September 2007

Some Factors to Consider

AVL systems provide a number of benefits, including:

• Interoperability with existing and planned technologies
• Flexibility for changes in fleet size
• Capability for testing technology on a subset of vehicles
• Capacity for data storage and analysis
• System-sharing across modes and across agencies in a regional context

	Transit Mode
	Fixed Route Bus	Demand Response	Rural Transit	Human Services Transit	Rail Transit	Ferry Boat
LargeAgency
Medium Agency			If AVL is desired, use low-cost, cell phone, internet-service option		Light Rail with Transit Signal Priority
Small Agency		If AVL is desired, use low-cost, cellular phone, internet-based service option

AVL systems are available at a wide range of costs and levels of sophistication to satisfy the budget constraints and needs of most agencies. Smaller agencies may wish to consider off-the-shelf, web-based systems, while larger agencies can contract with a vendor to install customized, integrated systems.

Agencies that have already implemented some of the technologies can extract more benefits by adding AVL. In general, AVL is a core technology for larger agencies, especially bus and multimodal agencies, as they can spread the cost of the system over a larger fleet size. Larger agencies also require more complex analytical tools for systems planning and fleet management. Human services and demand-response agencies can capture the most benefits from an AVL-based communications and dispatching system that allows for dynamic rerouting and more efficient fleet utilization.