S.F. showcases ‘Superbus’

At the ITS World Congress last week, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) unveiled its new “Superbus,” a bus outfitted with advanced wireless systems.

Technology on the bus provides multiple passenger amenities, including broadband mobile Internet access while the bus is moving and location-based multimedia passenger announcements and entertainment features.

Using passenger counting systems, automatic vehicle tracking, two-way messaging and remote operations control, the vehicle also makes a handy operational tool for transit agencies .

Through Nov. 11, San Francisco residents and visitors have a special opportunity to ride the bus on a designated demo route downtown.

The “Superbus” is a result of collaboration between the SFMTA, Trapeze Group and Motorola to showcase the use of mobile broadband capabilities in public transit.