September 2007

Fixed Route Bus Core Technologies

Technologies and Systems	Small Bus Agency (<100 vehicles)	Large Bus Agency (100+ Vehicles)
1. Automatic Vehicle Location	Basic AVL system (e.g., commercial internet-based) for planning or real-time operations	More advanced system with extensive integration, especially with communications and scheduling systems for real-time operations
2. Wireless Communication     Network	Voice only network for small agencies and expanded communications for dispatching and incident response functions
3. Text-Based Communications	NOT A CORE TECHNOLOGY	Utilize Mobile Data Terminals (MDT); preserves voice channel
4. Traveler Information Website	Static route, schedule, contact info on website	Trip Planner, in addition to extensive transit info
5. Data Management Software	Very basic data spreadsheet and storage	More advanced system with data integration and voluminous data levels from AVL
6. Geographic Information System	NOT A CORE TECHNOLOGY	Integrate GIS with AVL to graph real-time info for both operations control and security
7. Automated System Planning     and Scheduling Software	NOT A CORE TECHNOLOGY	Integrate real-time vehicle tracking with scheduling software and Trip Planner
8. Maintenance Systems	NOT A CORE TECHNOLOGY	Focus on asset management within garage environment, including monitoring of life-cycle costs & inventory needs
9. Electronic Card Payment	Intelligent farebox with data storage (off-the-shelf tech)	Magnetic, closed system with intelligent farebox
10. Security Cameras	Cameras used for basic events recording with no real-time connections	Part of security system that integrates AVL, silent alarms and wireless communications
11. Automatic Passenger Counters	NOT A CORE TECHNOLOGY	Deployment on 10% of fleet sufficient for sampling purposes
NON-CORE SECONDARY TECHNOLOGIES TO CONSIDER FOR FIXED ROUTE BUS TRANSIT
A. Traffic Signal Priority	Deploy if used by other transit in metropolitan area	Develop along transit corridors; Most applicable to Express Bus or Bus Rapid Transit
B. Incident Management	Small agencies are involved in IM thru coordinated communications	Expand interoperability of all systems, especially internal and external communications