Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) recently introduced several system updates to improve experiences for current and future riders.
The three LED kiosks have been installed at the Rosa Parks Terminal to provide an eye-catching and dynamic way for ECAT to disseminate information to riders and ECAT employees. One kiosk, located in the main terminal lobby, has touch-screen capabilities that enable riders to select items that are relevant to their needs or interests. Riders are able to use the interactive kiosk to view routes and fares, as well as details on system policies and updates.
“This new technology is an exciting addition to the system’s ongoing improvements,†said Tonya Ellis, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for ECAT. “We’re always striving to find ways to better serve our riders, and we think that this will be an effective tool for distributing important information to the public.â€
ECAT also added seven new vehicles in their efforts to enhance the system’s current bus fleet. The 2014 model vehicles offer a sleek design and advanced fuel technology that will benefit both the system and its riders. The acquisition of the vehicles was funded by the Federal Transit Administration through the Urbanized Area Formula Program grant.
“The ECAT team is continuously searching for smart ways to improve the system,†said Vikki Garrett, Planner at the West Florida Regional Planning Council, staff to the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). “These upgrades are just a small aspect of the team’s ongoing dedication
to meeting and surpassing the community’s needs and expectations.â€
The new buses are a result of efforts to update the current fleet to promote fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and improve the comfort and safety of passengers. The introduction of the new vehicles is the first step in the system’s plan to upgrade the entire fleet within the next few years.
For more information about ECAT, please visit goecat.com