SIS wrapping up AATA bus tracking pilot

SIS, a spinoff company of the University of Michigan Magic Bus program, has been providing its tracking system on AATA’s Route 6 buses, allowing passengers waiting at bus stops the opportunity to use their web-enabled cell phones to see their buses on real-time maps and to estimate when the buses would arrive at their stops with the highest accuracy possible.

According to AATA Manager of Community Relations Mary Stasiak, the pilot program has been a valuable demonstration of what this type of service can do for transit customers. The SIS technology was extremely well received by Route 6 riders throughout the process. Many riders posted positive feedback on the Route 6 forum (www.shepherdis.com/theride).

“We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with SIS to review this system,” Stasiak said. “We recognize the value in this type of service for the convenience it brings to our customers and the reduction in the need for riders to call for route and schedule information.”

Stasiak expressed AATA’s appreciation for the efforts of customers who have been using the SIS system along Route 6, and noted that AATA will continue to seek ways to provide this service to customers in the future.

SIS Chief Executive Officer Adrian Fortino noted, “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to demonstrate our innovative technology platform to AATA’s riders on Route 6. The pilot exceeded even our expectations and we hope to work with AATA in the future.”

“AATA sees the value of a bus tracking system for our riders and will be using our competitive procurement process to implement this type of product fleet-wide in the future,” Stasiak said.

About Shepherd Intelligent Systems
Shepherd Intelligent Systems is a spin-off company of the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. SIS provides services to mass transit organizations which dramatically improves fleet management and enhances the customer experience. The SIS technology provides real-time maps and tracking of vehicles, text messaging for vehicle time-of-arrival predictions and advances in operational efficiency in the most cost-effective package available.

The latest information on AATA routes, schedules and detours is available at 734.996.0400 and on the AATA Routes and Schedules page.