Extensive ITS implementation plan compiled for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority proposes broad benefits.
Aspen, Colorado, United States
ITS Deployment Plan
Summary Information
This plan outlines ITS strategies that may be implemented by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (Aspen, Colorado), based on an analysis including data from a consensus building meeting, interviews, and a needs assessment. Both benefits and costs of implementation are identified for technologies that may improve service and operations for the transit authority.
Benefits
The following ITS technologies were recommended to the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, with their anticipated benefits listed in the adjacent column:
Recommended Technology |
Benefits |
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD); Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL); Mobile Data Terminal (MDT); Transfer Connection Protocol (TCP) | Reduced voice communication Ability to send messages to specific vehicles/groups of vehicles Ability to send text messages Decreased response time for incidents Increased safety and security Faster notification of Maintenance for necessary repairs Ability to locate vehicles on-site and off-site Reduced travel time Reduced fleet size Ability to provide mileage by route (for fueling data purposes) |
Drivers’ Management | Accurate track of hours worked Easy creation of work assignments Easy and accurate computation of pay Allows for easy analysis of hours worked |
Route and Schedule Adherence (RSA) | Improved on-time performance Supervisors can focus on other critical matters Reduced “bunching” of buses Increased customer convenience |
Access to traffic closed circuit television (CCTV) images | Dispatches can better manage fleet Time that buses are in traffic congestion is minimized Improved on-time performance Reduced travel times Reduced fuel consumption |
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) | Improved on-time performance Reduced “bunching” of buses Reduced running time Increased customer convenience |
Scheduling software | Improved efficiency of staff Proven interface with CAD/AVL systems More functionalities |
Advanced Traveler Information Systems/ATIS (bus locations on internet, email alerts, kiosks, DMSs) | Increased customer satisfaction and convenience Decreased number of calls, call wait time, and average call lengths to customer service Increased breadth and quality of customer information Increased ease of use of customer service Increased ridership |
Advanced Traveler Information Systems/ATIS (Automated annunciator system) | Increased customer satisfaction and convenience Reduced driver requirements Increased breadth and quality of customer information Meet ADA requirements |
In-vehicle access to internet and information | Increased customer satisfaction and convenience Increased ridership |
Strobe light at bus shelters | Improved customer satisfaction Reduced customer delays Increased ridership Reduced hard braking |
Automatic passenger counter (APC) system | More information for planning and scheduling More reliable and timely information for planning and scheduling Reduced driver requirements Improved travel times Improved schedules |
Interface/access to data from other systems | Improved schedules More information for planning and scheduling Better and more timely information for planning and scheduling |
On-board surveillance cameras | Increased sense of security for drivers and riders Reduced crime and vandalism Reduced insurance and litigation fees |
Silent alarm/covert microphone | Improved safety and security for drivers and riders Reduced response time to incidents |
CCTV at Park and Ride | Increased sense of security for riders and employees Reduced crime and vandalism |
Ticket vending machines and internet sales | Increased customer satisfaction and convenience Increased ridership and revenues |
Electronic payment system | Increased customer satisfaction and convenience Increased ridership and revenues Reduced travel time and stop delay Reduced abuse of transfer slips Reduced driver requirements |