Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, Inc. (RTEC)

RTEC rolls out its new Intercity Bus Wraps by SignSmith Design, Donavon Smith.  The routes will run to Lexington on Monday-Friday and to Frankfort, Nashville, or Knoxville on a demand response basis.  RTEC is seeking new passengers to ride the JARC and New Freedom routes as well.

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RTEC CONGRATULATES MECHANICS RICK FRY AND RANDY RENNER  Rick Fry, head mechanic at RTEC has been awarded the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Silver Medallion.  The medallion, which is given only to those who have been ASE-certified for 25 years or over, is a tremendous source of pride for Rick, who is an ASE Master -- meaning that he is an expert in all eight ASE subjects: engine repair; automatic transmission/transaxle; manual drive train and axles; suspension and steering; brakes; electrical systems; heating and air conditioning; and engine performance.  "This award," Rick said, "is proof of the commitment I have to the automotive industry, of the great pride and honesty that I apply to my work."  Rick has worked at RTEC for two-and-a-half years and says that what he likes best about working at RTEC is the relaxed, friendly and ethical atmosphere.  When asked what his next milestone will be, Rick simply grinned and said "Another 25 years!"

Randy Renner, also a mechanic at RTEC and a former student of Rick's from his days as an automotive instructor at Rockcastle Vocational School, has just received his second ASE certification, making him an expert in engine repair, suspension and steering.  "My ASE certifications," said Randy, "show the pride I put into my work and the high quality of work that I am capable."  Randy has been with RTEC for almost a year.  Though he likes the close relationships he has with his coworkers, Randy says that what he likes most about working at RTEC is "the feeling I get watching a vehicle leave the garage, knowing full well that it is safe, sound and ready to receive passengers." Randy plans to earn the remaining six ASE certifications and become a Master, like his friend and former instructor, Rick.             Gary Reppert, Fleet Manager at RTEC complimented the mechanics and garage crew, stating that "Both Rick and Randy are highly devoted to maintaining a safe fleet of vehicles ready for the operations in RTEC service area". The RTEC office staff commended the mechanics for the recent well-deserved awards.

Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, Inc. (RTEC)

ADOPTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Shirley Cummins, Executive Director for Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, Inc. (RTEC) announced they have entered into a contract with Avail Technologies to update 140 vehicles with Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s). The funds for the new equipment and technology were made possible through a Section 5309 Grant with the Kentucky Office of Transportation Delivery.

Avail Technologies is the successful bidder following RTEC’s request for proposals for Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVLs) and the mobile data computer equipment. Bids were reviewed in March and the contract was awarded in April this year, beginning with the Proof-of-Concept to be certain that the proposed equipment would be effective in the rural area of Southeast Kentucky.

The Proof-of-Concept was completed in June at RTEC’s office in Mount Vernon. During this test RTEC was able to test the units in the field and track the vehicles from the office. RTEC was very pleased with the outcome of the test and the ability of the units! Over the next couple of months TranSched and Digital Dispatch Systems (DDS) will complete the interface between their software and hardware. Once the interface is complete, installation of the units will begin. The next phase of the project is a 30-unit vehicle test before installing equipment in 110 vehicles, the final phase of the project.

Avail Technologies contracted to install DDS MC 1790 Windows CE device. This is a very practical size device with a color touch screen that also provides mapping capabilities to the vehicle operators. TranSched will interface the current scheduling and dispatching software TransView. Avail will enlist installation and support of the mobile units through Wilson & Deal Communications of Somerset. For data transfer, RTEC will be using Cellular Digital Packet Data, otherwise known as CDPD, provided by Cellular One. Besides having the ability to provide up-to-date information on vehicle locations for clients, the use of MDT’s will also provide RTEC with a more accurate reporting capability. RTEC is very excited to be working with Avail and are eager to get the vehicles installed with the MDT’s and provide our clients with the best transportation available.

RTEC anticipates that by the beginning of the New Year to have vehicles installed with the MC 1790’s and data transfer-taking place. The MDT will provide accurate odometer readings (or mileage) and accurate vehicle location, as well as Latitude, Longitude and current speed. The interface between the MDT and RTEC’s TransView software will immediately update the software on no-shows or instantly let drivers know of cancellations without voice contact from dispatch.

Gary Higgins, Information Systems Technician is the project manager for the AVL/MDT installation.

Check back often to see the latest changes in technologies taking place at RTEC.

February 10, 2004 - AVAIL Technologies delivered the new equipment for Automatic Vehicle Locators and Mobile Data Computers and the installation is well underway.   The next phase includes testing on the first 30 units installed.  If all goes well (as anticipated), the installation of the 110 units will begin.  Concurrently, RTEC will receive a TransView software update through TranSched or the automated dispatch system that will include Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and enhanced billing system.

May 11, 2005 - The AVL & MDT equipment is installed and 140 vehicles are in the final test mode and transportation specialists are being trained to use the new equipment.

July 23, 2007 - Avail Technologies has installed AVL/MDT equipment in 175 vehicles of RTEC, including its subcontractors. 

RTEC Working towards Securing a Trolley for Rockcastle County:

RTEC is currently running several feasibility studies and trial fixed routes shuttling tourists to and from Renfro Valley and Mt. Vernon in an attempt to gain public interest and improve visibility of attractions to visitors. The ultimate goal being that of securing a Trolley for Rockcastle and having a link between two prominent areas of growing appeal to guests of our community.

During Mount Vernon’s annual Bittersweet Festival, RTEC Driver Lola Swinney shuttled numerous visitors to our community from their Motels or RV Parks to the Bittersweet Festival and to Renfro Valley Village shops.

October 11-12, 2003

October 10-12, 2003