Business View Magazine - January 2024

A challenge the agency has faced recently is the ongoing construction in Springfield, particularly the extensive rail consolidation project. This massive endeavor involves relocating the 3rd Street corridor entirely to the 11th Street corridor, with a price tag of approximately $500 million. This includes the Over the years, the transit system has undergone significant changes. The organization recently implemented a comprehensive system redesign to improve efficiency and accessibility. Previously, the system resembled a complex, intertwined network of routes, which had accumulated over the decades, with minor shifts towards a more streamlined approach. Under Schoeffel’s leadership, the system transitioned from a single-spoke wheel model to a more decentralized system approximately five years ago. This new configuration includes a downtown transfer center, the focal point for about 11 to 12 routes, and a secondary hub on the city’s southwest side, accommodating five to six additional routes. Reducing the need for every bus to converge on a single location every trip, making public transportation more accessible and efficient for Springfield’s residents. A considerable milestone was the recent transition from outdated paper-based fare systems, reminiscent of the 1970s, to the state-of-the-art Genfare system. This fare system accepts traditional payments, facilitates tap cards, and provides for a smartphone application for seamless transactions. In addition to fare collection upgrades, the introduction of Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems has propelled SMTD into the modern era. These advancements have enhanced route planning, scheduling, and real-time tracking, ensuring a smoother experience for both passengers and operators. A DATA DRIVEN FOCUS Data-driven decision-making has become an indispensable tool for agencies like SMTD. Schoeffel emphasizes, “We’re going through a phase right now that is geared towards improvements towards customer service and towards becoming a modern, attractive transit agency that people want to use.” With access to vast amounts of data, a capability made possible by the advent of Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems and their automated fare system, SMTD can make real-time adjustments and respond to street closures, timing optimization, dwell time reduction, and schedule adherence improvements. 255 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 SANGAMON MASS TRANSI T DISTRICT