Baltimore, MD -- (SBWire) -- 04/14/2011 -- MJM Innovations, a firm specializing in electronic transaction software solutions and management services for the transportation industry, announced today that it has been chosen by Harris County, Texas, to implement electronic fare and data technology for the county’s RIDES program. The RIDES program provides non-emergency transportation services to the elderly, individuals with disabilities as well as low-income residents of Harris County who are unable to access traditional METRO services. Harris County, Texas is the third most-populous county in the United States, and the RIDES program provides services in more than 1,500 vehicles.
Under the provisions of the contract, MJM Innovations will develop and provide the Harris County RIDES program with the infrastructure and data capture technology that will enable the RIDES program vehicles to accept electronic payments using a magnetic swipe card. By introducing the swipe cards, Harris County will be able to eliminate the paper vouchers it currently uses.
The new systemill automatically collect and store valuable trip data that will include the date, time, distance traveled and fare information for each trip. With its new streamlined data collection process, Harris County will have increased ability to analyze the RIDES program’s performance. The RIDES program anticipates complete implementation of the new technology in September 2011.
MJM Innovations will be utilizing its proprietary EZTransport® solution. EZTransport is a Web-based software and processing application that uses swipe or smart cards to enable automated fare collection and captures fare and trip data. The technology was developed by MJM in 2002, and is currently utilized by public and private transportation programs throughout the country. The Harris County RIDES program is MJM’s second implementation of the EZTransport solution in the state of Texas. In 2006, the company implemented an EZTransport solution for Austin, Texas, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS), and has been actively involved in supporting and maintaining that program since its inception.
“RIDES provides a valuable service to the residents of Harris County who are unable to access regular public transportation, and we are honored to be able to help implement the new EZTransport solution with the RIDES program for the benefit of the county and its participants,” said Michael Stappler, Vice President and CFO, MJM Innovations.
About MJM Innovations
MJM Innovations, a management and technology company, specializes in the development of automated fare collection solutions and management services to transit agencies and aging services organizations. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Baltimore, MJM Innovations utilizes a unique blend of management and technology expertise to advance fare collection systems for both small and large agencies that provide transportation services using vans, buses and taxis. MJM Innovations’ suite of technology products are designed to streamline manual paper and cash-based systems as well as improve reporting and accounting capabilities. This in turn, reduces costs, improves efficiencies and increases customer satisfaction. For more information, please visit http://www.mjminnovations.com.
Harris County, Texas Selects MJM Innovations to Enhance RIDES Program
Firm will implement electronic fare & data capture for specialized transportation program