Metro Transit of Minneapolis Shows Off High Tech Bus to FTA Chief
IVsource.net
19 June 2002

As part of a Bus Rapid Transit technical conference in May, Federal Transit Administrator Jenna Dorn took a ride on a bus that includes virtual mirror and assisted steering technology.  Metro Transit provides info on the ride and the overall project.

The words “bus” and “high technology” aren’t often used in the same sentence.  But Bus Number 1972 brings technological safety advances aboard a city bus thanks to a partnership among Minneapolis/St. Paul’s Metro Transit, the University of Minnesota and the Federal Transit Administration.

The technology bus was the focal point of a bus rapid transit workshop last month at the University of Minnesota.

The high-tech bus features a fighter-plane-like “head-up” display for the driver, a “virtual” mirror, and assisted steering that helps keep the bus centered in its lane despite challenging weather and road conditions.

The bus includes laser and radar-based collision avoidance devices that display -- on a virtual mirror -- any vehicles or other objects that are approaching the bus.  It uses global positioning satellites and sensor arrays to help the driver stay on course.

FTA Administrator Jenna Dorn toured the bus during her visit to the American Public Transportation Association conference in the Twin Cities.  “Technology is playing a vital role in helping us achieve our vision of making public transportation the mode of choice in America,” she said.  "This project is an important demonstration of the potential for adapting technology from other industries, such as space and commercial aviation, to improve public transportation.  It shows how technology can help expand the range of mobility options by offering more accessible, efficient, convenient and affordable service to those who choose transit."

Transit agencies are interested in the technology for a number of applications.  Key among them is the ability to operate buses safely on narrow lanes.  As a result, transit agencies may be able to acquire less land as they develop bus-rapid transit projects, which give buses exclusive lanes.  The technology could be useful as buses ply freeway shoulders, giving them a speed advantage when traffic slows in adjacent car lanes.  And the technology could be used to guide buses precisely to boarding platforms, ensuring ease-of-entry for transit passengers.

As a component of the study, the high-tech project will measure the impact of the technology on the bus operator.  “Human factors” testing will gauge the operator’s ability to adapt to the technology.  It will measure the operator’s stress level while driving in a narrow lane both with and without the technological enhancements.

The demonstration bus is part of a $500,000 project to study transit applications for this type of space-age technology.  Some $400,000 is being provided from FTA funds through the USDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems joint program office.  The University of Minnesota’s ITS Institute is providing technical expertise and analysis, and Metro Transit is managing the project and donating the study vehicle.

The bus bears a distinctive green paint scheme, highlighting the technology aboard.  It will not be used in regular service while the technology is tested.

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For More Information ...

Federal Transit Administration:  Brian Cronin, Brian.Cronin@fta.dot.gov

Metro Transit: Aaron Isaacs, aaron.isaacs@metc.state.mn.us 

University of Minnesota:  Dr. Craig Shankwitz, shank004@tc.umn.edu 

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