TARTA Achieves APC Certification Using ETA Transit’s Tally Solution 

TARTA achieves APC certification using ETA Transit’s Tally solution enabling automated, FTA-compliant ridership reporting to streamline operations and unlock new funding opportunities. 

CUSTOMER

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)   

TARTA provides transportation services including bus and paratransit within the greater Toledo, Ohio 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: 13.72 million  
• Fleet: 116 revenue vehicles, with 77 vehicles operated in maximum service (VOMS), including 44 directly operated buses
• Annual Vehicle Revenue Miles: 3.65 million  
• Facilities: 3 major facilities supporting transit operations throughout the Toledo metropolitan area 

TARTA is focused on improving service delivery and data-driven planning. To support these goals, the agency sought to modernize its ridership reporting process and pursue Automated Passenger Counter (APC) certification through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 

CHALLENGE   

Historically, TARTA relied on manual passenger counts and statistical sampling to meet National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements. This approach was time-consuming, resource-intensive, and often lacked the precision necessary for confident decision-making and planning. 

TARTA aimed to automate its data collection processes and obtain APC certification from the FTA by simplifying NTD reporting, improving data accuracy, and unlocking additional federal funding opportunities. However, the agency needed a reliable and FTA-compliant tool to collect and process the required ridership data. 

SOLUTION   

TARTA partnered with ETA Transit Systems and deployed Tally, a digital trip collection tool built specifically for NTD data collection and APC certification workflows. 

Digital Trip Collection with Tally 

Tally automates pre- and post-trip survey workflows, collecting required ride checks in real-time, and storing secure, timestamped data for easy auditing and review. TARTA used Tally to collect and validate sufficient ride samples, which were compiled and reviewed by their NTD analyst. 

Streamlined Application Process 

Using Tally, TARTA submitted its application for APC certification to the FTA on October 16, 2024. November 6, 2024, less than a month later, the agency received its formal certification, confirming its APC data met the standards required for use in NTD reporting. 

TALLY IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS   

1. Fast Deployment and Configuration
   ETA’s team worked closely with TARTA’s staff to configure Tally for local use, customize the survey parameters to FTA standards, and ensure accurate pairing between survey data and vehicle assignment.

    

2. Real-Time Validation and Reporting
   The platform allowed for real-time review of collected data, so errors could be flagged and corrected quickly. This reduced the time needed for back-and-forth revisions and ensured that all submitted data met certification requirements.

    

3. FTA Compliance Support
   ETA supported TARTA throughout the FTA submission process, including file formatting, data validation, and communication with FTA reviewers to address technical questions or clarification needs. 

RESULTS  

Successful Certification   

TARTA earned its first FTA APC certification—enabling it to use automated passenger counter data for official NTD reporting and planning purposes. This allows for greater accuracy, more timely reporting, and reduced labor costs. 

Improved Planning Capabilities   

Certified APC data gives TARTA greater insight into ridership patterns, enabling data-informed decisions about route planning, frequency, and scheduling. 

Enhanced Funding Eligibility   

FTA certification strengthens TARTA’s eligibility for federal and state grants that require data-driven justification, positioning the agency to pursue competitive funding opportunities more effectively. 

More Efficient Reporting   

With manual reporting eliminated, TARTA staff now spend less time compiling data and more time using it to improve service offerings. 

Support for Long-Term Strategic Goals   

Comprehensive ridership data now supports long-range planning, demand forecasting, and performance tracking—helping TARTA deliver more reliable, responsive service to its community. 

About ETA’s Tally Solution for NTD Surveys and Certification 

ETA’s Tally platform is built for transit agencies seeking accurate, efficient, and FTA-compliant tools for NTD ridership data collection and APC certification. Designed to eliminate manual processes and reduce audit risks, Tally delivers the features agencies need to report confidently and plan effectively. 

Key Benefits:

• Simplified NTD Surveys – Automates trip collection and validation 

• Faster Certification – Streamlined workflows reduce delays 

• Audit-Ready Data – Timestamps and digital logs ensure transparency 

• Improved Funding Potential – Supports data-driven grant applications 

• Enhanced Accuracy – Reduces human error through automated digital entry and real-time validation

   

For more information about Tally or APC certification support, visit ETA Transit’s website at https://etatransit.com/solutions/tally/