September 2007

Common Technology Combinations

Daily Operations
Many rural transit agencies provide demand-response service. Combined with Computer-Aided Dispatch and Scheduling (CADS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AVL allows vehicles to be rerouted in real time to accommodate schedule changes and optimize the number of trips provided. Agencies often realize reductions in nonrevenue miles, passenger wait times, and fleet size. With the addition of Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), drivers can be provided with maps and directions for each segment of their route.

Safety and Security
Many AVL systems incorporate silent alarms which allow drivers to covertly alert transit management and police of emergency situations. The vehicle location is displayed on a GIS map to facilitate incident response.

More Technology Facts

Photo of a bus traveling a highway past a body of water.

Traveler Information
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides AVL data to passengers via its online GIS system. Passengers can check the status of their bus before going to the bus stop.

Maintenance
Ottumwa Transit Authority uses its AVL/MDT system to relay mechanical information about vehicles remotely. This allows maintenance staff to monitor the needs of remotely garaged vehicles.