Washington State ferry underway overlaid on the bridge of a ferry featuring Furuno navigation displays mounted with RAM® socket arms. Case study showcasing how Furuno and WSDOT improved commercial marine navigation with RAM® Mounts.

Fairfield County Transit Modernizes In-Vehicle iPad Deployment with RAM® Mounts

IntelliSkin® wrapped iPad 11th Gen paired with GDS®Tough-Dock™ helped Fairfield County Transit modernize driver operations to improve the rider experience.

The Challenge

Fairfield County Transit manages public transportation services across the county, requiring dependable in-vehicle technology that drivers can rely on throughout long operating hours. The transit authority implemented new software platforms: The Routing Company for routing, scheduling, navigation, and dispatching, and EZFare for ticketing and fare collection.


The team faced ongoing issues with their in-vehicle iPad deployment. Frequent charging failures caused disruptions during routes, while constant plugging and unplugging created wear on charging ports and led to damaged devices over time.


Fairfield County Transit needed a solution that could:

  • Eliminate frequent charging failures disrupting daily operations
  • Protect devices from damage caused by repeated cable plugging and unplugging
  • Securely mount tablets while allowing easy adjustability for drivers
  • Intuitive and durable system that could stand up to the demands of a high-use transit environment
Furuno MU152HD marine navigation display mounted with a RAM® E size socket arm at the conning station of a Washington State ferry.
Image provided by Fairfield County Transit

The Solution

RAM® Mounts provided Fairfield County Transit with the GDS® Tough-Dock™ paired with IntelliSkin® Next Gen for iPad 11th Gen, integrated into the team’s existing mounting setup.


IntelliSkin® sleeve transforms the iPad into a durable, fleet-ready device by eliminating direct cable connections and replacing them with a rugged pogo pin docking interface. This removes strain from the charging port while simplifying the docking process for drivers throughout their shifts. 


The GDS® Tough-Dock™ delivered reliable charging and a secure hold designed for constant vehicle movement and daily use. Drivers immediately noticed the “solid” feel of the dock, giving them confidence that devices would remain stable and connected while in operation.


Fairfield County Transit researched various fleet mounting solutions through ChatGPT and discovered IntelliSkin® NextGen and GDS® Tough-Dock™ solutions. After further evaluation, the team determined that no mounting alternative matched the durability, simplicity, and functionality provided by GDS® Technology™ for their transit fleet.

The Results

Following the deployment of the RAM® solution, Fairfield County Transit eliminated many of the hardware frustrations associated with their previous setup. Drivers now experience a faster, more reliable docking workflow without worrying about worn charging cables or inconsistent power connections.


The combination of IntelliSkin® and the GDS® Tough-Dock™improved device longevity while delivering the rugged reliability needed to support daily transit operations and the organization’sbroader modernization efforts.


RAM® Mounts helped Fairfield County Transit by:

Eliminating charging failures caused by cable wear and tear

Increased durability and lifespan of all deployed iPads

Simplified the docking experience for drivers

Delivered a secure, reliable mounting and charging solutionfor daily transit operations