In 2018, Valley Transit management in Walla Walla, Wash., began a project procuring a real-time technology system which was regional in nature and collaborative in design. After a highly competitive process, Connexionz was selected to develop the iTransitNW system. The initial system managed and supported seven partner agency fleets, with potential to scale and link up to 18 separate transport operators across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Interest in the regional system continues to grow. In the past year, Connexionz has welcomed cooperative purchases off the contract from Grant County, Ore. (People Mover), city of Pendleton, Asotin County Public Transportation Benefit Area and Lewiston Transit System, and Kayak Public Transit; each launching their own system in early 2021.
Angie Peters, Valley Transit general manager said, “Prior to the iTransitNW project there was not a comprehensive resource for any potential passenger to use to plan trips or discover services in nearby towns. The regional system has made a difference in helping passengers understand available services and connections. This technology is extremely impactful in rural areas where service frequency is lower.”
She added, “The cooperative purchase contract, which continues to see popularity in the region, has been very simple to buy in to due to the range of products and services available for purchase.”
Brian Garrett, Connexionz sales director said, “The benefit for rural agencies is the appeal of purchasing into an ecosystem that is already in place. There are numerous options available to member agencies such as static GTFS integration onto the www.itransitnw.com portal or a complete implementation featuring APC, AVA and multimedia. The state transit departments have indeed been supportive of funding projects under this contract which has proven to economically deliver the latest transit technology solutions to rural agencies.”
Connexionz says it looks forward to continuing its effort to grow the iTransitNW project.
“Connexionz is committed to being a good partner, and we have definitely seen growth over our relationship,” said Peters.
