ETA Transit’s radio integration improves dispatch communication at TARTA, streamlining communication between dispatch and bus operators to improve response times and on-route operations. 

CUSTOMER 

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) – Toledo, Ohio, provides transportation services including bus and paratransit within the greater Toledo metropolitan area. 

ABOUT TARTA   

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) serves the Toledo metropolitan area, offering essential transit services across a 237-square-mile service area with a population of nearly 400,000. TARTA provides fixed-route buses and demand-response services, accommodating the diverse transit needs of the community. 

Key Statistics:   

• Annual Passenger Miles Traveled: 13.98 million   
• Fleet: 70 fixed line and 40 paratransit revenue vehicles, with 90 vehicles operated in maximum service (VOMS)
• Annual Vehicle Revenue Miles: 3.91 million   
• Facilities: 6 major facilities supporting transit operations throughout the Toledo area 

TARTA is dedicated to improving service reliability and operational efficiency. In pursuit of these goals, TARTA partnered with ETA Transit to implement an advanced radio integration solution, enabling better communication between dispatchers and bus operators. 

CHALLENGE   

TARTA required a reliable, real-time communication system to enable seamless dispatch-to-operator communication. Previous communication methods did not allow for independent conversations, which posed challenges for handling route changes, emergencies, and operational issues. The existing two-way radio system was not meeting TARTA’s expectations for efficiency, and existing market solutions lacked integrated radio capabilities tailored to transit needs. 

Additionally, TARTA needed a solution compliant with modern RFP requirements, which often demand closed-microphone functionality and advanced dispatch features. ETA Transit recognized an opportunity to meet TARTA’s operational needs while enhancing its own competitive positioning by developing a comprehensive radio integration system. 

SOLUTION   

ETA Transit developed a fully integrated radio communication solution with features designed to streamline the interaction between dispatchers and bus operators. The core components of the solution include the Request to Talk (RTT) and Priority Request to Talk (PRTT) functions, enabling real-time, secure communication. 

ETA Transit developed an end-to-end radio communication solution that significantly improved real-time dispatch-to-operator interactions. The core system—featuring Request to Talk (RTT) and Priority Request to Talk (PRTT)—ensures that both routine and urgent communications reach operators instantly, reducing delays and increasing on-route safety. 

1. Radio Integration with XCMP Module
   The XCMP module connects TARTA’s in-vehicle radios to the dispatch system, allowing dispatchers to control the radio settings remotely. This includes the ability to mute and unmute audio channels to ensure that conversations remain private. With this module, dispatchers can initiate conversations with operators instantly, providing faster support for urgent requests and improved communication for routine needs. 
   

2. By leveraging the XCMP module, TARTA’s in-vehicle radios are now linked directly to the dispatch system, enabling remote control over radio settings. This includes the ability to mute or unmute audio channels, allowing for privacy when needed. Dispatchers can initiate conversations immediately, leading to faster support for emergencies and minimizing confusion for routine tasks. This improved operational efficiency and ensures operators receive timely, relevant updates. 
   

3. Scout API Client Integration 
   The Scout API Client links TARTA’s local radio network to ETA Transit’s SPOT Console, which runs on a cloud server. This setup enables dispatchers to send broadcast messages or individual calls to operators without needing additional hardware adjustments. Through a “two-tone paging” system, dispatchers can toggle audio settings for each operator to ensure they receive communications clearly. This bridge between local radios and cloud-based tools allows dispatchers to manage the entire communication network from a single, user-friendly interface. 

The Scout API Client acts as a secure bridge between TARTA’s local radio network and ETA Transit’s cloud-based SPOT Console, allowing dispatchers to broadcast group messages or make individual calls without extra hardware. By using a “two-tone paging” system, dispatch can selectively open or close audio channels for each operator, guaranteeing that messages are clear and appropriately prioritized. This integration offers scalable, single-interface control, reducing dispatcher workload and cutting down on potential communication errors. 

User Interface Adjustments 
ETA customized the SPOT Console’s user interface to reflect TARTA’s specific needs. Adjustments included hiding non-communicating assets for a clearer view of active operators, refining column widths to optimize space, and adding status indicators such as “Open mic” when channels are active. These changes make it easy for dispatchers to monitor the status of all communications at a glance, enhancing overall usability. 

ETA Transit tailored the SPOT Console interface to TARTA’s exact requirements—such as hiding non-communicating assets for a cleaner view of active operators, adjusting column widths for optimal space usage, and adding status indicators (like “Open mic”) to show when channels are active. This user-friendly approach lets dispatchers quickly scan who’s on the line and coordinate more effectively, boosting both workflow speed and operator confidence. 

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS   

1. System Setup and Configuration 
   ETA’s team configured the XCMP and Scout API components to ensure reliable, secure data flow between TARTA’s local radio system and the SPOT Console. This setup involved linking TARTA’s radios with the SPOT Console and testing communication to confirm that requests from dispatchers reached bus operators quickly and reliably. 
   
