As you may or may not know, TransLink has been in the process of updating it’s main technology services for a few years now. For example, they upgraded the CMBC’s radio network to improve correspondense between drivers and central communications – at the same time this upgrade allowed for GPS or Auto-Vehicle Location technology. They are also currently upgrading the CCTV systems on SkyTrain, including digitizing their storage mechanism from good ol’ videotape to something a bit more 21st century. While I don’t have the scoop on all this “under-the-hood” improvements, I’ve got some new and interesting info.Â
One of the more visible tech additions of late has been the installation of AVL (aka: GPS), APC, which is Automated Passenger Count, and the audible annunciators. All three are relatively cheap. The technology is part of the communications system and is thus installed. These other technologies that it enables, such as dynamic displays, are currently under installation.
Thanks to all TransLink staff that helped procure this information!Â
Auto Vehicle Location or AVL
AVL is the central part of Coast Mountain Bus Company’s new TMAC communications radio system. Thanks to the technology in this new system, a whole host of functions are now possible:
- Â real time fleet tracking for operations and customers
- Computer Aided Dispatch
- improved emergency response
- off-line performance analysis
- on board annunciators and dynamic displays
The real time dynamic displays are on about 600 vehicles right now, with installation to be completed across the fleet by fall.Â
Automated Passenger Count or APC
APC is being installed on 15% of the bus fleet, which translates to about 200 vehicles. The deployment decision varies based on bus and service type. The installation is complete and was paid for under the Capital Budget. APC will continue to be installed on 15% of new expansion buses. APC was studied for implementation on SkyTrain, but there are no immediate plans for installation.Â
Audible Annunciators
The annunciators that are currently being installed at the same time as the AVL dynamic displays occured to due to several reasons: TransLink’s Access Transit Strategy, improved customer service, following industry best practices, in addition to a Canadian court case that required stops to be audibly spoken for the blind (in this case, the annunciators allow the drivers to worry about one less thing).
The annunciators will be installed across the fleet by fall.Â
SkyTrain CCTV
SkyTrain’s Closed Circuit Television system is being modernized as we speak. The storage system is being converted from videotape to digital and will be complete shortly. The cameras themselves will be upgraded in 2009/2010.Â
I’m going to miss the occasional creative annunciations by drivers… but they are rare! I hope the annunciation system doesn’t become annoying day after day, but it will certainly be useful for everybody. Thanks for the comprehensive tech update! I’m looking forward to the AVL…
> The annunciators will be installed across the fleet by fall.
I despise those things. I get why they’re there, but I really hate the further abstraction of the driver from the passenger, and the bland repeating of the stop as the doors hang open. I really wonder if this is a step forward, or just another piece of translink technocracy where a machine is the answer to every problem.