Martz Trailways Rider WiFi with CradlePoint Routers

Martz Trailways Chooses Cradlepoint

Martz Uses Cradlepoint Mobile Routers to Provide Wi-Fi Service to Passengers

The Cradlepoint M2M router enables our Martz Trailways drivers to accept and validate pass tickets and instantly creates a Wi-Fi hotspot on Martz motorcoaches that any Wi-Fi enabled device can connect to – laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, etc. The router connects to the Internet via 3G/4G mobile broadband networks (e.g., Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, etc.). The result is reliable web and email access for Martz Trailways business systems and customers. Anywhere, anytime.

The Challenge

Accepting and Validating Passenger Tickets Electronically

Martz Trailways wanted its drivers to be able to accept and validate passenger tickets electronically (versus collecting paper tickets and bringing them back to the office for manual entry into the system). This required Internet connectivity for their motorcoaches. But when the company first began looking at mobile broadband routers, the cost was prohibitive: “The initial options for routers were too pricey when you consider we have over 80 vehicles,” reports General Manager Bob Chepalonis. “Plus, the units were too large – about the size of a laptop. We needed something compact that could tuck away out of sight.”

The Solution

Cradlepoint Mobile Routers with Remote Management

As Martz continued to explore options, their vendor pointed the company to CradlePoint routers. “The solution of an economical router came to us from the Gateway software people, who were helping us with the paperless ticketing system. When we investigated CradlePoint, the price point was excellent. No one else came close,” says Bob.

“In addition, the CradlePoint router that we chose is small enough so we could install it in a concealed, out-of-the-way spot where no one could tamper with it.”

The company plans to have the backend of the paperless ticketing system in place by summer. In the meantime, the Cradlepoint mobile broadband infrastructure is the first piece to be put into place. “With paperless ticketing, our drivers will just scan a bar code on the ticket and the information will go through the Cradlepoint router, over the Internet and right to our back office,” notes Bob. “We’ll be able to view data in real-time, instead of the two-week lag that the current manual process entails.”

Bob continues: “In addition, our customers had been asking for Wi-Fi access for a while, but the cost was just too prohibitive. But now, Cradlepoint makes it affordable. In fact, we use Wi-Fi as a marketing tool to attract new riders. Customers have positively commented on the free Wi-Fi we offer. Better yet, our competition does not offer it."

The Benefits

Simple, Reliable, Remote Connectivity with Cradlepoint

Simple. “Installation was very simple,” notes Bob. “We wired it to a “keyed-on” power source.”
Reliable. “We’ve been using the CradlePoint routers for over 6 months now on our motorcoaches,” reports Bob, “and we have had no failures.”
Performance. “The fact that we’ve had no complaints from customers about speed or performance of the Wi-Fi speaks for itself,” says Bob.
Robust Feature Set. “With the functionality offered in the admin menu, we were able to lock out certain websites, while still allowing customers normal Internet and email use,” explains Bob.
Support. “On the initial setup, the one broadband card from Verizon was not compatible with the router,” reports Bob. “Cradlepoint went to Verizon and was able to have that as a compatible card within a few days. That is pretty good support!”
Affordable. “CradlePoint was the most economical choice when we first got them,” says Bob. “And they’re still the most economical choice.”

Bob adds one final thought: “The Cradlepoint routers were small enough that we could install them out of sight.”

The Team

Device Provisioning, Activation and Installation Services

Over 25 years ago, the founders of USAT built a business at the intersection of information and operations technology. From day one, our team has dedicated their time to helping organizations improve the speed and efficiency of critical data communications for human and machine assets to excel in the field.

Since our founding, USAT has enabled hundreds of private and public bus lines use secure wireless communications technology to their operations.

Better communications keep critical systems running longer, enable faster repairs, and reduce operating costs. Reach out to USAT to procure, provision, activate, and install all the devices your organization needs to succeed in a technology driven world.