Transit Resources

Boca Raton, Florida, April 1, 2026 – ETA, a leading provider of innovative transit technology solutions, is pleased to announce the successful deployment of its SPOT® CAD/AVL platform in partnership with Enterprise Detroit.

Boca Raton, Florida – September 9, 2024 – ETAs, a leading provider of intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions, today announced the successful implementation of a new Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system for the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA). Awarded in April 2024 and deployed within two months, the project equips PDRTA with cutting-edge technology to enhance fleet management, real-time data access, and passenger experience. PDRTA sought a reliable and modern CAD/AVL system to ensure accurate data collection, improve operational efficiency, and provide real-time information to riders. After evaluating proposals from multiple vendors, PDRTA selected ETAs for its proven track record, including a remarkable 97% customer retention rate, and its comprehensive SPOT® solution. “PDRTA has been a fantastic partner throughout this project,” said Jariel Adler, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at ETAs. “The new SPOT® system will significantly improve service for the Pee Dee community by streamlining operations and making public transportation more accessible for everyone.” SPOT® Delivers Enhanced Efficiency and Rider Experience On-bus systems: Rugged and user-friendly, these computers streamline operations for bus operators with single sign-on functionality, eliminating the need to log in to multiple systems. Cloud-based software: Web-based software provides modules for planning, managing detours, dispatching, generating reports, viewing live dashboards, and more. This simplifies NTD reporting and streamlines management of headways and on-time performance. Real-time passenger information systems: Passengers can leverage web, mobile app, and digital signage tools to plan trips, track bus arrival times, and receive real-time alerts. “Jordan D’Angelo, Program Manager at PDRTA, praised ETAs for their professionalism and impressive speed of execution.  Their high customer retention rate initially drew us in, but their expertise throughout the project solidified our decision.  We were particularly impressed by how quickly ETA deployed the new system – within just two months!  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any agency seeking a smooth and efficient CAD/AVL upgrade.” About PDRTA The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) is a vital public transit agency serving the Pee Dee region – Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro. PDRTA offers a variety of services to keep the community mobile, including fixed-routes, paratransit services, deviated-fixed-routes, commuters, and demand response services. PDRTA plays a significant role in connecting people to jobs, schools, and essential services across the region. Their dedicated team of approximately 100 people ensures the smooth operation of its fleet, providing residents with a reliable and accessible transportation option. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebuswillgetyouthere/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdrta/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pee-dee-regional-transportation-authority/ About ETAs ETAs is a leading provider of innovative transit solutions, committed to revolutionizing public transportation for agencies and passengers alike. Our state-of-the-art technology is designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall transit experience. ETA specializes in CAD/AVL technology to include automatic passenger counting (APC), GTFS and GTFS-RT, traveler information systems, and digital display systems for public transit agencies, universities, and other shuttle bus operations across the United States. For more information, visit etatransit.com, email sales@etatransit.com, or call (800) 382-0917. Facebook: @ETATransit Twitter: @ETATransit LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/etatransit #ETATransit #MeetSPOT  

<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="6b007d4a-65b7-46cc-90a7-11fa6c68672d" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]"> <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"> In this festive episode of <em>Stop Requested</em>, Levi and Christian explore the delightful tradition of transit buses taking center stage in holiday parades and celebrations. From historical roots in London and New York City to the behind-the-scenes efforts of transit agencies, they discuss how these rolling holiday displays strengthen community ties and promote public transit. They also share insights on planning holiday services, detours, and the logistical challenges of decorating and staffing these events. Celebrate the season with us and discover how transit agencies nationwide are spreading holiday cheer! </div> </div> </div> </div>

By Matt SchroederDirector of Marketing, ETAs

In this replay episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with John Maglio, Founder and CEO of ETA, about building transit technology and trust over the long term. John explains how disciplined growth, reliability, and focus shape effective CAD/AVL systems, and why trust is earned through follow-through rather than features. The conversation covers leadership and company culture, what separates vendors from true partners, how agencies can approach RFPs more clearly, and why long-term thinking leads to better outcomes for riders, agencies, and technology providers alike.

