability to attract new customers Integrating GTFS data with trip planners can attract tech-savvy passengers.
16 Difficulty in handling service disruptions GTFS-RT can manage service alerts, notifying passengers of disruptions.
17 Limited options for providing ADA-compliant info GTFS allows encoding accessibility details like wheelchair access, improving compliance.
18 Unclear communication with passengers GTFS-RT service alerts can provide up-to-date notifications to passengers.
19 Inefficient route planning GTFS analysis can identify peak usage times, allowing for better route adjustments.
20 Fragmented passenger feedback Use GTFS data integration to analyze trip completion rates and identify areas for improvement.

Transform Pain Points into Success with AddTransit!

Tired of facing the same operational issues? AddTransit offers tailored solutions using GTFS, real-time tracking, and online ticketing to help your transit service overcome common challenges. Don’t let these pain points hold back your business—join today and see how our platform can streamline your operations and enhance your service.

Get Started with AddTransit Now

Miscellaneous

School Bus Conferences and Conventions in 2016

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 We’ve rounded up School Bus Conferences, Expos and Tradeshows for all of 2016!  Make sure to register early so you don’t miss out on the great information and networking opportunities.

School Bus Conferences and Conventions in 2016

FEBRUARY

 

What: School Transportation Assn. Of Mass. 23rd Annual Strategic Planning, Winter Conference

When: February 14-17, 2016

Where: Las Croabas, Puerto Rico

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: New York Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Winter Workshop

When: February 18-19, 2016

Where: Albany, New York, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information

 

What: Texas Assn. Of School Bus Technicians, Mid-Winter Conference

When: February 20-21, 2016

Where: Dickinson, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Innovative Transportation Solutions

When: February 26, 2016

Where: Houston, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

MARCH

What: Louisiana Assn. Of School Transportation Officials, Annual Conference

When: March 2-4, 2016

Where: Lafayette, Louisiana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: WASBO Transportation & Bus Safety Conference

When: March 9, 2016

Where: TBA

Visit the Wisconsin Association of School Bus Officials website for more information.

 

What: School Transportation Supervisors of New Jersey

When: March 10-11, 2016

Where: Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Transporting Students With Disabilities & Preschoolers

When: March 11-16, 2016

Where: Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Visit the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers website for more information.

 

What: National Special Needs Team, Safety Roadeo

When: March 12, 2016

Where: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Ohio Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference and Tradeshow

When: March 13-16, 2016

Where: Dublin, Ohio, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council, 2016 Convention

When: March 15-18, 2016

Where: Red Deer, Alberta, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: School Transport Safety Conference

When: March 16-18, 2016

Where: Lydiard, Swindon, United Kingdom

Visit the School Transport Safety Conference website for more information.

 

What: Massachusetts Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference

When: March 16, 2016

Where: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: CASTO State Conference

When: March 19-21, 2016

Where: San Diego, California, United States

Visit the California Association of School Transportation Officials website for more information.

 

What: California Assn. Of School Transportation Officials, Annual Conference

When: March 19-21, 2016

Where: San Diego, California, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: Colorado State Pupil Transportation Assn., Special Education and Legislative Conference

When: March 20-24, 2016

Where: Thornton, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: Utah Pupil Transportation Assn., Annual Conference

When: March 21-23, 2016

Where: St. George, Utah, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

 

APRIL

What: National School Boards Assn. Annual Conference

When: April 9-11, 2016

Where: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for information.

 

What: School Bus Fleet/ National Association for Pupil Transportation, School Bus Exchange

When: April 11-13, 2016

Where: Denver, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Ontario School Bus Association, Ontario Transportation Expo and Trade Show

When: April 25-27, 2016

Where: Toronto, Canada

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Saskatchewan Assn. of School Business Officials, Spring Workshop

When: April 27-29, 2016

Where: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

MAY

What: Nova Scotia Transportation Advisory Committee, Pupil Transportation Conference

When: May 1-3, 2016

Where: Membertou, Nova Scotia, Canada

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Thomas Built Buses, Institute Service Training East

When: May 17-20, 2016

Where: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

JUNE

What: Nebraska School Transportation Assn. Spring Conference

When: June 3, 2016

Where: Kearney, Nebraska, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: June 4-7, 2016

Where: Norman, Oklahoma, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Tennessee Assn. Of Pupil Transportation, Conference and Trade Show

When: June 6-8, 2016

Where: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Minnesota School Bus Operators Assn. Summer Conference

When: June 12-14, 2016

Where: Cohasset, Minnesota, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Wyoming Pupil Transportation Assn. Mechanics Conference and Drivers Conference

