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Medina County transit to add automated passenger communications, cellular push-to-talk and consider service changes for Amish area
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Summary
Transit director told commissioners the agency will buy passenger-notification software and cellular push-to-talk equipment to improve communications, reduce no-shows and explore changing the South Circular route serving the Amish community to a demand-responsive model.
Medina County Transit Director Shannon Rein told the commissioners the transit agency has identified technology and service changes intended to cut no-shows, improve dispatch-driver communication and better match service to demand in rural areas.
Rein said the board will be asked to approve purchase of passenger communication software that can send automated voice, text or email reminders and allow customers to cancel when they receive the message. "For instance, if you have a doctor's appointment, we all get those calls the day before," she said, adding the software will also provide imminent-arrival notifications when a bus is 15 minutes away.
To replace legacy radio systems, Rein said staff selected a cellular push-to-talk solution with Verizon to connect drivers and dispatch. "We feel it's gonna be the best, most cost effective way," she said. The system was found through benchmarking other agencies and is intended to improve reliability and lower operating friction.
Rein also described outreach and a planned public meeting for the South Circular service (which serves an Amish community of about 56 residents) to discuss moving from a fixed route to a call/hold or demand-responsive model. She said staff face capacity constraints and cannot add a second bus for that route but hopes better notifications and scheduling efficiency will free capacity.
Why it matters: Automated notifications and more reliable driver-dispatch communications can reduce no-shows and improve on-time performance, with particular benefit to seniors and rural riders. Proposed service model changes for the South Circular aim to balance limited resources and community needs.
Speakers quoted: Shannon Rein, Transit Director.
Next steps: Commissioners approved related resolutions updating financial and procurement policies and authorizing the technology purchases; staff will hold outreach meetings with affected riders and senior centers and proceed with vendor implementation.
