RNR Consulting continues with our ongoing ITS implementation management support to the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). As part of the project the consulting team is assisting with oversight, quality assurance, scope and project management, data verification and acceptance testing. During the initial design stage, MATA vehicles including fixed-route busses, trolleys, paratransit-transit buses and non-revenue vehicles are under review to gather design requirements and plan a layout for ITS equipment. The project team also reviews requirements and installation considerations for LED Signs (next trolley arrival information) at trolley stops. As the initial surveying of MATA facilities and fleet, the project team continues the design review and will be presenting findings to MATA’s key officials in May 2010. After an approval of the system design, necessary hardware and software equipment for installation and acceptance testing will be procured. The project team is also assisting MATA in its collaboration with the Memphis Planning Organization (MPO) on future initiatives related to the Memphis Regional ITS Architecture. The Regional ITS Architecture ensures institutional agreement and technical integration for the implementation of ITS projects throughout the area. After a successful implementation (projected for September 2011) MATA’s ITS project will bring to the Memphis area the following benefits:

• More accurate schedule adherence
• Automated bus stop annunciation - the name of each stop will be announced prior to arrival at the next stop
• Access to estimated times of arrival and departure at bus stops
• Real-time vehicle location on the map
• Improved safety and security through the installation of 6 security cameras on buses and 8 cameras on Trolleys with live streaming capabilities

Bus Operators and Trolley Conductors will also enjoy the benefits of the ITS system through:

• Utilizing latest radio technology to communicate with dispatchers
• Provision of turn-by-turn direction of the Paratransit buses, which will reduce customer wait time and increase operational efficiency
• Ability to monitor current passenger load and schedule adherence in real time – which allows operators and dispatchers to take corrective action in a timely manner
• Discontinuing announcing the next stop, which will allow them to focus more on their driving – enhancing overall driving experience
• Ease of monitoring the engine health problems and it will be sent automatically as warnings to the dispatcher and maintenance crew

MATA’s Operations and Administration will also be able to streamline its operational, planning, and reporting activities by having access to:

• Accurate and on-time passenger count information
• Preventative maintenance information from all vehicles, streamed in real-time from the bus (or trolley)
• Route performance/schedule optimization that allow to improve overall transit service in the area 

RETURN TO SERVICE AREA: INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS)