EDAPTS—Efficient Development of Advanced Public Transportation Systems

Cal Poly State University is completing several projects funded by the Caltrans New Technology and Research Program intended to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate an open architecture, low cost, advanced public transportation system (ARTS) suitable for small and medium size transit properties. From 2000 through early 2002, APTS technologies known as the Cal Poly Smart Transit System were implemented on San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) buses. This system provides: 1) GPS-based location of buses; 2) Emergency silent alarms for use by drivers; 3) Real-time radio transmission of bus locations; and 4) Solar powered Smart Transit Signs at key bus stops at Cal Poly and in San Luis Obispo to notify riders about the status of arriving buses. Most of this equipment was fabricated from relatively low cost, off-the-shelf components. This paper describes the APTS technology demonstration on SLO Transit and some findings of a parallel evaluation of the impacts of the new technologies on system performance and user satisfaction. The evaluation includes an analysis of bus operations prior to and after deployment of the new technologies, and surveys with riders. Although the technology is still new and the settling-in process is incomplete, findings to date are encouraging regarding the benefits of deploying appropriately scaled APTS technologies in such semi-rural settings.