Mass Transit in Milwaukee gets a technology boost
The Milwaukee County Transit System’s 650 buses will be relying on an intelligent transportation system (ITS) for dispatching, communications and other functions.
The transit system (MCTS) recently inked a one-year $5 million contract with Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services to provide the ITS.
The new technology will enable the MCTS to conform to the Federal Communications Commission’s recent 800-megahertz radio rebanding program, while providing MCTS the flexibility to add new ITS features in the future. The adaptability of the ITS will enable the city to provide riders with the benefits of the latest technologies, according to the company.
The new vehicle system setup also allows MCTS the full use of its long-standing investment in ACS’ SmartTrack computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and automatic vehicle location (AVL) system once MCTS’ data radio channels are relocated to new 800-megahertz frequencies.
“The Milwaukee County Transit System is pleased to be able to retain our SmartTrack CAD/AVL system and to build upon the accomplishments of using the system over many years,” said Anita Gullotta-Connelly, managing director of MCTS. “Over the past 15 years, the SmartTrack system has benefited MCTS by helping us improve our operations and communications efficiency while consistently increasing our on-time performance, to the great benefit of our passengers.
“Working with ACS, we are confident that we will continue to provide the reliable services that our passengers expect. Additionally, ACS’ technical communications expertise will ensure the success of a seamless transition to latest technologies that enhance riders’ experiences.”
The new system maintains the benefit of ACS’ SmartTrack CAD and AVL, according to the company. The new equipment provides MCTS’ operators and supervisors with voice and data communications capabilities as well as the ability to monitor route, schedule and other critical operating information.
The new ITS equipment includes ACS’ OrbGuide Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) and IVU 3100 vehicle processors. OrbGuide MDTs will provide MCTS’ operators and supervisors with voice and data communications capabilities as well as the ability to monitor route, schedule and other critical operating information.
“Milwaukee County has built a system over ACS’ robust vehicle equipment that will serve public transit well for many more years to come,” said David Kachemov, senior vice president and managing director for ACS’ Transportation Management Solutions group.
Kachemov’s group provides integrated CAD and AVL products for 50 public transit and government agency customers worldwide, with units installed or scheduled to be installed on 28,000 vehicles.