   ETA Transit’s team configured the XCMP and Scout API components to ensure secure, reliable data flow between TARTA’s local radio system and the SPOT Console. This included connecting TARTA’s buses with the console and running tests to confirm that dispatcher requests consistently reached operators with minimal delay. By prioritizing seamless integration, TARTA experienced little to no downtime during the transition, ensuring their operations continued uninterrupted. 

2. Managing Data Flow and Communication Status 
   The system processes each communication request by verifying the status of the audio channel and adjusting it as needed. When a dispatcher initiates a request, the system checks if the operator’s audio is muted or active, ensuring that calls go through only when necessary. This careful control of communication flow ensures that operators are not distracted by irrelevant conversations and receive only essential updates. 

With ETA Transit, each communication request passes through a status check that verifies whether the operator’s audio channel is muted or active. This intelligent data flow ensures that only essential calls go through, preventing operators from being inundated with irrelevant chatter. As a result, TARTA can confidently maintain focus on their routes, while still receiving urgent or important updates in real time. 

3. Secure Communication and Connection Monitoring 
   ETA implemented a system that continuously monitors connections between the Scout API Client and the SPOT Console. If a connection is interrupted, the system will automatically attempt to re-establish it, ensuring that the dispatch-to-operator communication channel remains active and reliable. This setup allows TARTA to maintain uninterrupted, real-time communication, which is critical for managing routes and addressing on-route issues. 

ETA Transit’s system continuously monitors the connection between the Scout API Client and the SPOT Console. If a drop in connectivity occurs, the system will automatically attempt to re-establish the link, safeguarding TARTA’s uninterrupted real-time communication. This robust failover mechanism is crucial for maintaining the high availability transit agencies need to respond to on-route challenges and keep schedules running smoothly. 

RESULTS   

Improved Communication Response Times   

With RTT and PRTT, TARTA’s dispatchers can respond to operator calls in under two seconds, accelerating the resolution of route delays and emergencies. This rapid responsiveness helps reduce service disruptions and enhances overall rider satisfaction. 

Higher Operator and Dispatcher Satisfaction   

Post-implementation surveys showed that both bus operators and dispatchers rated their communication experience as “somewhat satisfied” or higher, due to the closed-mic system’s clarity and responsiveness. 

Post-implementation feedback showed that both operators and dispatchers reported feeling more confident and satisfied with the new system. The closed-mic feature and instant access to support improved clarity, reduced stress, and promoted smoother day-to-day operations across the board. 

Enhanced RFP Compliance and Market Competitiveness   

The addition of radio integration now positions ETA Transit among the few transit technology providers capable of meeting RFP requirements for radio-based dispatch solutions. This capability allows ETA to compete with larger providers in the small and mid-sized transit agency markets, improving its competitive standing. 

By integrating advanced radio capabilities for TARTA, ETA Transit now positions itself among the few transit technology providers to meet similar stringent RFP requirements that many transit agencies seek.  

REAL-TIME VISIBILITY AND ENHANCED EFFICIENCY   

ETA’s solution provides real-time visibility of active communication requests, empowering TARTA’s dispatch team to manage and respond to requests efficiently. The ability to track live statuses enables dispatchers to make informed decisions quickly, improving overall fleet management and reliability. 

ETA’s solution provides live visibility of all communication requests, allowing TARTA’s dispatch team to work proactively rather than reactively. With instant insights into operator statuses and audio channel activity, dispatchers make informed decisions that keep buses on schedule and reduce operational bottlenecks. This real-time oversight has led to greater reliability, minimized downtime, and stronger overall service performance. 

About ETA’s Radio Integration Solution   

ETA’s radio integration with RTT and PRTT is designed specifically for transit agencies seeking reliable, real-time communication solutions that require minimal manual intervention. The system integrates smoothly with SPOT Console, providing an intuitive, user-friendly interface and ensuring secure and efficient communication. 

• Increased Communication Efficiency   
• User-Friendly SPOT Console Interface   
• Enhanced RFP Compliance   
• Seamless Integration with Existing Radio Systems   

For more information on how ETA’s solutions can improve transit communication, visit ETA Transit’s website at https://etatransit.com. 

ETA’s radio integration—featuring RTT and PRTT—is purpose-built for transit agencies that prioritize reliable, real-time communication with minimal manual intervention. Integrated seamlessly with the SPOT Console, the system delivers an intuitive, easy-to-manage interface that ensures dispatch teams can quickly connect with bus operators while maintaining secure, efficient communication. Key advantages include: 

• Increased Communication Efficiency – Streamlined operator-dispatch interactions reduce delays and misunderstandings 
• User-Friendly SPOT Console Interface – Real-time status indicators and configurable views keep relevant information front and center 
• Seamless Integration with Existing Radio Systems – Flexible architecture connects to legacy equipment, minimizing disruption and costs 

For more information on how ETA’s solutions can improve transit communication, visit ETA Transit’s website.