Miramichi Transit Strategic Plan
Launched in 2015, Miramichi Transit had experienced ridership growth, new development, and changing travel behaviour. In 2022, Miramichi Transit retained LTRT to conduct a review of the agency and its short-term vision, goals, and overall future provision of transit via community input, industry trends, system analysis, and financial projections.
The resultant plan proposed a redesigned network to better meet the needs of residents while improving resource allocation and cost efficiency. It also proactively plans for future service expansions for both fixed route and on-demand service models. This plan – Miramichi Transit’s first Strategic Plan – was adopted by Miramichi Transit’s Board of Directors in September 2023.
* Image credited to Miramichi Transit
Bloomington ITS Support Services
LTRT has been retained by Bloomington Public Transit Corporation (BPTC) to support the modernization of BPTC’s key transit technologies and develop an IT Service Delivery Strategy. LTRT will support the procurement and implementation of CAD/AVL and Micro Transit Operating platforms, Fare Collection Equipment and Fixed Route Scheduling System. LTRT will also develop an IT resourcing and service delivery strategy which will include an Implementation Plan to support BPTC in its transition to providing in-house IT services.
* Image credited to Indiana Public Media via Flickr.
YRT's Mobility On-Request System Procurement
LTRT collaborated with CIMA+ to support York Region Transit’s Mobility On-Request team in their procurement of a new scheduling and booking system for the agency. Our work included outlining the vision for an integrated and commingled on-demand and specialized services, conducting preliminary industry scans, and documenting business needs for the new system. LTRT also drafted requirement language, and supported the agency in the procurement and evaluation stages.
* Image credited to GoDaddy
TheRapid Transit Technology Strategic Plan
LTRT was retained to support TheRapid (Grand Rapids, Michigan) to develop their first Transit Technology Strategic Plan to explore the current state and potential for using technology to improve the customer experience and service delivery through non-infrastructure projects. The LTRT team conducted detailed information gathering including a transit peer and industry review. Subsequent tasks included a needs assessment and gap analysis, development of future technology options and associated bid specifications, and the development of the Plan itself.
* Image credited to J. Peter Eisenschenk via Flickr.
North Grenville Advisory Services
LTRT supported the Municipality of North Grenville in Eastern Ontario through their journey to expand transit service to all residents across the community. After completing a Feasibility Study which determined that public transit services within the Municipality and with regional connections to Ottawa would satisfy significant unmet travel demand, LTRT helped the Municipality define the service details for a three- to five-year pilot of transit service.
In December of 2022 the Municipal Council voted to continue advancing the work and authorized the exploration of grant funding opportunities and preparation of procurement documents.
*Image credited to HillaryAnn9 via Wikimedia Commons.
5-Year Service Plan and 10-Year Service Outlook
LTRT supported the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) with technical advisory services in support of their new 5-Year Service Plan and 10-year Service Outlook as the commission prepares to address significant ridership and budgetary challenges brought on in part by the COVID-19 Pandemic. LTRT supported the TTC on several fronts including: a peer jurisdictional scan of recent transit service plans and recovery strategies; a background report covering important contextual elements of the City of Toronto, peer agencies and ridership and demographic trends; and supporting the TTC staff and Technical Working Group with additional analysis and research as requested.
*Image credited to CCC2012 via Wikimedia Commons.
Transit Equity and Accessibility Research
LTRT recently worked with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to undertake research into potential areas of standardization across transit agencies nationally. The research focused broadly on equity and accessibility challenges faced by agencies across the country. As part of the engagement, LTRT explored the challenges and researched specific issues within these broad categories, potential solutions being explored in the industry, what types of standards have been considered in other jurisdictions, and advised on further standardization and research in Canada.