Universities are growing, not just in size, but in the geographic sprawl of student life. With off-campus housing, satellite classrooms, and extracurriculars spread throughout the community, campus mobility depends on more than internal shuttles. Public transit is a critical part of the student experience, and increasingly, universities and transit agencies are partnering to co-create seamless transportation ecosystems.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Leslie Keener, Transit Director at ABQ RIDE, wrapping up a four part series on transit in Albuquerque. Leslie leads a multimodal system that includes fixed route service, the ART BRT line, Sun Van paratransit, and ABQ RIDE Connect microtransit. The conversation explores Leslie’s path from freight rail into transit leadership and what it was like stepping into an agency facing missed service, staffing shortages, safety concerns, and internal silos. Leslie shares how ABQ RIDE focused on culture, frontline engagement, and team alignment to begin rebuilding the organization from the inside out. The episode also covers ABQ RIDE’s focus on safe, clean, and reliable service, the role of technology in modernizing the rider experience, and why people first leadership is central to lasting operational change.

In this episode of Stop Requested, Levi McCollum and Christian Londono talk with Eric Goldwyn, professor at NYU and director of the Transportation and Land Use program at NYU Marron. Eric shares what the Transit Costs Project has learned by comparing nearly a thousand transit infrastructure projects around the world.

Boca Raton, Florida May 19, 2026 – Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) has expanded its partnership with ETA with an APC deployment, building on a relationship that began with ETA's CAD/AVL implementation and a successful 10-vehicle APC pilot program.

ETA’s radio integration improves dispatch communication at TARTA.

