Automatic vehicle location - Revision history

Aaronantrim: /* Types of Systems */ GPS!

2018-01-31T01:20:52Z

Types of Systems: GPS!

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 31 January 2018
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	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==
	There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems<ref>[http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx Okunieff, P. E. (1997). “AVL Systems for Bus Transit.” Transit Cooperative Research Program.]</ref>.		There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems<ref>[http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx Okunieff, P. E. (1997). “AVL Systems for Bus Transit.” Transit Cooperative Research Program.]</ref>.

			'''Temporary note:''' We need to add more to the "Types of Systems" section. Currently, this section not include modern GPS-based systems. --[[User:Aaronantrim\|Aaronantrim]] ([[User talk:Aaronantrim\|talk]]) 01:20, 31 January 2018 (UTC)

	==Benefits==		==Benefits==

Rabiabonour at 04:45, 21 February 2017

2017-02-21T04:45:51Z

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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref name="tcrp73">~~Transit Cooperative Research Project.~~ [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx ~~“TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL~~ Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] ~~2008.~~</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>~~Transportation Cooperative Research Program.~~ [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "~~TCRP Synthesis 48:~~ Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] ~~2003.~~</ref>		Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems<ref name="tcrp73">[http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx Parker, D. J. (2008). “AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.” Transit Cooperative Research Program.]</ref>. AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used<ref>[http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx Schweiger, C. (2003). "Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems." Transportation Cooperative Research Program."]</ref>.

	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==
	There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems.<ref>~~Transit Cooperative Research Program.~~ [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx ~~“TCRP Synthesis 24: AVL~~ Systems for Bus Transit.”] ~~1997.~~</ref>		There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems<ref>[http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx Okunieff, P. E. (1997). “AVL Systems for Bus Transit.” Transit Cooperative Research Program.]</ref>.

	==Benefits==		==Benefits==
	Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence and enabling agencies to easily monitor bus driver performance. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref name="tcrp73" /> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.~~[[media:CUTR_RealTime~~.~~pdf\|~~ “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] ~~2005.~~</ref>		Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence and enabling agencies to easily monitor bus driver performance. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data<ref name="tcrp73" />. Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles<ref>[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida. (2005). “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.” Florida Department of Transportation.]]</ref>.

	==Challenges==		==Challenges==
	The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT.<ref name="tcrp73" />		The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT<ref name="tcrp73" />.

	==References==		==References==
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	==Additional Reading==		==Additional Reading==
	~~Transit Cooperative Research Project.~~ [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx ~~“TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL~~ Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] ~~2008.~~		[http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx Parker, D. J. (2008). “AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.” Transit Cooperative Research Program.]
	: This update to the 1997 Synthesis, also sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, includes detailed information about the state of the practice and how AVL has been used over the past few decades. It offers more specific information on the operational benefits of AVL and actual costs of several recent contracts awarded by transit agencies. This synthesis also provides an update of the wide variety of functions that AVL can provide, such as updated headsigns at the end of trips, that previously were not available.		: This update to the 1997 Synthesis, also sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, includes detailed information about the state of the practice and how AVL has been used over the past few decades. It offers more specific information on the operational benefits of AVL and actual costs of several recent contracts awarded by transit agencies. This synthesis also provides an update of the wide variety of functions that AVL can provide, such as updated headsigns at the end of trips, that previously were not available.


	~~Transit Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 24: AVL Systems for Bus Transit.”] 1997.~~
	: This synthesis, sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, describes the challenges of developing and deploying automated vehicle location (AVL) systems. This report describes state of the practice at the time of its publication and the 2008 update examines how the industry and practice has changed since 1997.

	[[Category:Technology]]		[[Category:Technology]]

Rabiabonour at 22:04, 31 October 2016

2016-10-31T22:04:55Z

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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref>		Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref name="tcrp73">Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref>

	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==
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	==Benefits==		==Benefits==
	Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence and enabling agencies to easily monitor bus driver performance. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref~~>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http:~~/~~/www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref~~> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] 2005.</ref>		Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence and enabling agencies to easily monitor bus driver performance. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref name="tcrp73" /> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] 2005.</ref>

	==Challenges==		==Challenges==
	The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT.<ref~~>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http:~~/~~/www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref~~>		The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT.<ref name="tcrp73" />

	==References==		==References==

BK: moved image to top

2015-04-22T20:00:34Z

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			[[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]

	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref> ~~[[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]~~		Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref>

