Technical Innovations

Easybus logoWe want to be different from the rest and the best way to stand out from the crowd is to be innovative. We try to find creative solutions to transportation issues, working with our clients and passengers to find the best way forward.

EasyBus is a flexible, on-demand transport system we have introduced to Northern Virginia from our European operations. It is typically used to serve neighborhoods where demand exists but is not sufficient to justify the operations of a full-size, scheduled bus line. The system consists of smaller buses, with one dispatcher/supervisor, wrapped with a vibrant design scheme, that can pick up riders on an individual or standing reservation basis. Through EasyBus, we provide a service to local communities where previously public transportation was deficient.

WiFi on the trainInternet Wireless Project – we have embarked on a project aimed at providing internet wireless access (WIFI technology) to the riders of our commuter services and test rides will occur on commuter services on both the East and West Coasts during 2005. We have already identified suppliers of the WIFI services and discussions are underway with the Southern California Railroad Authority for implementing such services on the Metrolink commuter rail system in Los Angeles. The internet wireless access is a service that would greatly enhance the attractiveness of our service, allowing commuters to make the most of their valuable travel time. We also hope this in turn will greatly improve the ridership of our services. And finally, depending on which WIFI model is selected and implemented, the project can also generate extra revenue to the authority, depending on the model selected and implemented.

CHECK MATE

PDA graphic

Transit supervisors can often be spotted by the books, paper and forms they carry. We want to change all that with Check Mate, a personal digital assistant (palm-sized computer) which has all the information supervisors need and allows them to input information directly onto the system, without the need for lengthy forms, clipboards etc. All the stored information is downloaded into appropriate databases ensuring the information is collated, stored and available quickly and correctly.