The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON

Transcription

1 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report To: From: Committee of the Whole M. Paul Cripps, P. Eng., Director, Engineering Services Date: November 9, 2015 Report No: Subject: Recommendation: ENG Dynamic Transit Pilot Project Update GO Connect Service THAT ENG be received. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides an update to the Dynamic Transit Pilot Project as initially proposed in ENG REPORT Background The Dynamic Transit Pilot Project was launched on May 4, 2015 to test the viability of an alternative service delivery concept addressing GO Transit / Milton Transit passenger connectivity challenges, utilizing an application-based, demand-responsive system. The Town, Metrolinx and RideCo (the application vendor) have worked collaboratively over the last several months to implement, promote and enhance the service. The Dynamic Transit Pilot Project proposes to achieve the following objectives: Develop an innovative solution for GO Station access Increase routing efficiency Grow transit ridership Use real data to support future route design, planning and service delivery applications The program has been implemented for approximately six (6) months, upon which a preliminary analysis of performance can be established. Discussion A number of high level, preliminary findings are summarized below and outlined / presented in Appendix 1:

2 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report #: ENG Page 2 of 3 Ridership Modest overall aggregate ridership Consistent month-to-month ridership growth, averaging 24% growth rate Impacts of seasonality Customer Demography and Satisfaction 45% of customers switched from automobile use to dynamic transit 7% are net new customers to the system High level of customer satisfaction with the service Operational Efficiency Service efficiency increasing month-to-month Increase in service cancellations (primarily in evening) Business Performance efficiency trending is positive Dynamic pricing factor to be further investigated and tested Average revenue per trip of $1.80 is near the higher end of the dynamic price range ($ $1.95) Further discussion with Metrolinx will be required to identify opportunities for pilot extension and program funding. Staff will report back on findings and recommend future direction of the program. Relationship to the Strategic Plan This report supports the following goals and directions in Destiny Milton 2: Well Managed Growth, Well Planned Spaces Encourage the establishment of an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently accommodates all modes of transportation A Responsible, Cost-Effective and Accountable Local Government Ensure that the cost-effectiveness of service delivery is a priority when making decisions on how services are to be delivered and by whom Financial Impact There are no financial impacts associated with this report. Impacts associated with program extension or conclusion will be reported at the end of the pilot. Respectfully submitted, M. Paul Cripps, P. Eng. Director, Engineering Services

3 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report #: ENG Page 3 of 3 For questions, please contact: Tony D Alessandro, MCIP, RPP Coordinator, Transit Phone Number: ext Attachments Appendix 1: Dynamic Transit Pilot Project Update Presentation Acting CAO Approval M. Paul Cripps, P. Eng. Director, Engineering Services

4 Appendix 1 DYNAMIC TRANSIT MILTON PILOT PROJECT Mid-Point Project Update November 9 th,

5 MILTON PROJECT PURPOSE Metrolinx Opportunity: Develop an innovative option for station access, including GO Test a potential option for the first-mile/ last-mile to GO, to understand possibilities for application across the GO network Milton Opportunity: Increase route efficiency Grow transit ridership Use real data to support future route design, planning, and service delivery applications 2

6 MILTON PROJECT OVERVIEW Dynamic Transit provides customers with transit service from their front door to GO Uses web and mobile apps to allow customers to order their transit The transit route is dynamically shaped to meet demand Prices can be automatically lowered to maximize operational efficiency Milton GO-Connect Service was launched as a pilot on May 4 th, 2015 ending April 6th, Month of May was free to riders and used for application testing Paid ridership began on June 1 st 3

7 APPLICATION OVERVIEW Request Options Select Trip View Schedule Pick-up Alert 4

8 MILTON MARKETING OVERVIEW Marketing Activities: Wave 1 Began in June and consisted of station engagement for awareness and education Wave 2 Began on September 14 th, 2015 and continued for 4 weeks HTML s station engagement station attendant support GO marketing channels

9 RIDERSHIP RESULTS Modest ridership with continued growth Consistent monthly growth on average 24% June July August September Constrained by the warm and dry weather we expect significant growth in winter 6

10 CUSTOMER RESULTS 45% of riders are switching from cars to transit 7% are net new riders to the system ***Please note, all surveys had small data sets Customer Comments: I just had my first ride to the Milton GO station. I WAS SO IMPRESSED!! This is great for people with busy schedules -- gives us flexibility. I think it is a great idea. I hope this service isn't cancelled. This is a concern of mine. 7

11 OPERATING RESULTS Efficiency is increasing with each month Small increase in cancellations (mostly in evening) 24% June July August September 13.29% 17.17% 22.48% 26.70% * 24% is Milton Transit current cost recovery rate 8

12 BUSINESS RESULTS All numbers moving in the right direction as we learn to maximize efficiency Opportunity to increase price to further improve efficiencies Revenue per ride is averaging $1.80 high end of the price range ($1.00-$1.95) Software Fixed Opportunity to increase price 9

13 OPERATIONAL LEARNINGS TO DATE Customers Prefer to book day of travel vs. pre-booking in advance of travel (if there is no significant price difference) Booking in advance and maintaining the schedule greatly increases system efficiency Data Point 74% of customers book in real-time Pricing Price appears to be low with most trips taken at the highest price point (i.e. door to door vs. hub location) Not enough differentiation between pricing to change behaviour Data Point 60% of passengers pick the highest price for preferred service option Bus Efficiency Vehicle size has an impact on efficiency Data Point Testing and training illustrated challenges with buses on smaller street door to door pick-up Customer Experience Taxi vehicle cleanliness and driver friendliness is a key factor in service delivery Data Point 21% of respondents indicated that vehicles were an area requiring improvement Data taken from vendor survey and O/D data.metrolinx survey to all customers issued on October 23 rd 10

14 STRATEGIC LEARNINGS TO DATE Metrolinx: Dynamic Transit concept shows promise for first-mile/ last-mile options at transit stations, including across the GO network Balance is required between individual user convenience and system efficiency Further testing will be required in different locations and contexts before consideration of system-wide potential Milton: Dynamic Transit is an attractive customer option for Milton GO station access Significant transit efficiencies can be found via alternative delivery models Further assessment required to identify sustainable programs for application 11

15 MOVING FORWARD The pilot will be complete on April 6 th, 2016 Learning objectives of this project for Metrolinx and Milton will be met Metrolinx Continued work across the GTHA transit network, especially the GO system, to identify and refine first mile/ last mile alternatives Investigation of further opportunities to understand potential application of dynamic transit at different GO stations Investigation of long-term, sustainable financial models for Dynamic Transit to GO Milton If growth and efficiency continues at present rate, consideration for program operationalization Advocate Metrolinx partnership to expand pilot 12

16 THANK YOU