Transit Core Technologies

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL): An AVL system is a computer-based vehicle tracking system that uses a specific location technology (usually Global Positioning Satellites - GPS) and a method of transmitting the location data (via a traditional radio frequency or a cellular-based communications system) from the vehicle to a dispatch center. This enables the public transportation agency to monitor the real-time position of its vehicles.

Transit Communications: Communication systems are any technology used to pass information from one user to another user in a useable form via wire, radio, laser, or other links. Typical basic transit communication starts with the conventional land mobile communication (primarily the analog radio). Communication systems can now be used to transmit voice, text, data, and video, while advanced communication systems are now enabling remote vehicle control.

Traveler Information: Traveler Information Systems (TIS) enable the transit customer to receive travel information regarding the transit mode or other modes that the traveler may take. TIS include a broad range of computer and communication technologies, ranging from a customer service phone line to the ability for the traveler to obtain automated trip planning assistance and real-time transit and traffic information over a variety of media.

Data Management and GIS (Geographic Information System): Data Management Systems incorporate technologies to allow a transit agency to gather, manage, report, and store (archive) any desired set of data relating to clients, schedules, trips, and billing. GIS is a computer mapping application that displays and analyzes the spatial relationship of the different data such as vehicle routes, trip pick-up and drop-off points, transit stops, streets, landmarks, and terrain characteristics. GIS is often used to graphically display AVL data.

Computer Aided Dispatch and Scheduling (CADS): Transit-specific software that incorporates transit routes, schedules, any trip orders, and vehicle assignments to allow dispatchers to know where the transit vehicles are located, which enables dispatchers to more efficiently dispatch trip requests or to better maintain service and respond to disruptions, such as a disabled bus. CAD is often integrated with AVL, GIS, and MDT technologies to provide advanced real-time system capabilities.

Maintenance Management: In-vehicle diagnostics system that monitors conditions of transit vehicle components, especially the engines, and provides failure warnings. Out-of-tolerance conditions may be passed on to dispatch in real-time using a radio data connection between the transit vehicle and central control or downloaded during vehicle servicing at the transit garage. This system includes software that manages the maintenance records of each transit vehicle and parts inventories. This type of system is also known as Vehicle Component Monitoring, Automatic Vehicle Monitoring, and Maintenance Tracking.

Electronic Fare Payment: Electronic Fare Payment and Collection Systems are automated means of collecting and processing fares that enable customers to use a variety of mediums (magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, credit cards, tokens, cash) to pay for transit trips, while simplifying the fare collection for the transit providers. It is possible for the bar codes on a fare media to be configured to enable automated passenger identification for billing purposes. Advanced payment systems also allow for multiple uses of the cards used to pay the transit fare.

Security Cameras and Systems: Security systems are technologies that enhance the security (and possibly safety) of transit customers, personnel, equipment, and facilities. Technologies include radio communications, silent alarms, covert microphones, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras (also known as video surveillance), AVL and other equipment that assist transit agencies in monitoring and responding to situations on board vehicles, along the routes, and at transit facilities.

Weather Information Systems: Systems that provide weather information tailored to particular agency requirements, including current and forecast road, surface, or travel conditions (e.g., flooding, heat advisories, wind advisories, visibility, icing conditions, water temperature). These systems use sensors located at environmental sensor stations (ESS) to monitor the conditions. This information must be timely and accurate in order to be of significant benefit to transportation decision-makers.

Automatic Passenger Counter (APC): An on-board or in-facility data collection tool that automatically counts passenger boardings and alightings by time and location. APC technologies include treadle mats, horizontal or vertical infrared beams, or machine vision applications. APC data can be used for real-time service monitoring or service planning purposes.

Traffic Signal Priority (TSP): TSP systems (also know as Adaptive Signal Timing) are means of giving emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) or high occupancy vehicles (especially light rail trains and buses) priority at traffic signals by truncating the red signal phase or extending the green phase in order to minimize the emergency or transit vehicle delay. The priority may be actuated manually (e.g., by the driver pressing a switch on the bus), or automatically (e.g., linked to an AVL system).