Business View Magazine - Mar 2024

everyone’s reach. At the helm of Valley Regional Transit, Elaine Clegg paints a vivid picture of an organization deeply entrenched in the community’s fabric. “We were established by a vote of the residents in these two populous counties, embodying the community’s trust and need for robust public transportation,” she explains. The system’s backbone, a fixed-route bus service, primarily serves Boise while branching out to other key locations. This network, comprising 22 routes with typically 39 buses in circulation, is poised for expansion, particularly in the western parts of the county, signifying a commitment to growth and enhanced service delivery. Beyond the fixed-route services, Valley Regional Transit’s dedication to inclusivity shines through its paratransit offerings. Named ‘Access,’ this door-to- door service caters to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they are not left behind. Clegg elaborates on the evolution of services tailored for persons with disabilities and older adults, highlighting a shift from contracted operations to a more integrated, organization-led model. This transition aims to dismantle barriers, offering broader coverage and flexibility for its users. VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT’S TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION At a time when technology infiltrates every aspect of daily life, public transportation systems must integrate innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and passenger experience. Under CEO Clegg’s stewardship, Valley Regional Transit is at the forefront of this digital evolution. Clegg’s insights reveal an organization keenly focused on leveraging technology to streamline operations and elevate the user journey, setting a benchmark for public transit systems nationwide. “Each of our buses is equipped withWi-Fi and a tablet for driver communication, alongside traditional radio systems. This setup underpins our real-time GTFS system, enabling bus tracking through a GIS system,” she elaborates.This technology allows passengers to view the real-time location of their bus via an app, revolutionizing how riders plan their journeys by providing up-to-the-minute updates on bus arrivals 155 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSI T