The City of McMinnville is preparing to roll out a new software system aimed at improving sanitation services and communication with residents.
McMinnville Public Works Director Lyndon Bussell said the new software system is called RouteWare. Bussell said the new software tracks trucks in real time and optimizes garbage pickup routes. He also said the software provides real-time customer service.
“It makes our department more interactive with the citizens,” Bussell said. “They are able to request things, new garbage can lids, new garbage cans. I mean it really helps the citizens be more involved with our sanitation services. So it really ups our game and ups our service.”
Bussell said the city decided to implement the system after noticing an increase in complaints about missed trash pickups. Bussell said the new system will allow drivers and customers to report issues instantly through a mobile app.
“If a citizen wants to call in and say, ‘hey, you know, my garbage hasn’t been picked up,’ we can say, ‘well, yes, ma’am or yes, sir, the garbage truck hasn’t made it there yet, it’s en route, he will be there at this time,’” Bussell said. “Or if the garbage truck driver notices an obstruction in the way or they forgot to put up their garbage can, they can send a notification if the citizen applies for it and signs up for it. They can send a notification saying, “Hey, your garbage wasn’t out.” You know, give them a chance to put it out, and we’ll come back and get it while we’re on the route.”
Bussell said currently, most issues are not reported until the end of the day. Bussell also said the software will serve as an excellent tool for training.
“If we get new employees or some employees who are driving the garbage trucks, this will show them the optimized route,” Bussell said. “So it will show them exactly where to go, what turns to make, everything that they need to do, helps us optimize our gas efficiency and things like that.”
Bussell said the software had an implementation cost of an estimated $34,000 and will have a recurring cost of $20,000. Bussell said the software is an excellent purchase for the city.
“I absolutely think it is worth the cost, not only for the service that we provide to our citizens, but it will also be worth it in the gas savings by optimizing our routes.”
Bussell said the software has not been fully implemented, but expects the new system to be rolled out this summer.