Va. public transit agencies to implement Mobileye Shield+ tech
This is the first statewide cooperative procurement of its kind, making Virginia a national leader in promoting technology in public transportation while also reducing cost burdens on local public transit agencies.
The Mobileye Shield+ DAS system adds an additional safety feature to existing buses to prevent potential pedestrian collisions.
2 min to read
The Mobileye Shield+ DAS system adds an additional safety feature to existing buses to prevent potential pedestrian collisions.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced the cooperative statewide procurement of Mobileye Shield+ Driver Assistance System (DAS) technology for all public transportation providers in Virginia. This is the first statewide cooperative procurement of its kind, making Virginia a national leader in promoting technology in public transportation while also reducing cost burdens on local public transit agencies.
As part of a $450,000 pilot program, DRPT is also providing funding to 10 public transit agencies to retrofit up to 50 buses with innovative pedestrian collision avoidance systems that will alert transit operators of pedestrians and bicyclists that enter the path of the vehicle.
“One of the main goals of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation is to ensure safe and reliable transportation for Virginia’s citizens, and we actively seek opportunities to implement new technology to make our transit infrastructure safer,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. “Driver Assistance Systems are a great way to add yet another safety feature to our fleets. We are excited about this opportunity to bring this technology to our transit systems and look forward to the positive impact they will have as a result of implementation,”
The Mobileye Shield+ DAS system adds an additional safety feature to existing buses to prevent potential pedestrian collisions. DAS technology includes hardware elements like cameras, sensors, and digital displays, as well as software elements to record and report incidents and note trends. DAS systems can also reduce wear on transit vehicles by encouraging more predictable bus movements.
The DAS pilot program was funded through a Statewide Transit Demonstration Grant and the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund. DAS will make its first appearance on The Hopper, a downtown circulator bus operated by the Greater Lynchburg Transit Co. and funded by SMART SCALE.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.
The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.
MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.
In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
In this latest episode of METROspectives, we explore the evolving role of transit standards, including how they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability.
USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.
