SmartRideshare Platform Update - June, 2019

SmartRideshare Platform Update - June, 2019

The SmartRideshare platform will undergo a major update on 06/24/2019. Below are the highlights of the update. 


Update Background

A big part of guidance for the update was the administrator feedback we received.  Thank you for providing the feedback. We use the administrator feedback in combination with changes in the TDM landscape, changes in technology and data-set analysis to build new features or update existing features. For developing improvements, the goals were to (a) reduce user and administrator effort, (b) make it simple, (c) make the system modern and contemporary.  We look forward to your continued engagement, participation and use of the SmartRideshare platform. 

New Knowledge Base

There is a new online knowledge base for network administrators. Knowledge Base Features          

  1. Access the latest product documentation
  2. Access knowledge base articles from SmartRideshare
  3. Review information on updates that are pushed out and upcoming new features 
  4. Submit contributions (knowledge base articles) to be shared with the TDM community

The documentation in the Smart Transportation site is dated and to be phased out. We recommend network administrators start reviewing and referencing product documentation available in the new knowledge base. 

Overall Updated Look and Feel (User Site)

SmartRideshare has a new look that’s optimized for use on desktop, tablet and mobile phones. Throughout the site, icons, neutral graphics, fonts and styles have been updated for improved usability. Most site functions may be accessed in a similar way or have intuitive navigation from the menu / header bar. Existing users should have no trouble locating features they use.     

  1. The menu navigation has moved to the left side and is collapsible. The platform now takes advantage of the full screen width (instead of the centered layout with margins on the side). 
  2. The home page is replaced by a Dashboard page. The dashboard features dynamic Quick Links, dynamic and auto-updated monthly Individual Leaderboard and Network Leaderboard, and more.
  3. The notifications and posts made by networks are merged into a common News Feed that may be collapsed or expanded. Incentives are shown on the dashboard.

Updated Smart Branding

The Smart Branding feature has been revamped and several additional features are available to networks that have Smart Branding. For complete updated documentation, reference the Smart Branding Guide posted in the online knowledge base.     

  1. The header image is now shown on a white background. The size of the header image is updated to a maximum of 220 x 55 pixels (recommended size is 220 x 55 pixels). The image file must have a minimum ratio of 2 x 1 and a maximum ration of 4 x 1 in terms of width x height.  For best results, use a contrasting logo that goes on top of a white background with dimensions 200 x 50.
  2. There are new fields for Domain Message Header and Domain Message Text and Customization Image.
  3. Three additional new features are available to Smart Branding portals: Network Leaderboard, GeoJSON layers and Additional Modes. 

    4. Smart Branding Portal Administrators - Action Required

    Once the update is live, portal administrators will need to complete the following.

    a) Replace the header image using the guidelines provided above.

    b) Set the new fields for Domain Message Header, Domain Message Text and Customization Image.

    c) Choose whether the portal should display a Network Leaderboard. If yes, communicate that to the SmartRideshare team.

    d) Choose whether GeoJSON layers are to be added on the interactive maps in the system. If yes, collect relevant GeoJSON data sources and forward to the SmartRideshare Team.

    e) Choose whether additional modes including BikePool and Transit are to be shown.

Updated Standard Branding

Standard Branding is available to all networks. It utilizes a common site URL where the wireframe contains “global” program logos and internally within the site in specific areas, networks can set up their own logo, push out their own communication via news feed and emails, run incentive programs using their brand, etc. The Standard Branding has many updates.        

  1.  My Networks page logos now show rounded (similar to profiles on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For best results, use a 120 x 120 pixels logo with a centered layout.  


-         

  1. The user home page content and notifications are renamed as Long Posts and Short Posts respectively. Long Posts and Short Posts are merged into a common display shown on the dashboard called News Feed.  The image associated with Long Posts is wider and the recommendation is to use an image with the ratio 3 x 1 in terms of width x height.
  2. Long Posts and Short Posts have a new date input: “Show Until”. The post is shown until the date set by the administrator.
  3. Rewards are now additionally shown on the dashboard page. Newly configured rewards and rewards that are expiring have callouts that gain attention.
  4. Contact information configured under Network - Settings is now moved to a new menu item called Support – Contacts. 

