Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NESTS Transit Planning ProjectNESTS Transit Planning ProjectFacilities and Technology BriefingFacilities and Technology Briefing
with
CAST of Cornell Universityand
Creighton Manning Engineering, LLP
Tasks for Facility and Technology Review
Determine whether and how a new transit center can be developed in the Route 13/ Triphammer Road area
Assess the potential benefits of new traffic control, transit operations and traveler information-oriented technologies
Transit Center Feasibility Assessment
Five Dimensions of Feasibility
Institutional Operational Physical Fiscal Cost-Effectiveness
Transit Center Feasibility Assessment
Key Questions on Feasibility
Institutional: Can all parties reach agreement on a workable site and plan?
Operational: Will the transit center truly benefit/be compatible with operations?
Physical: Can the center be fit as needed into an available space?
Fiscal: Are the initial and ongoing costs of center operations affordable to the region?
Cost-Effectiveness: Is development of the center worth doing?
Exploring Potential Benefits of Technology
Not just “technology for technology’s sake” – looking for practical benefits
Some Possible Technology Applications
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road”
Signal Priority Bridge Signals Automatic Vehicle Location Systems Automatic Passenger Counters Improved Timed Transfers
See the “APTS Summary Table” handout for other technologies which will be explored
in the course of this Study
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road” Concepts
Signal Priority for Transit Vehicles
Description
Depending on whether a bus is running on time, early, or late, and whether it is currently at a stop boarding passengers, a computer on the bus decides whether to send a signal to a traffic light to extend a green light, or turn a red light to green to get the bus through the intersection faster.
Potential Benefit
Faster and more reliable service.
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road” Concepts
Bridge Signals for Transit Vehicles
Description
For one-lane bridges, approaching buses send signals to traffic lights (like the signal priority treatment) requesting that opposing traffic be stopped and the buses let through.
Potential Benefit
Helps keep transit on schedule.
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road” Concepts
Automatic Vehicle Location Systems
Description
Buses are tracked as they travel along their routes, using either Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or roadside beacons.
Potential Benefit
This is a key input to real-time traveler information, fleet monitoring and transit security.
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road” Concepts
Automatic Passenger Counters
Description
Optical sensors count passengers as they enter or leave a bus.
Potential Benefit
These data can provide important information on travel patterns and service needs.
Vehicle-Based/“On the Road” Concepts
Improved Timed Transfers
Description
Coordination of the schedules of different transit routes to facilitate transfers.
Potential Benefits
Easier use of transit for making connections between sites not on the same route, and reduced wait time for transfers.
Some Possible Technology Applications
Traveler Information Systems – Real-Time Bus Status Information
Kiosks Internet Countdown signs at stops
See the “ATIS Summary Table” handout for other technologies which will be explored
in the course of this Study
Traveler Information Systems Concepts
Kiosks
Description
Tied into bus tracking systems, touch-screen kiosks at malls, universities and other major destinations provide current information on bus status and opportunities for connections with other routes.
Potential Benefits
Improves pre-trip planning and system navigation; can enhance the attractiveness of transit.
Traveler Information Systems Concepts
Internet
Description
Web-based counterpart to kiosks, providing 24-hour access to bus status information and schedules.
Potential Benefit
As for kiosks, improved pre-trip planning.
Traveler Information Systems Concepts
Countdown Signs at Transit Stops
Description
Based on bus tracking system and schedule data, displays provide estimates of when buses will next arrive at a given stop.
Potential Benefit
Reduces traveler impatience with the system by providing clear indications of remaining waits.
For More Information…
Fernando de Aragon, Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council
(607) 274 – 5570
Steve Falbel, Multisystems, Inc.
(617) 864 – 5810 x285
Steve Allocco, Creighton Manning Engineering, LLP
(518) 446 – 0396
