Fixed Route Service Provider
Reliable Fixed Route Services
We have successfully operated fixed route projects since our start in 1955. Today, we operate fixed route services in communities of all types and sizes across North America and in Puerto Rico.
Regardless of whether you operate in a small non-urban area or large city, we provide transit services that offer the level of customized fixed route service that your community needs.
First Transit is dedicated to offering transit systems that provide communities with safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to their transportation needs. Our fixed route experience includes traditional fixed route services, deviated or flex route services, shuttle, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services, as well as transit management and multimodal contracts.
Our turnkey fixed route transit service packages are customized for each specific client, offering a comprehensive solution-specific approach to bus services. First Transit partners with transit agencies to manage and operate fleets ranging from just a few vehicles to more than a thousand, ensuring that we provide a customized transit operation that offers the “right-sized” experience to meet your needs.
First Transit has the experience to provide the highest quality public transit service to our shared customers – the ridership.
Our clients have seen measurable performance improvements at many locations shortly after First Transit began operations, including enhancements to safety, training, customer service, efficiency, employee relations, and customer/contractor relationships. These areas are the foundation of our longstanding client relationships.
“First Transit has been an efficient and cost-effective operator with a history of excellent performance, accountability and customer satisfaction.”— Client Feedback
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SUCCESS STORY: CITY OF PHOENIX
City of Phoenix
Summary of the Client
The Challenge
The City wanted to see a measurable increase on-time performance and enhanced service delivery in other key performance areas.
The Solution
First Transit created a comprehensive solution – coupling new operational approaches and technology tools to achieve results. Operational efforts included enhancing the supervisory monitoring of buses leaving the gate – ensuring on-time pullout, and ensuring dispatchers were better informed dispatchers to provide more proactive support. Additionally, new technologies were introduced to bridge the gap between the current manual system and the implementation of AVL devices.
A daily KPI Report provided by First Transit’s management team to the City was created. This report clearly and effectively describes the previous day’s performance, allowing for additional transparency and collaboration to identify trends and achieve continuous improvement.
The Director of Safety and Training holds several safety meetings per month to relay safety, organizational, and customer service issues to staff. Other discussions during these important meetings include recent accidents, complaints, commendations, route changes, bus conditions, on-time performance and ways to overcome challenges often faced. In this forum, feedback is gained from operators, technicians, and other operational staff. All meetings are posted and promoted in the operators and technician break areas as well as in the dispatch area.
Measurable Results
This approach has proven to be effective, resulting in an overall improvement in OTP. The most significant improvements have been by lower performing drivers, who are coached regularly to overcome challenges. The First Transit staff continues to address on-time performance by driver, monitored daily with immediate follow-up to the operators who are performing below the OTP target – increasing accountability and driving results. Also contributing to the increase in OTP - the location is nearly fully staffed with qualified drivers, mitigating the national challenge of driver shortages and the impact that can have on system reliabilityWhy First Transit?
Cost Savings
Whether your system is rural or urban, small or large, First Transit provides significant cost savings when compared to in-house operations — labor, fuel, equipment, or facilities with innovative technology — without sacrificing quality or world-class customer service. Our global buying power ensures you’ll save.
Accessibility
Our goal is to provide the safest, most efficient, and inclusive passenger transportation services possible, so bus patrons – including people with disabilities - enjoy a safe, comfortable ride with an operator who is courteous and understanding of their needs. First Transit provides wheelchair accessible fixed route buses, extensive driver training, and a variety of safety programs that will ensure your transit operation is as safe as possible.
Fixed Route Technology Solutions
At First Transit we pride ourselves on being innovative in our transit systems by seeking out and providing the best technology solutions to our clients. We have an extensive list of technology partners and can customize technology solutions to fit the needs of your transit system. Whether you need computerized route operations software, GPS, automated vehicle tracking, passenger counting, onboard Wi-Fi or more, First Transit can help. Our advanced technology can optimize routing, tracking and productivity; and could even reduce the number of buses you need to run your system while increasing passenger trips.
Smart Maintenance
Our comprehensive preventative maintenance program works to avoid breakdowns and reduce costs through utilizing the LEAN methodology and a paperless approach to maintenance services. This approach to maintenance improves in the overall effectiveness by valuing organization and ending waste. Lean processes translate to a reduction in operational costs by targeting strategic areas and keeping vehicles operating longer. In turn, this means fewer service interruptions in your daily schedules—and fewer hassles for you, your staff, and your customers.
Sustainability
Public transportation is, by nature, a green initiative. In that spirit, and in support of our clients’ sustainability goals and green initiatives, we are constantly looking to provide solutions that protect our environment. These include the implementation of innovative technologies, responsible vehicle maintenance and cleaning practices, and the use of alternative and sustainable fueled vehicles and energy-efficient equipment.