We're continuing our look at what local public transit agencies can do to market the technological investments they've made in their operations. If you haven't done so yet, take a few minutes to Read part 1: Changing the perception about public transit to get some background information about the challenges public transit operations face when promoting their services. Part two deals with specific tactics that can be employed—even on the tightest of budgets. Skinny budget tactics Tactics, in support of a defined strategy, are the specific efforts used to perform on strategic objectives. This does require a set budget—both a comprehensive number, as well as specific allocations to each initiative. How you break down these numbers is largely due to the priority and expected impact of each within the overarching strategy. How are transit agencies marketing themselves? According to ETA’s 2016 transit agency survey: 1% of agencies use vehicle/station signage 6% of agencies use print advertising 6% of agencies use social media 8% use radio 4% use television 7% use billboards Except for vehicle/station signage and social media, these media channels are all high-dollar expenses and might not be the best use of limited resources for all situations—especially for those agencies with less than $30,000 in their marketing coffers. What other options are there? Social media Social media is an extremely cost-efficient way to interact with the public—both riders and non-riders. With so many available social media options, it’s important to know which ones are most likely to be used by your audience. This becomes especially important when considering the time involvement necessary to maintain a social media presence. Use it to conduct surveys and polls, communicate service disruptions, provide insights into community events, or even use it to engage followers with fun facts, trivia, memes, and other ‘sharable’ information that is likely to increase the perception of your agency within your market. Use paid placement to reach potential new customers within your service area. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, have powerful—yet easy to use—demographic targeting capabilities that allow you to zero in on specific geographic, ethnographic, and economic considerations and reach precisely the type of individuals or groups who would be a good fit for public transit. What’s more is that these paid placement tools are extremely cost-effective, with $50-$100 easily placing your message on thousands of newsfeeds over a period of weeks. Leverage available space The no-brainer in marketing tactics is to utilize the open space on-board vehicles and at-stations to provide important marketing messaging. The good news is that 73.1 percent of agencies do this already, so the question is ‘what gives’ for the remaining 26.9 percent who aren’t using this space? It’s the lowest-hanging fruit in the marketing landscape and should be exploited to help target more people. As vehicles travel through town, a solid messaging campaign can bring awareness to passers-by on the streets and other vehicles on the roadways; new, untapped customers who may be searching for a way to simplify their transit needs for financial, lifestyle, convenience, or environmental reasons. Granted, 82.5 percent of agencies already use on-board space in a revenue-generating capacity, so perhaps the use of these opportunities is limited more by inventory availability that lack of desire to extend your marketing message. But… …you can extend your inventory by investing in on-board digital infotainment systems, something only 5 percent of agencies have embraced. It’s a relatively affordable expense to drastically increase your available inventory to advertisers by an order of magnitude, plus enhance your agency’s promotional efforts and brand value by mixing in specific, graphic- and video-rich promotions to run at set schedules. It’s not a bad idea, especially if you can leverage it as part of a technology procurement budget. Plus, 76.9 percent of riders want on-board infotainment systems according to our 2017 Transit Survey, so it’s a path to greater revenue, marketing reach, and improved ridership experience—sounds like a can’t-lose proposition. Marketing to existing customers Word-of-mouth (WOM) is a powerful (and free) means of getting the word out about new service improvements and ridership benefits. Take advantage of people who are already a fan of your agency and encourage them to spread the good word. In the Journal of Public Transportation article, An Evaluation of the Role of Marketing in Public Transit Organizations, word-of-mouth is the primary marketing option for a whopping 83 percent of agencies. WOM influences up to 50% of all purchasing decisions WOM generates more than twice the sales of paid advertising WOM influences every stage of a customer’s journey WOM can increase a market share by as much as 10% But… WOM is the most disruptive to consumer decisions WOM can vary wildly in its effectiveness There is a danger in only marketing to your current customers. It may be the easiest audience to reach, but you’re also at the mercy of their perception of you and your service. While referrals can be a powerful marketing tool (according to Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising Survey a whopping 92 percent of people trust the recommendation of a friend), you also sacrifice control over the message and you can find yourself at the mercy of the mood and perception of a specific messenger. If that individual is unhappy with your service, then the message is 50 percent more likely to be shared than a positive interaction. This means you need sure that the message you’re sending aligns with what your service can deliver. Media partnerships and sponsorships Be sure to engage local media and provide them with press releases and information about new services, improvements, detours, and special interest stories about your employees and riders. Local media is almost always starved for content—especially feature pieces—and can easily turn your news tip into an article or video clip in their pages, on their nightly broadcast, or on their websites. These opportunities provide a valuable means of getting the word out to the community and help to introduce your services to potential customers who may not have given public transit a second look. A savvy marketing person may even be able to leverage a news feature in trade for on-vehicle promotion for a local event or initiative that is sponsored by/close to the heart of the media outlet. This quid-pro-quo arrangement can further enhance the perceived standing of your agency within the community and