 

All Network Administrators - Action Required

Before the update is live

a) Sign up for the new knowledge base portal. The portal has useful articles and has links for updated manuals. The path of the portal is https://desk.zoho.com/portal/smartrideshare/.

b) Review updated training site and review list of updates

c) Draft a communication to communicate with your users about the site updates

 

Once the update is live

a) Replace the network logo using the guidelines provided above.

b) Check if you have any Long Posts. Replace the image associated with Long Posts using the guidelines provided above.

c) Set the new date field associated with Long Posts and Short Posts appropriately. Note – For the update, the date defaults to the date in the old system when your content would be removed from the view (90 days from the date posted).

d) Proxy into a user account that is part of your network and go to the Dashboard. Review the News Feed and make sure the Long Posts and Short Posts appear correctly.

e) Send out update communication

Updated Calendar

  1. Updated layout, new neutral icons and graphics
  2. Easily delete trips on the calendar interface
  3. Calories are tracked for bike and walk modes
  4. Calories are shown on the dashboard along with other benefits
  5. Default monthly auto-populated Individual and Network leaderboard

 

Updated Ridematching Scenarios

Adding RideMatch Trips

  1. Reduced fields requiring lesser user input
  2. Streamlined workflow
  3. Auto-completion of address (as the user types the address)
  4. Simplified entry for Ridematch trip times 
  1. Start time, Flexible by, Return Time, Flexible By are removed
  2. Work Hours replaced by Arrive By and Leave By
  3. Matching utilizes Arrive By and Leave By

Matchlist Updates

  1. Matches separated by mode and easier to visualize
  2. Carpools separated by driver / rider
  3. Matchlist includes additional Transit matching
  4. Comparison of modes [CO2 / $$]
  5. Enhanced BikePool with experience level [Beginner / Enthusiast / Experienced / Mentor]
  6. Revised search option 
  7. GeoJSON layers [Park and Ride, Bike Share, Car Share, etc.] overlayed on interactive maps
  8. Options to Set As Start and Set As Destination via GeoJSON overlays

Simplified Ridematch Requests

  1. Simplified workflow designed for quick responses without requiring instructions
  2. Ridematch requests sent have more information including map locations
  3. Users are able to directly respond to the request by replying to their email

Event Carpools

  1. Administrators do not need to create events in the system (event functionality has been removed from the administration application)
  2. Users can create one-time trips and optionally specify the event they are attending
  3. Ridematch results display shows event information if available

 

Vanpool Administration

  1. No need to generate screen name, security question & answer when creating accounts
  2. Reduced fields [Start Time, Flexible By, Return Time, Flexible By] no longer needed
  3. Data is maintained on how many times a vanpool has been contacted through the system
  4. Work address and mailing address no longer required for primary driver
  5. Reduced requirements also apply for change driver
  6. Updated Network Vanpool Listing and Vanpool Seat Finder show van number
 

Miscellaneous Updates for Usability, Performance and Responsive to Feedback

  1. Updated design for login and registration pages 
  2. Faster signup – validation link takes the user into the system directly
  3. Auto-complete locations functionality as the user starts typing in the address
  4. Change Email, Change Password, Link Accounts, Ride Match : Add Trip are now available directly as menu items
  5. SchoolPool is a new menu that appears independently. 
  6. My Inbox is no longer relevant and removed.
  7. Work-Related trip purpose is removed
  8. Screen Name – Removed as user input and de-emphasized
  9. Hide/Show my information on the matchlist setting no longer relevant and removed
  10. Address related fixes to make sure home / work / mailing address updates are made correctly
  11. Network join made simpler