Mississauga Transit SmartBus pilot program

[ahrvojic]

Press Release

Press Release&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Source: Visual Defence Inc.

Visual Defence Helps to Keep Mississauga Transit Buses on Schedule
Wednesday February 21, 12:26 pm ET
Program Integrates Traffic Data for Improved Operational Efficiency and Reliability

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Visual Defence Inc. (LSE: VDI - News), the security convergence company, today announced a pilot SmartBus program with the city of Mississauga to improve transit services, easing gridlock and traffic congestion through the integration of multiple streams of traffic data into a common management system.

The SmartBus program utilizes sophisticated integration technology from Visual Defence to combine an automatic vehicle locating (AVL) system, passenger counting, traffic control system and the city's scheduling software. The SmartBus program enables the buses to precisely report their location and passenger loads through transit signals along the routes. The buses are fitted with an infrared device that sends signals to the city's traffic control system to give the buses priority depending on passenger loads and how far the bus is behind schedule.

"The wealth of information produced by Visual Defence is giving Mississauga Transit a greater level of analysis and understanding of our bus system, allowing us to improve the reliability and efficiency of our services," said Fermin Pico, director of services for Mississauga Transit. "The technology has already started to pay off in more timely service and increasing ridership. Further system adjustments and enhancements will continue to deliver greater ride satisfaction to our customers."

Future enhancements include the integration of the AVL system with the customer website to allow users to view a "racetrack" image of where the buses are on route and receive real-time "next bus" information.

"Collecting several distinct data streams together into a cohesive and usable common management system has given Mississauga Transit the tools it needs to streamline and improve their operations, resulting in increased ridership, greater customer satisfaction and better ROI," said Dagan Sadeh, CEO of Visual Defence. "The real world impact of Visual Defence's integration expertise is making public transit in Mississauga a viable alternative to commuting by car."

About Visual Defence Inc.

Visual Defence, the security convergence company, provides advanced solutions that manage mission critical systems for leading organizations around the world. The company provides government, airport, public transportation and commercial customers with public safety and security solutions that increase management efficiency while leveraging existing security infrastructure. With its Common Management Platform, Visual Defence provides customers with customizable and scaleable solutions that meet their business goals. Additional information about Visual Defence is available at: http://www.visualdefence.com

CONTACT:
Erik Orgell Bethany Moir
Nadel Phelan, Inc. Visual Defence Inc.
831-440-2401 905-731-1254 x226
erik@nadelphelan.com bethany.moir@visualdefence.com

 

[spmarshall]

So now MT will know, with exact precision, how overcrowded and late the Hurontario buses are!

 

[drum118]

This well show how bad MT planning and scheduling is.

It will show how much more service can be provide with today equipment on various routes.

I was on a 19N today at 1300 where we had crush load at Dundas. Crush loading for off peak is standard.

Saw 2 buses playing following the leader and I got on the first one going south that only had 35 riders on it at 11:15am. The other one did pass us and it had about 30 riders on it.

 

[doady]

Is this a joke? Route 19 has been using these "SmartBuses" for almost two years now, ever since the introduction of the 19A. In fact, the SmartBus pilot program might finished now already, so this announcement doesn't make sense.

 

[Degnaw]

This sounds a lot like the VIVA "brt" thing... why don't they advertise it as such?

and since when was there a spell check?

 

[spmarshall]

Viva is a limited stop operation with prepayment/all door boarding, which speeds up the service. The MT 200 series routes do have limited stop service, but are rush hour only, the 202 is less frequent even than the weekend service on any of the Viva routes. No comparison.

The only other system in the GTA that’s attempting to install Viva-style service is Brampton, where I believe the first phases will be in place for this September. Some queue-jump lanes (which York does not even have) were built there already.

 

[drum118]

It looks like MT is going to be the testbed for various systems to be roll out to other transit systems.

In MT 2007-2017, but more so the 5 year budget it call for $30 million to upgrade Hurontario St.

I have no idea what this $30 million is for other than on street fare machines or priority signals. There is about 108 stops along route 19 or 26 for route 202. At $60,000 per machine, that works out to be more than the $30 million for every stop.

MT 200's series buses did at one time offer 10 minutes service, but today it more like 15-20 minutes. 202 is 18-20 minutes.

It could be to put in priority signals for rest of the route south of 401.

Some councilors in Oakville wants a VIVA system for their town.

 

[doady]

MT 200's series buses did at one time offer 10 minutes service, but today it more like 15-20 minutes. 202 is 18-20 minutes.

Route 201 has 9 minute service in the peak direction...

It is sad that VIVA has become some sort of standard for transit in the 905, when in fact it has very poor ridership and is not even a BRT.

The only real BRT proposals in the GTA are the Mississauga Transitway and the York University Transitway.