*Image credit: LTRT staff
Gravenhurst Rural Transit Feasibility Study
LTRT completed a Rural Transit Feasibility Study for the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst in Ontario. Leveraging funding from the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, Gravenhurst initiated this project to explore transit solutions to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population. As part of this project, LTRT explored such options as on-demand services, ride shares, community car-pooling, or new conventional fixed-route services. Our workplan focused on the strategic identification and implementation of an intentional and efficient transit service with significant emphasis on community engagement to identify those segments of the population who experience the greatest transportation need.
*Image credited to P199 via Wikimedia Commons.
Brampton Transit 5-Year Business Plan
LTRT developed the 2023-2027 Brampton Transit Business Plan. The plan involved service planning, technology assessments, business analytics, performance monitoring, budgetary estimates, annual implementation plans, fare strategy updates, marketing and communication strategies, and internal stakeholder engagement to ensure broad, collaborative department input on all deliverables. The plan builds off of the previous 5-year Business Plan, and sets a high-level foundation from 2023 to 2040, aligning future steps with Brampton’s 2040 vision and the transportation master plan. Specifically, the business plan refines Brampton Transit's approach to bus electrification, on-demand transit, and an expanding BRT and LRT.
*Image credited to City of Brampton
Whitecap Dakota First Nation Transit Study
Left Turn Right Turn supported a transit study for Whitecap Dakota First Nation, which is located about 20 km from Saskatoon. WDFN has a young population with transportation needs both within the community and to and from Saskatoon. The transit study explored transportation options for the community that met various employment, education, health, and community-building transportation needs. As part of the work, LTRT conducted public engagement through in-person interviews and online surveys, developed different transportation options, and refined options based on community feedback and implementation constraints.
*Image credit: pxfuel
Scheduling and Runcutting Course
LTRT was commissioned by CUTA to produce course content for a revitalized introductory course on Scheduling and Runcutting that CUTA could then offer digitally with the main objectives of updating content to consider modern scheduling techniques and be able to offer the course to a wider range of transit providers who may not be able to travel for an in-person course.
LTRT staff prepared comprehensive course content for a 6-module course and has since been asked to facilitate the first set of courses, which are anticipated to begin in Spring 2023.
*Image credited to Loozrboy via Flickr.
North Grenville Transit Feasibility Study
The Municipality of North Grenville in Eastern Ontario was exploring the expansion of transit services to a wider audience in order to improve the accessibility of local services as well as with neighbouring communities. Looking to expand on the existing specialized service, LTRT was retained to conduct a feasibility study and prepare an implementation plan. The final Transit Study incorporates the feedback of peer research, public and stakeholder feedback, and significant ridership and operations analysis with a recommendation of a three-year pilot project which will test a recommended three-service transit network within the Municipality.
In December 2022, the Municipality voted in favour of moving forward with their transit expansion with the goal of launching service in early 2024. LTRT has since been retained to support the Municipality with these efforts
*Image credited to Ross Dunn via Flickr.
Bridgewater Engagement and Needs Assessment
The Town of Bridgewater and Bridgewater Transit recently undertook a Needs Assessment to understand how the community could be better served by the existing transit system through changes or expansion to the current route and/or schedule. LTRT was retained to conduct this assessment by conducting significant public engagement and resident consultation. Tasks included conducting a review of the state of current service, assessing the transit needs of the community, identifying desired areas of expansion within and outside of the municipal boundary, creating recommendations, and conducting virtual and in-person engagement sessions and pop-up consultation to solicit public and stakeholder feedback.
*Image credited to Adam Jefferson via Flickr.
Citilink – Universally Accessible Bus Shelter Concept Design
LTRT was retained by Citilink to design two innovative and accessible transit bus shelters to enhance service quality for riders. The goals of this project were to design bus shelters that meet the accessibility needs of different types of disabilities and to set the standard for the design of future bus shelter implementations at Citilink. To inform the design, LTRT undertook research to find leading practices in accessible transit stop design and conducted public engagement sessions to understand barriers and accessibility needs. As its final deliverable, the project team developed a conceptual design that went beyond minimum ADA requirements and incorporated accessible shelter features that provide an enhanced user experience.
