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Medina County Transit to add passenger notifications; board approves tech purchases with one abstention
Summary
The commissioners approved updates to transit policies and authorized purchases of passenger communications software and cellular equipment; Transit Director Shannon Rine said the software will provide automated rider notifications and 15‑minute arrival alerts and that the South Circular route is being considered for a shift to an on‑call model.
Medina County Public Transit will implement passenger notification software and cellular push‑to‑talk communications after the Board of Commissioners approved related resolutions on April 28; Commissioner Aaron M. Harrison abstained on the technology purchases.
Transit Director Shannon Rine said the passenger communications software will automate voice, text and email notifications to riders and provide 15‑minute imminent arrival alerts, a feature he said will reduce no‑shows and create additional capacity on routes. The board approved updated financial and procurement policies and a bloodborne pathogen policy as part of the same package.
Rine also discussed the South Circular Service, which serves Amish riders, and said the division is exploring a transition from a traditional fixed route to a more flexible on‑call model. He reported that letters are being distributed to the 56 residents currently served and that a community meeting is planned to discuss service changes, expectations and safety protocols regarding what riders may bring aboard buses. Commissioner Harrison suggested engaging community elders for outreach.
On performance, Rine said year‑over‑year ridership is up, with flex ridership offsetting a modest decline in demand service. He reported cost per passenger at $34.14 and cost per mile at $5.47; electronic fare collection is expanding and supplemental out‑of‑county contracts have been renewed.
The transit purchases passed on roll-call vote with two ayes and one abstention; department staff will now proceed with implementation and community outreach for service changes.