	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==

Amiller: /* Benefits */

2012-09-11T20:45:04Z

Benefits

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	==Benefits==		==Benefits==
	Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers~~. AVL also can help agencies monitor bus driver performance~~. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] 2005.</ref>		Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence and enabling agencies to easily monitor bus driver performance. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] 2005.</ref>

	==Challenges==		==Challenges==

Amiller: /* Introduction */

2012-09-11T19:19:29Z

Introduction

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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used. <ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref> [[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]		Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used.<ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref> [[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]

	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==

Amiller: /* Benefits */

2012-09-11T19:19:05Z

Benefits

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	==Benefits==		==Benefits==
	Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. AVL also can help agencies monitor bus driver performance. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles. <ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]]2005.</ref>		Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. AVL also can help agencies monitor bus driver performance. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles.<ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]] 2005.</ref>

	==Challenges==		==Challenges==

Amiller: /* Challenges */

2012-09-11T19:18:39Z

Challenges

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	==Challenges==		==Challenges==
	The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies ~~also~~ reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref>		The challenges associated with AVL are primarily found in managing expectations for the system within the agency, training staff, and ensuring that the interfaces for software and hardware work together throughout the agency, including with any paratransit service. Some agencies reported that after they implemented AVL, they had much greater information technology needs and had to hire staff specifically for IT.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref>


	==References==		==References==

Amiller: /* Expected Benefits */

2012-09-11T19:17:51Z

Expected Benefits

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	There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 24: AVL Systems for Bus Transit.”] 1997.</ref>		There are two commonly used types of tracking technologies: Radio navigation and dead-reckoning technologies. Radio navigation was used in the earliest AVL systems, which use radio transponders that communicate with passing buses and a central dispatch center. These include ‘signpost’ transponders that are mounted on posts above the height of the bus, to allow communication at level with antennas on top of the vehicles. Dead-reckoning sensors on buses measure its distance from a fixed point. Some of these systems use a wheel odometer to count the number of wheel revolutions between stops as a way to measure distance. AVL systems that use dead-reckoning sensors can be made up of all on-board equipment, while radio navigation systems require communication with off-board technology. Both types of system require maintenance and calibration that can add to the costs of managing them. Some systems use a hybrid of the two technologies, using one to aid the other, or as a backup in case of problems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/158961.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 24: AVL Systems for Bus Transit.”] 1997.</ref>

	==~~Expected~~ Benefits==		==Benefits==
	Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. AVL also can help agencies monitor bus driver performance. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles. <ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]]2005.</ref>		Many operators have found that AVL has helped to improve service by increasing schedule adherence. AVL also helps to reduce response time to operational problems by improving communication between bus drivers and dispatchers. AVL also can help agencies monitor bus driver performance. Dispatchers can handle communication with and monitoring of a greater volume of vehicles. Passengers also perceive their transit systems to be more modern and reliable because they can access real-time bus arrival information. AVL also aids in planning by collecting better historical data.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> Automatic vehicle location, combined with computer aided dispatch (CAD), has also been proven to improve safety and security on transit vehicles because many systems include a silent alarm and video monitoring capabilities. Denver's Regional Transportation District saw a 20 percent drop in assaults after adding an AVL/CAD system to its vehicles. <ref>National Center for Transit Research at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida.[[media:CUTR_RealTime.pdf\| “Enhancing the Rider Experience: The Impact of Real-Time Information On Transit Ridership.”]]2005.</ref>

Amiller: /* Introduction */

2012-09-11T19:17:16Z

Introduction

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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used. <ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref> [[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]		Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) describes the use of computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in dispatching and tracking transit vehicles. AVL is accompanied by added costs of operating and maintaining additional computer equipment, but transit agencies benefit from improvements to customer service through [[real-time information]]. Operating costs, however, are not generally reduced by these improvements. Because AVL is becoming so common, it is increasingly becoming expected as standard for fixed-route systems. AVL is very common on [[bus rapid transit]] systems.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Project. [http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/159906.aspx “TCRP Synthesis 73: AVL Systems for Bus Transit: Update.”] 2008.</ref> AVL systems can vary widely in cost - from $100 to $7,000 per bus, depending on the type of technology being used. <ref>Transportation Cooperative Research Program. [http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/152932.aspx "TCRP Synthesis 48: Real-Time Bus Arrival Information Systems, Transportation Cooperative Research Program."] 2003.</ref> [[Image:CulverCityBus.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Culver City's CityBus uses Automatic Vehicle Location on its buses. Photo by Flickr user DPRegionalTransport.]]

	==Types of Systems==		==Types of Systems==