How MART Increased MicroTransit Ridership with QRyde

 Introduction: Solving Rural Mobility Challenges with Technology

For many transit agencies, filling seats on smaller, flexible-route vehicles — known as MicroTransit — is a major challenge. In areas where public transportation demand is scattered and unpredictable, traditional fixed-route models often fall short.

The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) in Massachusetts faced exactly this challenge. But with the implementation of QRyde’s microtransit software, paratransit scheduling software, and ride scheduling software, MART turned their microtransit services into a growing success story — even during the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s dive into how MART achieved a significant ridership boost and service improvement with QRyde’s help.



The Challenge: Empty Seats and Inefficient Scheduling

MART operates public transportation across 22 communities in north-central Massachusetts. Despite offering microtransit and demand-response services, they struggled with:

  • Low public ridership during off-peak hours

  • Inefficient dispatching leading to empty seat miles

  • Scheduling complexity balancing NEMT riders, workforce commuters, elderly passengers, students, and the general public

  • High operational costs for services with few riders

MART needed a cost-effective solution that could:

  • Improve vehicle utilization

  • Seamlessly serve multiple rider profiles

  • Reduce no-shows

  • Fill more seats — all without increasing their fleet size.

The Solution: QRyde’s Smart Transportation Platform

QRyde deployed a full suite of solutions, including:

✅ Microtransit Software
✅ Paratransit Scheduling Software
✅ Public Transit Scheduling Software
✅ Ride Scheduling and Dispatch Platform
✅ Mobile Apps for Riders and Drivers
✅ Automated Reporting Tools

Key features included:

  • Global Scheduling Engine: Dynamically schedules trips in real-time to maximize vehicle capacity and minimize deadhead miles.

  • NEMT and Workforce Trip Integration: Microtransit vans could now efficiently mix Medicaid, elderly, student, and general public trips into the same schedules.

  • Passenger Apps and Call Center Portal: Riders could book trips easily through an app, online, or by phone.

  • Optimized Routing: Routes automatically adjusted to fill empty seats without causing major delays.

  • Driver Tablets: Real-time trip manifests and route adjustments were pushed directly to drivers.

By introducing cloud-based paratransit dispatch software and ride sharing software technology, MART achieved real operational flexibility.

Results: A 5%+ Increase in Public Trip Requests

After 9 months of using QRyde’s microtransit platform, MART reported:

  • 📈 5%+ growth in general public trip requests (pre-COVID)

  • 🚐 Passenger Per Vehicle Hour (PPVH) above 4.0 before the pandemic

  • 📊 PPVH near 3.0 even during COVID operational restrictions

  • 💬 Rider Satisfaction: Testimonials highlighted improved reliability and service quality

  • 💸 Low Cost per Ride: MicroTransit operations remained highly affordable at around $4 per ride

Testimonial Highlights:

  • "QRyde’s technology allowed us to run our microtransit like a true shared-ride system, not just a taxi service." – MART Operations Manager

  • "Now it’s easier to get to work, school, or even the doctor’s office without needing to own a car.” – Rider, Fitchburg, MA

Key Takeaways for Other Transit Agencies

  1. Data-Driven Microtransit Scheduling Works
    Intelligent scheduling engines like QRyde’s can efficiently balance different types of trips while reducing operational waste.

  2. Flexible Trip Booking Increases Accessibility
    Allowing riders to book through apps, web, or phone reduces barriers for elderly and underserved populations.

  3. Mixing Trip Purposes Optimizes Resources
    Integrating NEMT, workforce, and public trips into the same vehicle runs improves service without additional vehicles.

  4. Cloud-Based Solutions Future-Proof Operations
    Cloud-native platforms make it easy to scale up or pivot operations when rider patterns change — crucial during emergencies like COVID-19.

Conclusion: Microtransit Success, Powered by QRyde

The MART case study is proof that when agencies combine smart operations with advanced technology, even small vehicles in challenging markets can thrive.

With QRyde’s microtransit software, paratransit scheduling software, public transit software, ride scheduling software, and paratransit dispatch software, MART didn’t just survive — they grew ridership and increased service efficiency.

As more cities and regions rethink transportation for a post-pandemic world, QRyde continues to deliver powerful, adaptable solutions that meet the needs of today's communities — and tomorrow’s.

🚀 Looking to Boost Your MicroTransit Services?

Contact QRyde Today:
📞 978-379-0010
📧 info@qryde.com
🌐 Visit www.QRyde.com

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