TripFinder, Ontira’s web-based trip planner, lets riders actively plan their transit journeys without having to search through pages of printed schedules and route maps. TripFinder combines a state-of-the-art routing algorithm with dynamic mapping and multi-media to provide your customers with full address-to-address, multi-modal trip planning. The process is simple and the results are optimized to the rider’s preferences and requirements. It facilitates a worry-free transit experience, while simultaneously reducing the demand on your call center.  Download Product Sheet [424K pdf]
Benefits
Cost Savings – TripFinder automates responses to trip planning requests from the public. Your call center capacity increases without adding staff and the overall cost per call is reduced.
Better Customer Service – Riders have convenient 24/7 Web access to the best available trip plans and schedules. Call center busy signals and hold times are reduced or eliminated. Your customer service department is able to provide more personalized service to callers who have more complex inquiries.
Efficient Customer Service – Call center agents can use TripFinder to plan trips for riders who call in for assistance. The resulting trip itinerary can then be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the customer.
Staff Morale – Scheduling inquiries are handled by TripFinder, freeing the call center staff from the most routine inquiries.
Increased Ridership – The convenience of accessing transit information through TripFinder attracts new transit users.
Multi-Modal Regional Trip Plans – With TripFinder, transit users create trip plans that can include multiple transit agencies and transport modes.
Easy To Use – Transit users can use maps, addresses, intersections, or landmarks to specify origins and destinations.
Demand Response Integration – TripFinder can be integrated with HandyLine to optimize paratransit trips with fixed route services where possible.
Standard Features
Dynamic Mapping – Users can select origin and destinations from an interactive map. Full itineraries, including transfers and walking directions are displayed.
Flexible Optimization Criteria – Users can minimize trip time, number of transfers, or walking distance. They can also include or exclude certain routes and/or modes of transportation.
Full Address-To-Address Trip Planning – TripFinder optimizes the entire trip based on both the street and transit networks.
Detailed Itinerary Display – Trip itineraries include full walking and transit directions, total trip time, and total fare. Alternate and return itineraries are available.
User Personalization – Users can save preferences, frequently used routes, and addresses.
Data Loading – TripFinder includes customizable data loading tools that significantly simplify the updates of geographical and transit data.
Optional Features
Call Center – The Call Center module’s enhanced functionality increases call center efficiency and improves management reporting capability.
Route Search – Users can display specified routes or stops on a map and obtain timetables for the specified routes.
Timetables – The Timetable module provides users with online access to transit schedules.
Media Options
- Telephone - Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
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Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) using VoiceXML |
- Web
- Kiosk
- Wireless Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and Short Messaging System (SMS)
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Implementation
Open Architecture – TripFinder integrates with any scheduling and geographic data sources, allowing you to choose the best solution for your needs. TripFinder also integrates with HandyLine and BusLine.
Configurable – TripFinder comes with a complete set of system administration tools so that you can edit the parameters of the routing algorithm, as well as set variables such as the transit fare.
Fast – From inception TripFinder was developed for public web access, resulting in best-in-class performance and itineraries that are generated in 0.4 seconds on average.
Scalable – TripFinder can scale to any solution scope and trip request volume.
Reliable – TripFinder can be configured to achieve availability in excess of 99.7%.
TripFinder in Operation
TripFinder includes existing interfaces with all major scheduling providers like TranSched, GIRO, RouteMatch, StrataGen Systems, and Trapeze Software Group. These systems can also be enhanced to include the real-time information provided by AVL/CAD vendors, such as ACS, Continental, INIT Innovations in Transportation, Mentor Engineering, and Grey Hawk Technologies.
Ontira has installed over 70 Automated Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) at transit sites across North America. Collectively, our IVR systems handle over 2.5 million inquiries per month.
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