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Intelligent information system for transit buses

Transportation Development Centre

Objective
To research, develop, and demonstrate a system that will provide real-time visual and audio information on board transit buses and in bus shelters, to assist passengers with auditory, visual, and other disabilities, as well as to improve fleet management.

Description
The intelligent transit bus system (ITBS) integrates automatic vehicle location technologies (based on a Global Positioning System and dead reckoning) and two-way communications between vehicles and a control centre with the Visual Communication Network (VCN) developed in earlier TDC work. The VCN provides an electronic display using high-definition, colour LED technology to deliver images and text, combined with a speech module for important announcements.

The ITBS is designed to give information on stops, emergencies, etc., that is helpful not only for those with disabilities, but for all travellers.

Results
An initial prototype was developed and modified. An operational demonstration with the transit system in Laval, Quebec, was launched in October 1999. Several buses in the Laval fleet now use the system.



TDC Contact:
tdccdt@tc.gc.ca
Contractor:
Telecite Inc., Montreal, Quebec
Contractor Contact:
M. Moreyne
Schedule:
November 1994 – December 1999
Funding:
TDC
$195 000
Program of Energy Research and Development
$175 000
Telecite Inc.
$230 000
Other federal and provincial departments
$150 000
Project number:
8530
Report:
Internal documents only
Date modified:
2010-08-11