Navigating Time Zone Challenges in Trip Booking with Spedsta

Hello, and welcome to this SPEDSTA tutorial. Today, I’ll show you how to set up dispatchers in different time zones than the passengers they’re booking rides for. Imagine your central dispatch area is in Pacific Time, like Los Angeles, and you’re booking rides for passengers in Eastern Time, like New York. Click HERE for a video walk through.

First, there’s a backend setting that needs to be enabled by SPEDSTA. Once enabled, your dispatchers can book rides across multiple time zones. Here on the dashboard, you can see this setting is checked, allowing for cross-time zone bookings.

When you book a ride, you’ll notice a new suffix showing the time zone. For instance, if a ride is booked in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), you’ll see it noted as 1 p.m. EDT.

To book a ride, select a passenger, such as Betty Boop. Now, you can set the member’s time zone. Let’s say Betty is in Chicago, which is Central Time. You’d select Chicago, proceed with the booking as usual, and set the ride for 3 p.m. Central Time. Even if you’re in Los Angeles booking at 1 p.m. your time, it will show 3 p.m. Central Time on the dashboard.

This feature ensures accurate scheduling and clarity across different time zones. It’s an essential tool for efficient and respectful dispatching.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MIKE B.

Mike is a seasoned transportation consultant and technology advocate. Drawing from years of experience in the transportation industry, Mike bridges the gap between innovative software solutions and practical implementation strategies. His articles focus on the transformative power of software for organizations that deliver transportation options for the elderly, special needs and disabled communities. Outside his writing endeavors, Mike enjoys exploring the landscapes of Costa Rica and advocating for sustainable transportation initiatives.