When: June 13-16, 2016

Where: Casper, Wyoming, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Arkansas School Bus Mechanics Assn. Annual Workshop

When: June 13-16, 2016

Where: TBD

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Illinois Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Conference and Trade Show

When: June 14-15, 2016

Where: East Peoria, Illinois, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Utah Pupil Transportation Assn. Technicians Conference and Vendor Show

When: June 14-16, 2016

Where: Park City, Utah, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Montana Assn. For Pupil Transportation/ Montana School Bus Contractors Assn., Annual Conference

When: June 15-17, 2016

Where: Great Falls, Montana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Tennessee Assn. Of Pupil Transportation, School Bus Technicians Workshop

When: June 17, 2016

Where: Buchanan, Tennessee, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Virginia Assn. For Pupil Transportation Annual Conference

When: June 19-23, 2016

Where: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Kentucky Assn. For Pupil Transportation Summer Conference

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: School Transportation Assn. of Indiana, 2016 Conference

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Florence, Indiana, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Wisconsin School Bus Assn. Annual Convention and Trade Show

When: June 20-22, 2016

Where: Middleton, Wisconsin, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Transportation Administrators of Arizona, Annual Conference

When: June 20-23, 2016

Where: Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Georgia Assn. For Pupil Transportation, 52nd Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: June 20-23, 2016

Where: Jeykll Island, Georgia, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Colorado Dept. of Education/ Colorado State Pupil Transportation Assn., Conference and Vendor Show and Workshop

When: June 20-24, 2016

Where: Thornton, Colorado, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: North Carolina Pupil Assn. Transposium

When: June 20-24, 2016

Where: Ashville, North Carolina, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Michigan Assn. For Pupil Transportation, Annual Conference

When: June 21-23, 2016

Where: Belaire, Michigan, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Oregon Pupil Transportation Assn. Summer Conference

When: June 21-24, 2016

Where: Bend, Oregon, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

What: Texas Assn. Of School Bus Technicians Annual Conference and Trade Show Annual Meeting

When: June 24-29, 2016

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the School Bus Fleet website for more information.

 

JULY

What: National School Transportation Association, Annual Meeting and Convention

When: July 16-20, 2016

Where: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Visit the National School Transportation Association website for more information.

 

What: TAPT Conference and Trade Show

When: TBA

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation website for more information.

 

What: TAPT Conference and Trade Show

When: TBA

Where: Beaumont, Texas, United States

Visit the Texas Association for Public Transportation website for more information.


Did we miss any?  Let us know and we’ll add it!

Miscellaneous

Get Fit with Public Transit

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It’s New Year’s Resolution time, and one of the most popular resolutions is getting in shape.

But what if we told you that you don’t need to get a gym membership, buy a treadmill, or start an implementing an elaborate workout plan?  You just need to implement simple, consistent habits, and public transit can help.

You already have a way to get to and from work, the grocery store, and your kid’s karate class.  Your mode of transportation is a habit, whether you walk, drive or take the bus.

According to the book The Slight Edge, “There are two kinds of habits: those that serve you, and those that don’t.”

You can make your mode of transportation serve you by also making it part of your workout routine.

In many decent sized cities, most people live about ¼ mile away from a public transit stop.  If you walk to the bus stop, then from the bus stop to your place of work, and reverse the trip on the way home, you’ll achieve a mile of walking per day.  According to livestrong.com, while walking one mile “a 135-pound  (61kg) person burns about 78 calories per mile, while a 165-pound (75kg) person burns about 96 calories during a walk of the same speed and length.”

If 96 calories doesn’t sound like much to you, you can do a few things to increase that number. Walking faster, walking up hills, and adding light hand weights are all ways to burn more calories.

Of course, getting fit isn’t just about burning calories.  Increasing flexibility improves circulation and posture, and reduces stress and risk of injury.  You can do cat-cow poses, tree poses, and shoulder shrugs right on the bus or train.

That walk to and from the public transit stop will also get you outside in the fresh air and sunshine, which can be especially hard if you work during all of the winter daylight hours.  Sunshine is thought to cause your brain to release a hormone called serotonin, which can help ward off depression.  Sunshine also causes your body to create vitamin D, which is important for bone health.

While using your public transit trip as your workout routine might not prepare you for the Olympics or give you the physique of a body builder, it does have the benefits of being easy to implement.  Often our elaborate plans sound great on paper, but our motivation quickly fades.  Implementing small steps, consistently, as part of a larger habit, is key to making lifestyle changes that actually stick long term.

If you’re already taking public transit, that’s a great start!  If not, get your local bus or light rail schedule and start getting healthier today.