Advanced Public Transportation Systems: The State of the Art, Update '94

Schweiger, Carol L; Labell, Lawrence N; Kihl, Mary · 1994 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Transit Administration

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Summary

This report, titled *Advanced Public Transportation Systems: The State of the Art, Update '94*, documents the extent of advanced technology adoption in public transportation across North America. Sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and prepared by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, the study serves as an update to assessments published in 1991 and 1992. The primary objective is to increase industry knowledge of successful technological applications to encourage widespread adoption, thereby improving service efficiency, attracting ridership, and reducing traffic congestion and pollution. The investigation focuses on three categories: Smart Traveler Technology, Smart Vehicle Technology, and Smart Intermodal Systems. Smart Traveler Technology addresses the demand side of transportation by providing real-time information to facilitate travel decisions. The report details passenger information systems, including pre-trip tools using geographic information systems (GIS) and cable television, as well as in-terminal and in-vehicle displays mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also covers real-time rideshare matching for dynamic carpooling, multiprovider trip reservation systems, and integrated fare media. Notably, while magnetic farecards are operational in Oakland, California, smart card technology remains largely experimental in the U.S., with multimodal applications planned for Washington, D.C. Smart Vehicle Technology focuses on the supply side, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems are highlighted, with signpost/odometer systems being the most common current implementation, while Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is increasingly preferred for future installations in cities like Dallas, Denver, and Milwaukee. The report also examines transit operations software for computer-aided dispatching and service restoration, noting that rail systems generally lead bus systems in automation. Additionally, automated demand-responsive dispatching systems are increasingly adopted for paratransit services to comply with ADA requirements. Smart Intermodal Systems aim to coordinate multiple transportation modes. The report identifies emerging intermodal traveler information systems in Boston and Minneapolis that integrate traffic congestion data with transit options. It also discusses multimodal smart cards, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane monitoring technologies, and Transportation Management Centers (TMCs). While current TMCs primarily monitor highway congestion, plans exist to link them with transit alternatives in cities such as Detroit and Portland. Vehicle guidance systems, including electronic and magnetic guidance, are noted as demonstrated technologies. The report concludes that while many technologies are in pilot or planning stages, their implementation promises significant improvements in transit reliability and user convenience.

Key finding

The report documents the implementation status of advanced public transportation technologies in North America, categorizing them into smart traveler, smart vehicle, and smart intermodal systems.

Methodology

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