Ketchikan's The Bus improves staff and rider communication with Swiftly

Ketchikan had two primary goals

Goal 1:
Provide a streamlined, resilient operational system to the team

See improved operations

Goal 2:
Bring high-quality, accurate real-time data to riders

Check out rider impact

The Bus at a glance

Ketchikan, AK

Fleet of 12 buses

453k annual passenger trips

Goal 1: Provide a streamlined, resilient operational system to the team

Products:

  • Live Operations
    Service Adjustments
    Onboard App

Outcomes:

  • 4.4k service adjustments communicated in March 2025, mostly in response to a landslide

  • Staff get real-time vehicle assignment and location for daily and emergency operations

  • Operators access modern navigation and schedule adherence information from tablet-based Onboard App

We rely on Service Adjustments almost daily. Whether we’re implementing major detours or temporarily suspending service to certain areas, this tool allows us to clearly communicate with the public—not just that a stop is closed, but exactly where the bus is going.”
—Stephanie Bushong, Deputy Director
We use Onboard App so frequently that it’s become a bit of an inside joke. When a driver asks, ‘Am I supposed to do this?’—the answer is always the same: ‘Just follow the tablet.’”
—Vanessa Gossman, Operations Supervisor
Learn more

Goal 2: Bring high-quality, accurate real-time data to riders

Products:

  • Real-Time Passenger Predictions

  • Service Adjustments

    Rider Alerts

Outcomes:

  • 10% more real-time data captured

  • Fewer "Where's my bus?" calls

  • Increased ridership from both local residents and visitors

  • Reliable service provided even after emergencies

The communication aspect has been exceptional. Many visitors may have never used public transit before, so providing them with access to information through platforms like Google Maps or the Transit app, tools they’re already familiar with, is absolutely essential. This is how we effectively serve the public, and this is how we ensure consistency in doing so.”
—Kyan Reeve, Transit Director
Learn more

See the impact at your agency

Contact us for a look at how we can improve your agency's proactive operations and passenger information.

Request a demo
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.