Verizon Business, EZ-Rider partner to help boost rider safety across the Permian Basin
At a glance
- Verizon Business is partnering with EZ-Rider to replace legacy radio systems with cellular-based technology, eliminating communication gaps across the Permian Basin.
- This collaboration demonstrates Verizon Business's commitment to delivering tailored, reliable connectivity solutions designed to address the specific, localized challenges of public sector organizations.
MIDLAND, TX—Today, Verizon Business announced a partnership with the Midland Odessa Urban Transit District to provide connectivity to bus routes across Midland and Odessa, helping create a safer riding experience for the area’s more than 275,000 yearly riders.
Locally known as EZ-Rider, the service operates fixed-route bus services, ADA paratransit, and the EZ-Connect commuter service between Midland and Odessa. This small metro area in Texas is isolated from other large population centers, but still boasts nearly 250,000 residents across the two cities.
Until recently, EZ-Rider utilized a legacy radio system for their dispatch to communicate with their fleet of buses. This depended on local radio repeaters which had coverage gaps that made maintaining reliable communications with drivers in certain areas challenging.
To help overcome these challenges Verizon delivered the Siyata SD7, push-to-talk-over-cellular devices powered by Verizon’s network, coupled with the Siyata VK7, allowing EZ-Rider bus drivers to stay in contact with dispatch across their service area in the Permian Basin, to include the areas where there were once gaps in coverage.
By eliminating previous coverage gaps, drivers across the entire service area can now maintain a more consistent, reliable communication link with dispatchers. This helps ensure that in the event of an emergency, mechanical failure, or passenger issue, staff can instantly coordinate a rapid and effective response. This seamless connectivity empowers drivers to manage critical situations immediately, rather than waiting until they re-enter a coverage zone.
Verizon will also provide connectivity to routers installed in the buses and tablets leveraging fleet-tracking software.
“We’re thankful for Verizon coming to us, learning how we serve the area, and coming up with the best solution to solve the connection gaps,” said Adrian Renteria, EZ-Rider IT Director. “Now our drivers have the ability to keep in touch with us no matter where they are in the service area, keeping our riders safe.”
This collaboration in the Permian Basin further underscores Verizon Business’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address unique, localized challenges.
“We are committed to supporting communities, large and small, by bringing them the reliable connectivity they deserve,” said Minerva DeSchepper, Verizon Business client executive. “Whether it’s ensuring the safety of transit riders or equipping first responders with critical tools, we believe that providing reliable, secure technology is essential to helping our customers meet their evolving needs.”
Verizon Business proudly supports the public sector and the multifaceted needs of federal, state, and local governments, including public transit and public education entities. Learn more at our site.
