Each MTD bus is equipped with two tools that allow the district to keep track of the number of passengers that utilize the service. The first of these is the CoPilot, an onboard computer that maintains records of passenger boardings, alightings, passenger load (at any given time), driver’s schedule adherence, fare types utilized by passengers, and many other functions. Every MTD bus also features an infrared “curtain” that is found on each door. This sensor is able to detect the movement of passengers entering and exiting the bus. 

When a bus operator’s shift begins, he or she logs onto the CoPilot and into a specific “block” which is a portion of the route that they will be performing. Once the operator is logged into their block, the infrared sensor will collect data on the days’ passenger traffic. At night, when the bus returns to the garage, data collected by the CoPilot is downloaded to the MTD’s statistics program (MOBILEstatistics). 

When data is collected from the fleet, it is examined by our Transportation Analyst.  These figures are then used to complete ridership reports that are used for a variety of purposes including MTD reporting to the Federal government.