Culver CityBus outsourced all aspects of their scheduling function to CSched, which provides a full suite of scheduling services using HASTUS under license from GIRO. Services include route runtimes and layover requirements through HASTUS-ATP analysis, schedule writing, vehicle blocking, and run cutting in addition to GIS support through HASTUS-Geo.

In bringing CSched onboard to handle scheduling, Culver CityBus is streamlining their scheduling data from multiple Excel and Access data sources into HASTUS as one repository for all scheduling-related information. Michel Courval at CSched worked with Orbital to customize an interface between CSched’s Culver HASTUS database and the OrbCAD/AVL system. To accomplish this, he also configured HASTUS-Geo to handle all of the route traces and bus stops for geocoding of the Culver CityBus network. Prior to HASTUS, much of this work was done manually across multiple software programs, including Excel spreadsheets.

Introduction of HASTUS on behalf of Culver CityBus also provides capability for a systematic review of all running times and recovery times (aka layover requirements) for their network of routes. Sophie Frigon processed their “raw” AVL data into the format required by the HASTUS-ATP runtime analysis tool. Hugh Muller calibrated their runtimes and minimum recovery times using ATP to achieve improved punctuality and to ensure bus operators receive their required rest periods. He then rewrote schedules to incorporate these revised runtimes and minimum layovers into efficient timetables with improved route synchronization at timed-transfer locations.

The scope for work at Culver CityBus also includes blocking, run cutting, rostering, and bid production. Upon completion of vehicle schedules, Sophie Frigon uses HASTUS-CrewOpt to create operator run cuts, followed by HASTUS-Roster to assemble the daily runs into weekly bid packages. She then creates the OrbCAD and Google Transit schedule exports using the interfaces developed by Michel Courval.

The result is that Culver CityBus schedule production has been streamlined so that schedules can be more easily modified to accommodate seasonal traffic and capacity requirements. Through HASTUS, Culver CibyBus can also more easily respond to changing ridership patterns resulting from infrastructure improvements such as the expanding LA Metro rail lines.