*Image credited to Melvinkirk via Wikimedia Commons.
Ontario Ministry of Transportation Transit Technology Toolkit
LTRT was retained by the Ministry of Transportation to research, design and develop a Transit Technology Toolkit. The toolkit is a resource document providing tools and best practices for Ontario’s municipalities, transit system operators and Indigenous community leaders to leverage emerging and innovative technologies. This Toolkit was developed with the purpose to expand awareness of existing and emerging innovative transit technologies; improve service on local and regional transit by optimizing transit investments; and to support connections and facilitate partnerships between Ontario technology companies and municipalities / transit system operators.
*Image credited to Ministry of Transportation
DRT Terminal, Station, and Hub Development Strategy
LTRT supported Durham Region Transit to integrate its specialized, on-demand and fixed-route service to provide equitable service to its customers while improving convenience and increasing efficiencies. In its first phase, LTRT developed a service framework and policy decisions which outlined how DRT can leverage on-demand technologies, operational capabilities and best practice to deliver an integrated service. In its second phase, LTRT developed design guidelines and an implementation plan to support DRT with the design of its transit infrastructure to enable a seamless delivery of integrated services that meet the agency’s objectives.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
Vaughan Shared Microtransit Pilot
LTRT supported the City of Vaughan to oversee the implementation and evaluation of a shared micro-transit pilot project. City of Vaughan in partnership with York Region Transit and Metrolinx launched a one year first/last-mile shared microtransit service for commuters traveling through Rutherford and Maple GO Stations. LTRT’s role consisted of working alongside City staff and partners to oversee the preparation, launch and evaluation of the pilot service and customer communications.
*Image credit Oaktree b via Wikimedia Commons
TheRide 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan
LTRT recently developed a strategic path for the Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority (AAATA) which provides a vision and plan to transform public transit in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. It focuses on improving social equity by increasing access to jobs and housing, reducing commute times, and increasing service frequency and overnight service, while also contributing to a cleaner environment and a more vibrant economy.
. The LTRT team was responsible for analysis including forecasting demand and regional context over the next 25 years with consideration for how the AAATA should adapt and plan to effectively support the community in the future.
Since project completion, TheRide's Board of Directors formally adopted the Long-Range Plan, TheRide 2045 and the community voted strongly in favor of funding the plan through a local millage.
*Image credit: Yuval Grinspun
Toronto Bike Share Four-Year Growth Plan
LTRT supported the development of Bike Share Toronto’s Four-year Growth Plan (2022-2025). The plan guides ambitious growth, predominately through bike share network planning. The plan adds approximately 400 new stations and 3,000 new bikes and introduces the service to all 25 City wards. The LTRT team provided analysis and guidance on first/last mile transit integration. To do so, LTRT developed a transit integration priority index. The index encompassed, research on transit/bike share integration, transit ridership modelling and transit coverage analysis
*Image credit: Daniel Lobo via Flickr.
Brampton CAD/AVL Update and Procurement Support
Brampton Transit retained LTRT to support the planning and procurement of a new Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system. The current system was approaching its end-of-life and is relied upon to manage the agency's fleet. LTRT drew on in-depth experience with CAD/AVL procurement, implementation and operations to evaluate the current system and inform issues and gaps to be addressed by the new system. Stakeholders were engaged through co-design workshops to formalize the definition of requirements and procurement documents. Industry scans, peer agency interviews, and additional research were completed to support Brampton Transit's understanding of up-to-date vendor offerings, trends related to cloud-hosted solutions, and implementation industry practices.
Transit Redevelopment Strategy - Regional District of Nanaimo
LTRT supported the development of a Transit Redevelopment Strategy for the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) that aims to improve transit services over the next five years. The LTRT team was responsible for conducting an overview of the existing service including analysis of existing transit service performance, demographics, and existing technology and processes. Additionally, they helped develop recommendations for future service, and a phased transit network redesign plan.
