Harnessing Positive Pressure

In the wake of the pandemic, public transit faces a dual challenge and opportunity. Nationwide, ridership remains 30% below pre-pandemic levels, a statistic from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) that underscores the ongoing struggle for recovery. However, a closer look at urban centers like Los Angeles reveals a silver lining: weekend ridership on the LA Metro has surged to nearly 97% of pre-pandemic numbers, thanks primarily to large events across the city.

This phenomenon, dubbed “positive pressure” by industry leaders, highlights the potential of concerts, sports events, and cultural gatherings to not only boost ridership but also introduce new users to public transit systems.

AlphaVu stands at the forefront of harnessing this positive pressure to benefit transit agencies and customers alike. Our services are designed to monitor public and customer sentiment across various platforms, providing agencies with actionable insights into rider experiences and expectations.

This capability is particularly valuable in the context of large events, which often serve as a litmus test for the efficiency, safety, and overall appeal of public transit options.

The Role of LARGE EVENTS in Shaping Public Transit

The Taylor Swift Eras Tour, annual championships like the Super Bowl, and the upcoming car-free Olympics in LA, along with the World Cup hosted across multiple U.S. cities, underscore the significant impact of large events on public transit usage.

These events not only attract new riders but also spotlight the importance of infrastructure adjustments like security enhancements, wayfinding optimized for customer experience, and contactless fare options to name a few.

Feedback around these events, as monitored by AlphaVu, reveals a demand for services that cater not only to event-goers but also to everyday commuters.

Special Events’ Effects on Engagement & Sentiment

Public engagement and average sentiment in Southern California among local residents and visitors discussing transit service and special events.

AlphaVu sets transit agencies apart by turning large events into milestones for reputation enhancement and service optimization.

Our approach leverages social media to engage communities proactively before, during, and after events, ensuring positive experiences are shared widely. Before events, we identify key sentiment trends, enabling tailored communications. During events, real-time social media insights allow for immediate engagement and celebration of transit successes.

Afterward, our analysis highlights feedback and trends, focusing on continuous service improvement without dwelling on shortcomings. This cycle of engagement and improvement transforms each event into an opportunity for public transit systems to showcase responsiveness and commitment to rider satisfaction, cementing their role as vital community pillars.