result in both corporate and non-profit engagement down the road, as civic-minded entities look to partner with other area resources. Time is a resource As a final consideration, be sure to include the valuable resource of ‘time’ when choosing which tactic to implement. Labor-intensive projects—such as newsletters—can take dozens of man hours spread across the entirety of your organization to produce. These costs are often not considered when determining budget, and while ‘hidden’ from the balance sheet, the impacts of these efforts do extend to the other functions of your operations as people must dedicate time from core functions to write articles, print, fold, and address mailings, etc. Weigh the use and involvement of internal personnel carefully when determining if a tactic is worthwhile. Look for marketing solutions that can be ‘scheduled’ over extended periods or whose time expense require an up-front effort. For example: Instead of making social media posts or sending emails every day, use a management tool like Hootsuite or MailChimp so schedule all posts for the month (or quarter, or year). A couple of hours spent to draft and schedule all efforts is going to pay off in the long run as it’s easier to set aside a few hours once a month on a given day, than it is to find half an hour every day to draft a post. If you have your strategy and timeline mapped out, this should be a very easy, and straightforward production process. Plus, both options have free plans that lets you manage up a certain number of channels or contacts at no cost—for the budget-sensitive agency, that’s an effortless way to stretch the bottom line. Develop any print or direct mail campaigns at once. Not only can you provide the files in advance to media outlets and mail houses up-front, you can schedule specific drops to coincide with your strategic timeline. Plus, printing these efforts at once (called a ‘gang-run’) can significantly reduce your printing expense. Be mindful of the hidden resources required for any marketing effort and include those as part of your budget. The time of your staff and key stakeholders may not always show up on your balance sheet, but they can impact your operations in a way that undermines the very message and value you wish to communicate as a benefit. Final word Both quantitatively and anecdotally we understand that there are certain perceptions that surround public transit that aren’t entirely positive. As an industry, we can either accept these broad generalizations and choose to live with them, or we can opt to change the discussion and work to provide a different narrative which highlights the importance of public transit. The heavy lifting is being done by organizations like APTA on a national level, and that’s good for policy and the funding of grants and infrastructure project. But what is also needed is engagement on the local level, and in an era where agencies are struggling simply to keep their operations running, the marketing and budgets required to encourage greater use and advocacy is incredibly scarce. Transit agencies are continuing a trend of investing in modern technologies to improve the quality of their service. It is critical that the benefits of these investments are communicated communities they serve. These efforts become increasingly important in changing the dialog and perceptions surrounding public transit and its related experience—especially if gains in ridership or growth in service area are required. Despite low levels of funding, transit agencies aren’t without a voice in determining when and how to engage with their communities and riders. While an influx of funding in support of marketing efforts isn’t likely to be forthcoming, an agency doesn’t have to take a passive role in advocating for its existence and benefit to its passengers. There are low-cost, high-impact solutions available that—with a bit of foresight and planning—can be of immense value to the idea that public transit isn’t necessarily like the cliched ideas that seem to keep its reputation stuck in the past. —— Works Cited Bierman, M. (2015, 9 5). Intelligent technology will change how we use mass transit. Retrieved from www.miamiherald.com: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/biz-monday/article34127022.html Binet, L. (2009, February 2). Marketing in a Recession: 10 Things to Remember. Retrieved from www.adweek.com: http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/marketing-recession-10-things-remember-98256/ Brady, S. (2017). What Percent of Revenue Do Publicly Traded Companies Spend on Marketing and Sales? Retrieved from www.vtldesign.com: https://vtldesign.com/digital-marketing/content-marketing-strategy/percent-of-revenue-spent-on-marketing-sales/ Federal Transit Administration. (2018). Budget – US Department of Transportation. Retrieved from cms.dot.gov: https://cms.dot.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/…/budget/…/fy-2018-cj-budget-final52417.pdf Howard, M. R. (2018, 2 27). Yesterday's Solutions for Florida's Transportation Problems. Retrieved from www.floridatrend.com: http://www.floridatrend.com/article/24004/yesterdays-solutions-for-floridas-transportation-problems Joseph Cronin, J., & Roscoe Hightower, J. (2004). An Evaluation of the Role of Marketing in Public Transit Organizations. Journal of Public Transportation, 23-26, 32-34. Johnson, S. (2017, May 30). Transit Fares Only Partially Cover Public Transportation Costs. Retrieved from www.govtech.com: http://www.govtech.com/fs/Transit-Fares-Only-Partially-Cover-Public-Transportation-Costs.html Marketing Charts. (2013, 4 15). Bad Customer Service Interactions More Likely to be Shared Than Good Ones. Retrieved from www.marketingcharts.com: https://www.marketingcharts.com/digital-28628 Results. (2018, February). Retrieved from www.cmosurvey.org: https://cmosurvey.org/results/february-2018/ The Nielsen Company. (2012, 4 10). Global trust in advertising and brand messages. Retrieved from www.nielsen.com: http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/reports/2012/global-trust-in-advertising-and-brand-messages.html Wikipedia. (2018, February 10). Farebox Recovery Ratio. Retrieved from www.wikipedia.com: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farebox_recovery_ratio#cite_note-:11-28

In the realm of mass transit technology, it is a rare occurrence to encounter a potential customer who enthusiastically praises their current CAD/AVL (Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location) vendor. To put it simply, transit operators are often dissatisfied with their CAD/AVL vendor. According to our annual surveys of transit agencies, more than two-thirds express their discontent.