*Image credit Jamie Billingham via Flickr
BC Transit Digital On-Demand Feasibility Study
LTRT was retained to be BC Transit’s partner in developing a province-wide strategy for on-demand transit. The project involved developing a replicable methodology to evaluate and identify opportunities for on-demand transit service in different communities and scenarios. Scenarios included evaluating opportunities to integrate HandyDART specialized transit services into the on-demand offerings. The established methodology will be applied to Kelowna Regional Transit System and Cranbrook Transit System, who will serve as proof of concepts for the province.
*Image credit Zoe Kenneally
CUTA Specialized Transit Training Course
LTRT worked with the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) to develop an e-learning course for professionals undertaking new or adapting roles in specialized transit. We completed a literature review of current practices in Canada and developed modules on disability awareness, applicable legal frameworks, eligibility, specialized transit operations and practices, and specialized transit standards.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
TTC 10-Year Fare Collection Outlook
LTRT and Clevor Consulting Group assisted the TTC and York Region Transit in redefining the technologies and processes around fare collection for the next ten years. The project goal was to ensure that the technology supports the future policy directions, while meeting customer and agency needs for improved, streamlined fare collection that is integrated across municipal boundaries.
*Image credit MTA OMNY via Flickr
Toronto Transit Commission- ITS Internal Application and Service AODA Assessment
LTRT was retained to undertake an assessment of the TTC ITS department’s internal systems, technology, applications and internal-facing services for compliance with the AODA and other applicable accessibility legislation. LTRT supported the TTC ITS department to develop and implement an action plan that addresses legal compliance and barriers to accessibility.
*Image credit TheTrolleyPole via Wikimedia
GRT MobilityPLUS Eligibility Update
In 2020 LTRT completed a comprehensive review of Grand River Transit’s (GRT) specialized service MobilityPLUS. As an extension to the assignment, LTRT was retained to support the agency to revamp the application process and form for customers using the service, and updated the eligibility processes and criteria to improve efficiency and consistency of eligibility decisions. Finally, LTRT provided input to GRT's procurement of new assessment services to support the revamped eligibility process.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
Tahsis Transportation Feasibility Assessment
O’Hara Consulting and LTRT prepared a transportation feasibility study to assess age-friendly transportation needs and solutions for the aging and remote community of Tahsis. Central to the study was the analysis of a regional transportation service to better connect residents to health and community services.
*Image credit Raj Taneja via Flickr
Workplan for a Current State Assessment of Publicly Subsidized Ground Transportation in BC
LTRT was retained to develop a workplan for a current state assessment of publicly subsidized transportation in British Columbia outside of Metro Vancouver. In developing the workplan, LTRT drew from its rigorous methods of data collection and analysis for numerous and diverse transit entities that was conducted as part of the Niagara Regional Governance Framework project.
*Image credit Akusiroyo via Wikimedia
Bracebridge Transit Plan
LTRT was retained by the Town of Bracebridge to develop a long-term business plan to meet the present and forecasted demands for both conventional and specialized services within Bracebridge. The plan provided the Town with recommendations on recovering ridership post COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing network and operational efficiency, selecting the most suitable service delivery model, and enhancing the customer experience. The plan also assessed potential funding sources to support the proposed initiatives.
*Image credit Brittany Zhang
Chatham-Kent Public Transit Route Optimization Study
LTRT worked with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to improve service coverage and network efficiency within the Chatham urban area. In the Chatham Transit Network Optimization Report, LTRT presented the Municipality with three alternative network scenarios, each with its own proposed service frequency, stop locations, and flex-route opportunities. Concurrently, LTRT prepared a report on the placement of additional demand-responsive stops in urban centres outside of Chatham to enhance the service coverage in those communities.
