Revenue Management & Intelligent Transportation Systems
Across the world, the transit industry’s fare collection and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are growing “smarter” due to the introduction of new technologies. Our first-hand knowledge implementing these systems makes us the consultant of choice to review and procure new fare systems and other ITS technologies. We have worked on modernizing these systems for agencies big and small – from every size of bus property to multiagency, multimodal regional projects.
Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) Systems & Other Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
CAD/AVL systems integrate with a variety of on-board and back-end systems, and offer irreplaceable real-time benefits to agency managers, operators, planners, and the riding public. We have worked on a variety of rail and bus fleets, and offer sound, up-to-date support to agencies of all sizes. Additionally, we have played critical roles in the design, procurement, and installation of other ITS and components on rail and bus fleets. These systems and components include automated passenger counters (APCs) and innovative technologies that enable transit agencies to gain critical insight into passenger demand and travel patterns, sharpen schedules, and improve safety.
Building on these technologies, we can help architect a well-designed back-office system for fare collection that processes information from computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) and automated passenger counters (APC) data streams to provide insights into who is boarding and departing when and where to better evaluate routes, fares, and proposed changes.
Fare Payment Systems
We live at the forefront of innovations in fare payment systems, including fare structures and emerging technologies. We have decades of hands-on agency experience and an excellent track record of managing risk and organizational change to help successfully design and deploy innovative payment systems. Our fare payment experts have unparalleled experience in smart card systems, open payment systems, and fare box assessments.
Fare Policy Analysis
Our experts help clients develop their formal fare policies and pricing strategies, evaluate Title VI requirements, modify pricing structures, expand sales channels, and accurately project the effects of pricing scenarios through our Fare Insights model. We have facilitated listening sessions and public meetings that engage audiences and explain the equity and fairness factors that go into pricing.
Mobile Ticketing
Mobile ticketing systems are now an integral part of the transit landscape. We support the design, procurement, and delivery of mobile ticketing, reloads and purchases, and tie-ins with entertainment venues, events, and other partners. Mobile systems play an essential, affordable element of any payment toolkit.
Smart Card Systems
We have supported many successful transitions from currency, coins, and paper to smart cards and other smart technologies. Like a credit or debit card, smart cards are long-lasting, cost-effective and reduce the agency’s role of media distribution. While the traditional model includes data written only to cards, we now strongly encourage agencies to consider the more secure, long-term approach of an account-based system with data residing in a back end or cloud-based system.
Optimization
We have the experience and knowledge to optimize and improve vehicle or wayside reliability and functionality. We have developed our expertise working on 30,000 vehicles and counting. From vehicle maintenance plans and procedures, to dispatch playbooks for emergency situations, we provide the experience and knowledge to enhance and improve maintenance and transportation programs of all types. Our team is ready to troubleshoot, perform studies, support equipment implementation, provide in-house training, analyze and prepare repair plans, develop procedures, recommend guidelines, and support modifications to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Transit Operations
Every component of a transit system must be operated, dispatched, and supported. Our expertise can help transportation departments enhance day-to-day activities, and support efficiency improvements in all processes. From dispatch playbooks to rules compliance monitoring system development, our transportation specialists help clients enhance operations.
Vehicle and Wayside Forensics
We are the only major consulting firm that specializes in rail vehicle and systems engineering, giving us unmatched expertise to support emergency situations and incidents using forensic skills. We are routinely called upon to perform forensic investigations of failures, derailments, power outages, wayside fires, and numerous other incidents. We have an expert staff that can immediately, and in confidence, react to emergencies and critical issues.
Vehicle and Wayside Maintenance
We have unmatched vehicle and wayside expertise and can enhance and improve maintenance programs of all types. Our staff of more than 300 railcar specialists and engineers has the experience and knowledge to evaluate your entire, or selected portions of, maintenance and overhaul programs. Our experts can assist in every aspect of vehicle and wayside maintenance, including maintenance plans and procedures, inspections, overhaul procedures for preventive maintenance, and workshops for maintenance personnel.
Asset Management
A robust and effective Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution is key for any transit agency to efficiently manage your growing list of assets and ensure all assets meet agency lifecycle and maintenance standards. The list of solution providers grows annually, and the biggest challenge is to find the one that fits your needs with the least amount of customization. To help with that we assess your existing processes and systems, gather all your requirements, perform a gap analysis, and identify your options based on benefit-cost analyses and market research. We then help you procure and implement the right solution for you.
