RTD Commuter Computer Will Offer Customized Bus Schedules

It’s the age of the customized commuter.

At least, that’s the vision of Rapid Transit District officials.

In the latest move to encourage more drivers to leave their cars at home, the RTD announced Tuesday a computerized planning service that gives commuters a tailor-made schedule for taking the bus from home to work and back.

“It’s a whole new way of reaching out and touching someone,” RTD spokesman James Smart said at a news conference Tuesday.

Companies pay the RTD $150 for a computer disc, where employers list the company location, workers’ home addresses and times they travel to and from work. RTD customer service representatives then plan a route for each employee.

Within 10 days, the commuter receives a schedule, which includes an alternate route, the estimated trip time and the cost, said Nikolas Patsaouras, president of the RTD Board of Directors.

So far, 20 companies have signed up for the program’s customized schedules, which cost 48 cents per employee. Eight account executives are recruiting more companies, said Gary Spivack, RTD assistant general manager.

In addition to trying to attract riders, the bus system is showing concern for the environment, Patsaouras said. “We’re going to do our share in cleaning the air.”

The program will help companies comply with air quality standards, he said.

District spokesman Paula Levy said that companies using the RTD’s plan still will need to provide other incentives to meet requirements. Still, “Anything that helps people learn to use the mass transit system is something we promote,” she said.

Plans for a telephone service that would allow callers to receive printouts instantly at their companies are under way, officials said. They are also planning a bilingual version of the service and a voice-activated computer calling system for fast information.

The trip planning service is the latest in a series of efforts to increase ridership. In July, the RTD unveiled a Transit Bill of Rights, giving free rides to passengers whose bus arrives more than 15 minutes behind schedule.

Although that program received a lukewarm response at first, Patsaouras said, more people have heard about it now and it will continue indefinitely. Other programs have included discounts for corporate passengers and reduced fares for some sections of the Metro Blue Line.