Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Operators are not only hoping to replace aging buses and vanpool vehicles, they are also looking for support for bicycle programs, electric vehicle charging stations and dispatch/demand-response software.

Implementation of the new system will begin this fall and will enable MBL riders to obtain real-time bus information via mobile phone applications and Web-based applications, as well as the ability to receive email rider alert notifications.

Equipped with a front lift, AVL, camera system and custom graphics. The buses were ordered and delivered in less than five months, using a CalACT-MBTA Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative RFP.

When the AVL system is fully integrated, riders will be able to look online to see where buses are located, see if there are delays, and see the exact times for pick-up and delivery to their destinations. New phone applications are also being developed to streamline the information.

The combined solutions will empower transit agencies and operators to track and manage vehicles using advanced, real-time positioning data. The analysis of routes, stops and schedules will provide decision support information for operators and advanced reporting to transit agencies.

The program is an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system, which is available on the Web, and can be downloaded on mobile hand-held devices, providing riders of the USF Bull Runner (the USF Tampa campus shuttle) with enhanced convenience and security.

Shipments are expected to commence in first quarter 2010 and to conclude in fiscal year 2010.

The contract includes mobile data terminals and backup cameras on 110 new paratransit vehicles.