Introduction
Following the departure of a key scheduler, Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) faced a gap in internal resources and expertise. For over a decade, RTA had relied on CSched’s Rent-a-Scheduler service for expert scheduling support and long-term strategic guidance. However, as operational pressures mounted, they were looking for a way to become more self-sufficient by rebuilding their inhouse expertise.
The long-standing partnership, combined with CSched’s deep understanding of RTA’s services, created the foundation for RTA’s decision to establish a new contract that included CSched’s Training Services for their scheduling staff. To meet their goal, CSched designed a plan that sustained day‑to‑day scheduling needs while simultaneously training and coaching the new schedulers. This case study will show the success story in progress at the end of year one of RTA’s transition plan.
Objective
The main objective was to train two internal schedulers in scheduling and software best practices, strive for workforce excellence and build long‑term internal scheduling capability while steadily reducing dependence on external support. This directly supported RTA’s strategic priority to transform public transport through innovation and technology, a goal advanced in large part through excellence in scheduling.
To achieve this objective, RTA purchased GIRO’s HASTUS scheduling software, a decision that would provide greater control and long‑term cost savings. Beyond standard software training, there was a need for deeper expertise to maximize return on investment and integrate best practices. This is where CSched’s role started to shift from outsourcing to staff development.
Because mastering both scheduling best practices and HASTUS software takes time, RTA embarked on the plan with the goal of achieving full scheduling autonomy by 2027.
About Riverside Transit Agency
Riverside Transit Agency provides public transit for western Riverside County in California and is responsible for coordinating transit services throughout the approximate 2,500 square mile
service area.
RTA provides both local and regional services throughout the region with 32 local routes, three CommuterLink express routes, on-demand microtransit service (GoMicro) and Dial-A-Ride services using 289 vehicles.
- 6 million rides per year
- 32 local fixed bus routes, three CommuterLink routes
- 197 Fixed route buses, 84 Dial-A-Ride vehicles, 8 Microtransit vehicles
- 502 Drivers
- 2 Garages