NESTS Transit Planning Project Facilities and Technology Briefing with CAST of Cornell University and 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