ITS for BRT Systems: How Does Boston’s Silver Line Compare With Other BRT Systems? Carol Schweiger, Assistant Vice President ITS Georgia Annual Meeting August 29, 2005

Presentation Outline ITS Technologies for BRT:  Operational improvements  Customer service improvements Comparison of Silver Line with Other Existing Systems Comparison with Planned BRT systems Summary

Categories of ITS for BRT Operational Improvements:  Vehicle Priority and Access Control  Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) Technologies  Automated/Electronic Fare Collection  Operations Management  Security Technologies Customer Service Improvements:  Passenger Information  Passenger Convenience  Passenger Safety and Security Technologies

ITS Effects on BRT System Performance

MBTA Silver Line

MBTA Silver Line Phases 1 and 2

MBTA Silver Line ITS (Phase 1) GPS-based AVL/CAD System Automated annunciation Real-time information on DMS at selected stops (not fully operational yet) Security system in tunnel portion of system Some technology is deployed in the rest of the MBTA bus operation

ITS in BRT Systems

Comparison with Other BRT Systems

LA Metro Rapid Bus Arrival Information System LADOT developed Bus Arrival Information System, not LACMTA (which operates Metro Rapid) Based on city’s computerized Automatic Traffic Surveillance and Control System (ATSCS) Low cost system - utilizes loop-transponder technology One-line LED DMSs in specially-designed bus shelters

LA Metro Rapid Signal Priority LACMTA provides LADOT with schedule for each Metro Rapid bus each day Throughout the day, ATSCS computer performs schedule adherence If bus behind schedule, computer can extend the green at the traffic signal in its immediate path Computer knows location and speed of bus, and the fact that lights in its path will remain green, so it can accurately calculate time for bus to reach its next stop

Lynx FlexBus Concept Dynamically routed and dispatched point-to-point operation Responds to user request, real-time and pre-booked (12-minute maximum wait time) Fare payment prior to boarding Stations at activity centers Transit ITS support Station access only No fixed schedules No fixed routes

FlexBus ITS Technologies On-vehicle systems, including mobile data terminal Automated reservations, scheduling, and vehicle assignment system CAD/AVL Electronic fare payment system and boarding pass High capacity, high speed, reliable wireless communications

FlexBus: How It Works User requests ride and selects destination station using either phone (IVR), Internet, station kiosk or remote kiosk System Selects “best fit” vehicle Prompts user to confirm trip User boards vehicle and swipes Boarding Pass Trip confirmed

FlexBus ITS: Enabling the Concept ITS enables the flexibility (operations improvement):  Reservation process  Wait time  Fare payment/boarding pass ITS provides marketing opportunities (customer information improvement):  High-quality transit service  Appeals to “choice” riders  Improves perception of transit

Summary: Evidence that ITS Affects Key Silver Line BRT Service Factors Operations:  Running time and running time reliability  Dwell time and dwell time reliability  Wait time and transfer time  Service reliability  Safety and security  Capacity Customer Service/Information:  Perception of operations  Brand identity  Safety and security  Ridership