4.3. SR 07-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ITS initiatives proposed under the Transit Management Systems strategy include the following: . Advanced Vehicle Location Advanced vehicle location (A VL) systems automatically track the location of a vehicle and report the vehicle's location back to a central point (e.g. dispatch center). A VL systems generally used global positioning systems (GPS) technology and allow transit managers to know the exact location of their vehicles at all times. This information is used to monitor how closely a bus is running to its schedule and helps transit managers make immediate changes to get buses back on schedule. The information provided by A VL systems can also be used to provide up-to-the minute information to passengers waiting at bus stops and to other drivers who have passengers making transfer connections. This strategy would include the installation of monitors and/or variable message sings at each transit hub in the Northstar Corridor. A VL systems have also been used in conjunction with silent alarms on buses - when a driver is in need of emergency assistance, the A VL system will report the location of a bus if the driver is unable to report it directly to the dispatcher. Also as part of this initiative, it is proposed that the information generated by the different transit providers using A VL systems in the Northstar Corridor be made available to the Transportation Operations Center in St. Cloud and the Traffic Management Center in the Twin Cities. As noted in the Incident Management strategy, it is proposed that these two centers serve as the focal point for collecting, verifying and distributing up-to-the minute information for the Northstar Corridor. By providing this information to these two centers, up-to-the minute information on the status of transit vehicles throughout the Northstar Corridor will be available. . Traffic Signal Preemption Traffic signals in both the St. Cloud and Twin Cities metropolitan areas are equipped with signal preemption systems. Generally, these systems are comprised of automated signal controls that are activated by authorized vehicles. As an authorized vehicle approaches an intersection with a traffic signal preemption system, the vehicle sends a message to the signal that either turns the traffic light green or extends the green light until the vehicle has cleared the intersection. After the vehicle has cleared the intersection, the traffic signal returns to its regular cycle. Currently, only police, fire and ambulances are authorized to use the signal preemption systems. In several cities across the country, public transit buses are equipped with sensors and are authorized to alter traffic signals to remain on schedule. As proposed under this ITS initiative, public transit buses in the Twin Cities and St. -Cloud metropolitan areas would be equipped with sensors that activate traffic signals to keep buses on schedule. Mobile Data Terminals All the public transit providers in the Northstar Corridor use some form of a voice communications system (e.g. radio, cellular telephone) that links drivers and dispatchers. Under this ITS initiative, mobile data terminals (MDTs) will be installed in transit vehicles throughout . Phase II Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study Draft - TSM Alternative 12 June 24, 1999