Multiuser area-coverage automatic vehicle monitoring program

The U.S. Department of Transportation/Urban Mass Transportation Administration (DOT/UMTA) is developing an automatic vehicle monitoring (AVM) system which will accommodate both fixed and random-route users. This is a two phase program. Phase I is testing four location subsystems in Philadelphia. Phase II contemplates selecting one contractor to develop, fabricate, install, and test a completely functional system that can be shared by users with diverse requirements. Phase II is contingent on successful completion of Phase I and on favorable results of a benefit/cost study. Location subsystems fall into one of four general categories: signpost, radio frequency, dead-reckoning, or a hybrid system of some combination of the first three. Within each type, subtypes exist. In 1971, UMTA sponsored location subsystem tests of four competing technologies in Philadelphia. Since these tests, much development has occurred and accuracy has been improved substantially. The objectives of the DOT/UMTA system are to 1) develop and deploy a multiuser AVM to improve the level of service, safety, and efficiency of bus service, and improve the dispatch efficiency of random-route vehicle fleets: 2) quantify the benefits to transit and other users, and 3) establish technical and economic bases for future AVM deployments. The AVM system performance specifications contained in the DOT Request for Proposals consist of system capacity, location accuracy, communication, data processing and display, and an overall system specification.