About Polygons

A polygon is a contained area on the system map that is defined by the user. Polygons and polygon boundaries help develop service routes as well as determine client mobility within the service area.

Defining polygons may not be necessary for your site if your area is small, if you provide service to the entire area, or if you charge a flat fare for all trips across the service area.

It is a good idea to use polygons if one or more of the following conditions apply to you:

• You abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by offering paratransit service within a 3/4 to 1–1/2 mile radius of areas where fixed route service is offered. Polygons allow you to map out boundaries and routes within ADA service areas.
• You have multiple service providers and you want to assign a specific area to each one. These areas are known as route areas or jurisdictions.
• You want to divide areas within your service area for reporting purposes or mailing lists. These areas are also known as jurisdictions. For example, if service is expected to change within a particular area, a mailing list can be generated for these clients based on their jurisdiction.
• You need to set up a fare structure that calculates fare based on travel within and between specific zones. With this structure in place, you can determine the fare for travel from zone A to B, A to C, A to D, or from one point to another within the same zone.