INTERACTIVE VOICE CALL SYSTEM
Coming Soon to Greene CATS
Beginning in March 2017, a new interactive voice call system will enhance customer service by providing better communication with riders regarding their scheduled pick up and drop off times. This will help the Dispatch Office to supply more responsive same day communication with drivers and riders and shrink call volumes. The software will provide day before notifications of rides via a phone call. Riders will be able to confirm or cancel rides during the call. This notification system will significantly reduce both last minute cancellations and no-shows, thus reduce costs. Subsequently, it will allow additional riders to be added to the schedule who may be on the waiting list.
SPOTLIGHT: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Greene County Public Health along with The Greene Community Health Foundation have been providing hats and gloves to the community for 32 years. With the generous donations from area churches, schools, and private individuals, we have been able to supply thousands of hats and gloves to the residents of Greene County. In 2016, we partnered with Greene CATS to expand our outreach and provide hats and gloves to more people who need them. “When a person gets a hand-knitted hat, like many of the ones donated to our program, it’s a sign that someone out there cares about them – and that means a lot. It’s what community is all about”, said Jillian Drew, Health Educator and Mitten Tree coordinator for Greene County Public Health.
There is been a sharp increase in crashes involving pedestrians, both in Ohio and nationwide. Almost 75% of these crashes take place in low-light situations, like early mornings and evenings. That is why the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with Greene CATS and Greater Dayton RTA, has been distributing free flashing lights to transit riders who may be walking to or from a bus, or waiting in the dark for a bus to arrive. “Many drivers involved in crashes with pedestrians say that they didn’t see the pedestrian,” said Bob Steinbach, Director of Transportation Alternatives for MVRPC. “Drivers need to be especially alert during those hours, and anything that pedestrians can do to make sure they are more visible will help make them safer. Light colored clothing, reflectors or lights are all good ideas.” The lights were paid for out of the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality funds and are distributed to cyclists and pedestrians to increase visibility of both groups while they use “alternative transportation” (i.e., biking & walking). They easily clip to clothing or backpacks / book bags so they are perfect for all ages.
|
|
|
A NOTE FROM
With the launch of our revised Flex Routes in December of 2016 that now operate into the evening, Greene CATS is culminating several years of planning to enhance and expand our services. In 2017 the last pieces to our current plan will be put into place when we add a new communication module to our database, add weekend service to our Flex Routes, and purchase nine mid-sized vehicles. The notification module, to be implemented in stages, will provide interactive day before reminder calls; giving riders all the information about their scheduled rides for the following day. In May we will be adding eight hours per day of weekend service in Greene County to our Flex Routes; which will provide access to retail, restaurants, and other businesses that are open during the daytime. The mid-sized vehicles, with a capacity of up to 8 passengers with two wheelchair positions, should arrive in the summer and allow the flexibility to better match the right size vehicle for the number of passengers scheduled thus being more efficient. Our hope when fully implemented is that these improvements will allow us to provide a more accessible and rider friendly service. Until our paths cross again. Ken Collier, Executive Director |
|
MOBILITY MATTERS
Several years ago, our region created a unique online resource to help residents of the Miami Valley and their advocates find transportation miamivalleyridefinder.org. Many individuals and agencies have used the site to explore public and non-profit transportation options in Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and northern Warren counties. As the administrator of the website, I wanted to inform you that the website is being updated to be more responsive to any device you use, including mobile phones. We have a new look and new navigation tool, “Traveling to and from the region”. There will be a Facebook news feed to keep you up-to-date too! Launching March 1.
COME MEET ME AT THESE
UPCOMING EVENTS
|
|
Weather Watch
It is important to familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard: Freezing Rain — Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Sleet — Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery. Winter Storm Watch — A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. Winter Storm Warning — A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area. Blizzard Warning — Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer. Frost/Freeze Warning — Below freezing temperatures are expected. For real time traffic alerts, go to www.ohgo.com |
|
February 20, 2017
President's Day
Greene CATS Flex Routes will be in service on Monday, February 20, 2017.
Greene CATS Scheduled Rides will be LIMITED.
In observance of President's Day, the Scheduling Office will be closed February 20, 2017.
For more information contact Greene CATS Scheduling Office at 937.708.8322 |
|
Early Scheduling Deadlines
| If You Would Like a Reservation For: |
You Must Reserve
By Noon
No Later Than: |
Wednesday,
February 22
|
Friday, February 17 |
|
|
|
|
|