*Image credit Brittany Zhang
The Ride: ITS Strategic and IT Organizational Plan
LTRT developed comprehensive ITS strategic and organizational plans that provide a roadmap for technology investments and operational improvements for the next five years. This involved analysis of existing systems; stakeholder engagement; and a best practice scan of alternative IT delivery models. The resultant plan provides the agency with 18 distinct projects, prioritized and staged for planning and execution.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
Bangor, Maine (10-Year Capital Plan)
LTRT and Stantec were retained to develop a Transit Master Plan for the Community Connector Service. LTRT was tasked with developing a 10-Year Capital Plan, which included analyzing and forecasting costs to the service’s fleet, infrastructure, and technology. The existing conditions were assessed based on previous performance data, staff experiences, and market data. A key element was developing projected lifecycle costing.
*Image credit David Wilson via Flickr
VIA Rail: Universal Accessibility Program
LTRT has successfully planned and supported the implementation of a Universal Accessibility Program, which involves VIA Rail's stations, trains, communications, and services across Canada. LTRT developed a Universal Accessibility Policy and Implementation Plans that lay out a series of wide-ranging accessibility initiatives over a short, medium, and long-term horizon. LTRT is motivated to support Via Rail in bringing this program to life and to achieve this vision.
*Image credit Balcer via Wikipedia
London Transit Commission: Ridership Growth Strategy
LTRT prepared a Ridership Growth Strategy in alignment with the organization's other strategic objectives. The project involved research into industry trends; peer interviews with leading agencies; stakeholder workshops; and data collection and analysis to forecast growth. The most promising opportunities were costed, prioritized, and staged for their business plan.
*Image credit RFBailey via Wikipedia
Brampton: On-Demand Analysis
LTRT and Optimus SBR undertook efficiency studies in four focus areas. LTRT analyzed transit service performance to identify opportunities for the agency to use on-demand transit to improve service and increase ridership at a lower cost. VIA Transportation was a partner in analyzing demand for a sub-set of scenarios.
*Image credit Secondarywaltz via Wikipedia
Welland: Trans Master Plan Update
LTRT supported an update to Welland Transit’s Transit Master Plan, helping set the stage for improvements to service for 2019-2024 and support the transition to a consolidated transit system across Niagara Region. Stakeholder workshops were run with operators, staff, and councilors to collect feedback, which was analyzed and distilled back to Welland Transit leadership.
Strathcona County Transit: Technology Plan
LTRT developed a 5-Year Technology Plan to guide innovation and technology investments. LTRT interviewed staff to understand their business needs and technology gaps. This was followed by an industry scan to identify alternatives for investment. Stakeholder workshops and a benefit-cost analysis were used to prioritize opportunities
*Image credit Kurt Bauschardt via Flickr
The Ride (Ann Arbor): CAD/AVL Implementation
LTRT provided expertise for the delivery of Phase 2 of their Computer-Aided Dispatch / Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system by Clever Devices. LTRT’s role involved the provision of overall project management support, and technical leadership to migrate organizational business processes to better allocate investments into new technologies.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
Niagara Region: Regional Governance Framework
LTRT and Optimus SBR prepared a governance strategy and framework for consolidating three major transit agencies and numerous smaller operations. The team evaluated current assets, services and staff resources; and developed a draft service plan to guide the financial assessment of governance models, in relation to labour requirements, asset ownership and operations.
*Image credit Cliffano Subagio via Flickr
Toronto Transit Commission: VISION Program
LTRT provided an embedded Program Lead for the Vehicle Information Systems and Integrated Operations Network Program, tasked with upgrading the central control system for TTC’s bus and streetcar network. The VISION system includes new on-board hardware and software on over 2000 vehicles, supervisor consoles at a unified control centre, and a new yard management system for bus garages and LRV carhouses.
*Image credit booledozer via Flickr
VIA Rail: Accessible Canada Act Compliance
LTRT was retained by Via Rail to plan and support improved system accessibility while meeting the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act and the associated transportation regulations. LTRT worked with Via Rail to analyze the legal compliance gap, considering that the regulations come into effect June 2020 and impact the organizations services, infrastructure, rolling stock, and IT systems.
*Image credit Matti Blume via Wikipedia
Strathcona County: Smart Fare System Support
LTRT assessed Strathcona County Transit’s technology readiness to participate in the open-payment, account-based Smart Fare System being procured by Edmonton Transit Service for the Capital Region. LTRT analyzed alternatives and engaged with potential vendors to arrive at a recommended solution.
*Image credit Kurt Bauschardt via Flickr
DRT Demand Responsive Software
Envisioning a single scheduling and dispatch solution to manage both their specialized (paratransit) and on-demand (conventional) services, Durham Region Transit sought to go to market for a full-featured, software-as-a-service solution that would enable seamless operation and integration of two presently separate service models.
LTRT developed innovative and complete functional requirements to support the procurement of the new solution while supporting customer information, self-serve booking, and operations management for both same-day OnDemand bookings and complex trip requests for eligible Specialized customers. The required solution must support in-house service delivery as well as significant contracted service. Additionally, the requirements include provisions for emerging open data standards to enable integration with third-parties including Google Maps and Transit App.
*Image courtesy of Durham Region Transit
Brampton: Bus Lifecycle Analysis
As part of an efficiency study with Optimus SBR, LTRT delved into Brampton Transit’s maintenance data and data from other agencies to develop an understanding of how the fleet performs over the current lifecycle of the vehicle. Based on this data, LTRT developed a financial model to guide recommendations around optimal age to overhaul and retire vehicles, as well as best practices in preventative maintenance.
Image credit Secondarywaltz via Wikipedia
Grand River Transit - MobilityPLUS Service Review
LTRT conducted a comprehensive review of GRT's specialized service, MobilityPLUS, including procedures, practices and services. Drawing from current state and peer reviews, recommendations were developed aiming to manage increasing demands for services, optimize and augment service to better align with new eligibility, increase productivity and efficiency, improve the utilization of family of services, and adjust to COVID-19 related influences.
* Image credit: Yuval Grinspun
Halton Hills Specialized Transit Plan
LTRT worked with Halton Hills to develop a Specialized Transit Plan to meet the present and forecasted demands for service. The plan recommended short, medium and long-term service improvements in relation to delivery models, service efficiency and operational requirements to meet ridership forecasts. In support of growth, the plan assessed potential funding sources.
* Image credit: Balcer via Wikimedia
Hamilton Street Railway: (Re)Envision
As part of a full network review, LTRT supported internal change management by conducting internal stakeholder engagement workshops with impacted departments. The workshops involved brainstorming external, internal and individual challenges and opportunities in carrying out the (Re)Envision project. The results were synthesized and presented to leadership to help foster change within the organization.
*Image credit Adam E. Moreira via Wikipedia
The Ride: CRM Implementation
LTRT supported the procurement and implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management system. The agency wanted to migrate from a now-defunct system to a new, software-as-a-service, application. LTRT engaged with the Customer Relations team and Customer Service Officer to elicit requirements which formed the basis for procurement. LTRT’s role extended through to supporting the agency to implement the system.
*Image credit Yuval Grinspun
VIA Rail: Change Management Support
LTRT supported VIA Rail’s change management activities for the new Universal Accessibility Program. The intent was to foster a culture of diversity and inclusivity across a geographically distributed workforce. LTRT facilitated stakeholder workshops across Canada and developed a change management plan that distilled the key messages and communications channels to ensure that all employees are engaged.
*Image credit via Pixabay
Wheel-Trans Transformation Program
LTRT's embedded asset, Yuval Grinspun, led a cross-disciplinary team of experts to transform North America’s third-largest specialized transit service. Over $50M of investments funded the program to integrate the specialized transit service into the TTC Family of Services, providing for multi-modal trip options; updating eligibility criteria and processes; and modernizing the organization's business systems and processes.
*Image credit GTD Aquitaine via Wikipedia