Regional
Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC)
Bus
Vontas Cloud
Vontas OnRoute for CAD/AVL
Vontas OnRoute FieldOps
“It was incredibly easy to learn on day one. I could start using it right away on my phone, which is always with me, making it instantly practical in the field.”
Derek Goodwin
Road Supervisor
Keolis RTC
Agency Background
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) keeps Washoe County moving – day and night. Operating an almost round-the-clock public transit system, RTC relies on road supervisors like Derek Goodwin to ensure seamless service delivery. Goodwin works for Keolis, a global transporation operator that operates and maintains the RTC fixed-route bus service. These frontline leaders juggle a wide array of responsibilities: overseeing vehicle operations, managing emergency responses, coordinating with dispatch, and upholding driver standards.
In a region where flash floods and sudden weather shifts are part of the landscape, road supervisors and other front-line team members must remain agile, well-informed, and armed with the right tools to adapt on the fly and keep transit operations running smoothly.
Challenges
Road supervisors operate in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment where adaptability is key. Their daily reality includes:
- Unpredictable conditions: From sudden downpours to traffic snarls and unplanned local events, disruptions are constant and demand quick recalibration
- Lean staffing: With only one or two road supervisors often covering entire shifts -especially overnight – coverage is stretched thin
- Split-second decisions: Without direct managerial oversight, supervisors must make critical calls in real time, balancing safety, efficiency, and service continuity
- Electric vehicle (EV) logistics: Coordinating electric vehicle charge cycles and timely swaps adds another layer of complexity, requiring both strategic foresight and operational precision.
The Solution: OnRoute FieldOps
To meet these challenges, RTC deployed OnRoute FieldOps, a lightweight mobile tool that gives supervisors real-time operational insights directly on their phones or tablets.
Key Features
- Live service monitoring: View on-time performance and route impacts instantly
- Vehicle tracking: Identify and intercept operators quickly using map-based tools
- Dispatch communication: Coordinate vehicle switch-outs with minimal notice
- EV charge management: Optimize use of charging infrastructure and plan swaps proactively
Impact on Operations
FieldOps has transformed how Derek Goodwin and his peers manage field operations by delivering tangible improvements in key areas:
Real-World Scenario: Flash Flood Response
In Washoe County’s semi-arid alpine climate, flash floods can strike with minimal warning—posing serious risks to field operations. FieldOps equips supervisors with the agility and insight needed to respond swiftly and effectively:
- Monitor route-specific service impacts in real time
- Adjust operational plans on the fly to maintain safety and service continuity
- Intercept drivers for urgent safety checks or rerouting as conditions evolve
“The real-time information helps us locate and intercept operators with little notice,” said Derek Goodwin.
Tackling EV Challenges
Across the county, effective charge management has become a daily operational priority. FieldOps gives agencies the visibility and control they need to stay ahead:
- Track real-time vehicle charge levels
- Plan vehicle swaps based on charging station availability
- Maximize uptime while minimizing service disruptions
“FieldOps helps us get the best out of our existing charging infrastructure,” explained Derek Goodwin. “It keeps us ahead of required vehicle swaps and charging opportunities.”
Conclusion
OnRoute FieldOps has become an essential asset for RTC’s road supervisors—equipping frontline staff with the agility, insight, and autonomy to keep public transits running seamlessly, regardless of the hour or the challenge.
