Room: Mississauga AB
Sponsor(s)
 
Session Description
The Latest in Paratransit Optimization
Stream: Operations Stream
Moderator: Stephen Labelle – Saugeen Mobility
Speaker: Anthony Pezzetti – Durham Region Transit
Durham Region Transit (DRT) has provided On Demand transit services since 2020. In 2021, DRT started comingling On Demand and Specialized Transit, embarking on a multi-year continuous improvement venture, with an objective of providing reliable and efficient services for customers across the Region. Today, DRT leverages technology and service delivery through a contract services model, while maintaining a direct relationship with its customers. Service equity, service accessibility and customer-focused delivery are driving factors as DRT evolves to meet customers’ needs.
One Platform, Two Service Models: How Niagara Transit Unified In-House and Contracted Operations (TBC)
Speaker: Kate McNamara, RideCo
As transit agencies expand on-demand, specialized, and paratransit services, many face growing complexity when operating a mix of in-house and contracted models. Niagara Transit undertook a significant transformation to unify these services under a single operational and technology framework—improving efficiency, consistency, and the rider experience while maintaining flexibility across service types.
This session explores how Niagara Transit integrated in-house and contracted operations using a shared technology platform, aligning booking, dispatch, customer service, and performance management across service models. Speakers will discuss why the agency chose to pursue integration, how technology supported both operational structures, and what changed behind the scenes for staff, contractors, and riders.
Through a candid case study approach, the session will highlight lessons learned during implementation, early operational outcomes, and practical insights for agencies considering similar integrations. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how unified platforms can support diverse service models while improving reliability, scalability, and customer experience.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the drivers behind integrating in-house and contracted transit services
• Learn how a single platform can support multiple operational models
• Gain practical insights into operational changes and implementation challenges
• Hear real-world lessons that can inform future service design decisions
Speaker: Praveen Arichandran – Argo
Argo’s Smart Routing™ solution augments conventional transit networks with on-demand first and last mile service. Drawing on live deployments in Brampton and Bradford West Gwillimbury, where daily ridership more than doubled and GO Station connections increased 5.5x, this session presents practical insights on expanding equitable access, serving riders with mobility needs, and driving incremental ridership growth to fixed transit lines while maintaining sustainable municipal operating budgets.
Speaker(s) / Presenter(s)
Bio:
Anthony Pezzetti is currently the Deputy General Manager Operations of Durham Region Transit (DRT). In his role, he is responsible for the planning and delivery of conventional and on demand transit services, as well as managing Safety and Training for DRT. Anthony has been with DRT for the past two years, joining after 18-years with Metrolinx, where his primary focus was on service delivery of GO Bus and GO Rail, as well as leading the operational readiness of the new Union Station Bus Terminal, located within CIBC Square in Toronto. Outside of work, Anthony is a passionate road cyclist and a competitive curler.Â
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Moderator(s)
Stephen Labelle – General Manager, Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit
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