Why real-time optimization is replacing batch scheduling in transit

Why outdated scheduling is draining agency budgets—and how real-time optimization solves it

Transit agencies are paying more but getting less.

Operating costs have jumped 50% over the last two decades, yet service levels have barely changed—growing only 8% in the same period (McKinsey). Rising costs and staffing shortages are putting agencies in a tough spot: how can they stretch resources without sacrificing service?

Batch scheduling makes the problem worse. Most agencies still rely on outdated scheduling methods that can’t adjust when things change—leading to empty vehicles, wasted budget, and service disruptions.

The solution? Real-time optimization—now powered by live Google traffic data. 

Instead of reacting to problems, agencies can adjust schedules in real time, improving efficiency, cutting costs, and making service more reliable for riders.

How batch scheduling increases costs and inefficiencies in transit operations

Batch scheduling assumes everything will go according to plan—but transit is unpredictable. Traffic delays, last-minute trip cancellations, and driver shortages happen every day. When they do, legacy scheduling systems can’t adapt fast enough.

How batch scheduling drives up costs:

• Inefficient dispatching: With our recent engine advancements, one agency partner has been able to cut manual dispatcher intervention by over 60%. That’s thanks to Automatic Overrides—a feature that handles schedule changes behind the scenes so dispatchers don’t have to.
• Wasted capacity: Fixed schedules leave vehicles running at suboptimal utilization, leading to empty miles and higher fuel costs.
• Higher third-party costs: Inefficient scheduling forces agencies to outsource rides, adding thousands in monthly expenses. Spare’s integration with Google Live Traffic helps agencies better utilize their own fleet by automatically rerouting vehicles around congestion—reducing reliance on third-party providers and cutting costs. of dollars per month in expenses.

The alternative? Real-time optimization dynamically adjusts schedules in the moment—eliminating manual guesswork and ensuring agencies use every resource efficiently. With Google Live Traffic baked into Spare Engine, rerouting happens automatically—so resources are used efficiently, even when conditions change minute to minute.

Real-time optimization vs. continuous dynamic optimization (CDO): What’s the difference?

Traditional scheduling relies on batch processing, where routes are locked in advance. Real-time optimization improves this by adjusting schedules dynamically when conditions change.

Continuous dynamic optimization (CDO) takes this further by constantly reshuffling trips before and during service, making sure every ride is placed in the most efficient order and every resource is used optimally.

And now with Google Live Traffic powering routing decisions, Spare Engine can adapt even faster—accounting for road closures, congestion, and more in real time.

This means fewer empty miles, faster response to service disruptions, and better fleet utilization—without dispatchers needing to intervene. Because Spare Engine reassesses in real-time, it can adapt quickly as demand shifts—keeping trips efficient and service reliable.

How real-time optimization improves transit scheduling and service reliability

8:00 AM on a Monday: Your agency has a full schedule of paratransit trips. 

Then:

• A vehicle breaks down, leaving riders without service. 
• A last-minute ride cancellation frees up a seat—but the manifest is locked.
• Traffic congestion causes delays, throwing the entire schedule off.

The Old Way (Batch Scheduling & Manual Intervention)

• Dispatchers manually identify vehicle breakdowns and call drivers to reassign trips.
• Canceled trips result in empty vehicle seats because manifests are locked, preventing schedule adjustments.
• Riders face unpredictable wait times due to a lack of real-time scheduling adjustments.
• The agency incurs higher costs from inefficient fleet usage, added dispatcher workload, and lost service opportunities.

The New Way (Real-Time Optimization with Spare Engine)

• The system automatically detects issues and reassigns trips in seconds—without manual dispatcher intervention.
• New bookings, delays, and cancellations are dynamically adjusted to optimize vehicle utilization.
• Riders receive real-time notifications on updated pickup times, improving reliability and service satisfaction.
• Fewer disruptions mean lower operating costs, reduced fuel waste, and improved service quality.

The takeaway: Agencies that embrace real-time optimization maximize fleet efficiency, lower costs, and improve service reliability—without adding more resources.
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Agencies using real-time optimization aren’t just seeing small improvements. They’re achieving major cost savings, higher efficiency, and better service reliability.

• Winnipeg: Eliminated reliance on third-party operators, saving hundreds of thousands annually. Fleet efficiency improved, reducing outsourced trips by 32%.
• Durham: Increased on-time performance (OTP) from 78% to 92%, reducing late-trip penalties and improving service reliability.
• PSTA Transdev: Improved passengers per vehicle hour (PPVH) from 1.15 to 1.27, reducing deadhead miles and lowering fuel and labor costs.

The takeaway: Agencies that modernize their scheduling with real-time optimization see measurable, bottom-line improvements.

Why real-time optimization is a critical investment for transit agencies

For transit leaders managing tight budgets while improving service, real-time optimization delivers results where it matters most:

• Lower costs → Less reliance on third-party operators, reduced empty miles, and better fleet efficiency.
• Improved reliability → Fewer scheduling errors, more on-time trips, and a better rider experience.
• Increased efficiency → Less dispatcher intervention, more automation, and optimized routes.

Instead of constantly fixing scheduling issues, transit leaders can focus on proactively improving service quality.

Why batch scheduling is unsustainable—and why agencies need to modernize now

Relying on legacy scheduling is unsustainable.

Agencies that continue using batch scheduling will struggle with rising costs, inefficiencies, and declining service reliability. Real-time optimization isn’t the future—it’s already here.

We’re helping transit agencies across North America reduce costs, optimize resources, and improve service reliability.

Learn more about how agencies are cutting costs with real-time optimization—schedule a demo today.

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