The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) is deploying an advanced communication system that integrates real-time information to enhance passenger safety and operational efficiencies.

To design and install its new integrated system, STM awarded its critical project to INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc., including a $16 million Project 25 (P25) mission-critical communication system from Harris Corp. The order was received in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

The new system will streamline communications to support STM’s system that oversees more than 1.2 million trips daily over bus, taxibus and paratransit services.

The Harris P25 system is a key element in STM’s integrated real-time information system from INIT and will help provide seamless coordination of Montreal’s transit services. Migration from the agency’s existing Harris EDACS system to the P25 system will be cost-effective and minimize the impact on transportation schedules. The new system equips STM with 2,000 mobile radios and will deliver P25 Phase 2 system functionality.

Harris representatives in Montreal will help support and maintain the new P25 system. With more than 80 employees in Quebec, Harris is currently supporting customers throughout the province, including the City of Quebec, the Réseau des Transports de la Capital, Laval, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, the Casino de Montreal and Telebec.

The Harris P25 system is part of the VIDA network platform, a unified IP-based voice and data communication system built upon APCO P25 industry standards. VIDA delivers full IP management features, including interoperability without intervention of console operators, IP consoles, and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.