Mass Transit Vehicle Management System

Michael P. Kushner

Abstract:	Today’s electronic and computer technologies are available to optimize public transit operations. In order to fully utilize technologies, systems integrators evaluate and propose those products best suited to meet operator’s needs, and the cost-benefits of these technologies. The integrator also provides other important functions, such as financial leverage. Systems integrators buy in large volumes, therefore, their acquisition costs for subsystems is lower. Transit properties can take advantage of these lower costs to reduce over all project costs and accelerate the infusion of new technology in their systems. Other advantages include project risk reduction, and a technology partnership for future enhancements, There are several mature technologies that a systems integrator can provide to the Public Transit Industry: 1. The “Smart Bus” is an example of putting mature technologies, standard products and capital funds together in a cost effective manner. The “Smart Bus” concept provides a central vehicle controller, furnishes the ability to control subsystems from a single point of control, provides integration of wireless (RF) voice and data communications, includes a standard data communications network, 2. interior to a bus, and provides vehicle tracking capability via Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Centralized computer control and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) technologies are an important part of a Vehicle Management System (VMS). Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) coupled with Relational Data Bases (RDB); Systems Query Language (SQL); and menu driven workstations; improves the functionality and efficiency of Computer Aided Dispatch. An integrated data base, containing location, time, and event, about every vehicle in a fleet, provides the opportunity to improve asset management, safety and security, and manpower utilization. The Relational Data Base contains information about the status of every vehicle in the fleet (location and schedule performance) and improves management reporting and planning activities. 3. Another important part of the Informatiouh4anagement Technology Triad is the Customer Information Network (GIN). Utilizing mature communications technologies, state-of-the- art relational data bases, vehicle navigation data, and schedule status information, an integrated, user friendly, customer information network, can be architected. Systems like those being installed by Westinghouse in Denver Colorado, for RTD, and Minneapolis, Minn. for the Travlink Project are examples of this capability. CONCLUSION Transit Boards and Transit Riders are demanding better customer service, improved safety, and reduced operating costs. Legislative mandates are requiring the installation of additional equipment on Transit Vehicles to meet legislative mandates. A way to satisfy these increasing demands without significant cost impacts, is to implement new, and cost justified integrated technologies. This paper will discuss in detail all aspects of enabling technologies to implement Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location Systems as part of an overall Vehicle Management System (VMS).
Published in:	Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1994) June 6 - 8, 1994 Antlers Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs, CO
Pages:	103 - 110
Cite this article:	Kushner, Michael P., "Mass Transit Vehicle Management System," Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1994), Colorado Springs, CO, June 1994, pp. 103-110.
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