THE TRANSIT OPPORTUNITY IN IVHS

The words behind the IVHS acronym (Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems) imply a focus on highways and private automobiles. It might seem that transit and IVHS are two things that could not go together. But transit and IVHS are inseparable, and transit opportunities in IVHS may even surpass the potential IVHS for the highway system. This paper looks at the Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS) program which is part of the Department of Transportation IVHS initiative. IVHS is an intermodal effort to improve the efficiency, safety, and productivity of the nation's surface transportation network through the use of advanced electronics, computer, and communications technologies. The intent of APTS is not only to support the goals of IVHS but also to enhance the ability of public transportation systems to satisfy customer needs and contribute to community goals by providing information on innovative applications of available IVHS technologies through a coordinated operational and evaluation program. This paper gives an overview of the APTS program, presenting the various APTS technologies in terms of the end user. It presents the program goals and objectives, with an emphasis that the technologies should be viewed as potential means for improving public transportation. The structure of APTS is also covered, with emphasis on the importance of the operational test and accompanying evaluation.