Short Range Transit Plan 2008-2013 - Omnitrans

IBI GROUP
SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN REPORT
OMNITRANS COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
& SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
Trip Booking and Scheduling
Trip bookings can be made 30 minutes before and after service start and end times.
Advance reservations can be made up to three days in advance. “Repeater” subscription bookings can
be made for one calendar month for trips that reoccur at least three days a week (same time between the
same origin and destination). Same day bookings are accommodated a space available basis.
All advance and repeater bookings are confirmed at the time of the booking and entered into Trapeze
PASS as an unassigned trip (not assigned to a run). There is no route optimization using Trapeze PASS.
OmniLink route optimization can be implemented in conjunction with Access operating procedures.
Additional Trapeze PASS training may be required for those First Transit staff responsible for OmniLink
scheduling and dispatch.
A scheduler/dispatcher is assigned to each OmniLink service during the core weekday service hours. A
single scheduler/dispatcher handles both areas in the early morning, over lunch and on weekends. Each
scheduler/dispatcher is responsible to book, schedule and dispatch each trip in their respective service
areas 4 . With Yucaipa OmniLink, all trips are assigned to a run on the day of service. With Chino Hills
OmniLink, most assignments are made the day before service is required. For Chino Hills, driver
manifests are posted at 5:00 p.m. the night before. Same day bookings in Chino Hills are assigned by
the dispatcher on the day of service.
Trip assignments are made via Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) and cell phone voice dispatch. Trip
assignments are often made one or two hours out from the pick-up time. A 40-minute pick-up window is
used for trip assignment. Using Trapeze PASS software and a split screen, the schedulers/dispatchers
drag individual trips from the unassigned list to a particular route. Trip assignments appear on the MDT
screen. Drivers update the electronic dispatch lists via the MDTs and maintain a paper trip sheet as
backup. Although vehicles are equipped with Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) technology, this
technology is not fully used in the trip assignment process. Both service areas are rather compact and
the dispatchers assign trips based on their knowledge of the service area.
Eligibility
OmniLink is a general public, dial-a-ride service. No pre-registration is required. Trip booking information
is recorded when a passenger books the first trip.
Level of Driver Assistance
OmniLink is a curb-to-curb service. The OmniLink bus stops in front of the nearest accessible door at the
trip origin and destination locations. Drivers will assist individuals on or off the bus if required (including
wheelchair securement and lift operation). Passengers are responsible for travel beyond the bus.
Cancellations/No-Shows
Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Failure to do so will
result in the recording of a no-show. Three no-shows will result in denial of advance reservation or
repeater service for six months. Repeated no-shows could result in the denial of all service.
Monthly Productivity Standards
While the goal for Yucaipa OmniLink is 4.20 passengers per revenue hour, the minimum standard is set
at 3.50 passengers per hour. The Chino Hills OmniLink productivity goal is 3.00 passengers per revenue
hour and the minimum standard is 2.30 passengers per hour.
4
Overload trip requests are handled by Access reservationists and confirmed with the dispatchers prior to being entered on the
unassigned list.
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