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LightRiver Technologies, provider of fully-integrated, multi-technology communications networks, is to upgrade the communication structure of Chicago transit Authority’s (CTA) light rail Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The upgrade provides the network bandwidth needed to support ITS systems aimed at increasing passenger comfort and satisfaction and improving system reliability and efficiency. The communications network is designed with next-generation packet and optical telecommunications equipment

Sensys America, US partner of Swedish supplier of enforcement systems, Sensys Traffic, has signed a framework agreement to provide traffic safety systems for speed and red light enforcement to Washington DC. Washington DC will place orders through the framework agreement, although Sensys is unable to speculate on the size and timeframe of potential deliveries within the contract.

Since its launch a year ago, the UK’s Transport for London (TfL) Countdown real time bus information service has dealt with more than 620 million requests and, according to TfL, the service has made millions of journeys easier, dealing with an average of 1.6 million requests via the internet and smart phones and 36,000 requests via text each day. TfL has also recently completed the installation of 2,500 new and improved bus information roadside signs across the capital. These provide clearer amber text on

France-headquartered CS ITS will use the ITS World Congress to highlight its tolling technology including FastFlow, a dedicated solution for addressing congestion charging, HOT/HOV lanes, ORT, AET and truck tolling projects. Also being highlighted is FastLane, designed to enhance toll collection rates and speed up traffic flow at the toll booth. The system includes manual, automated, ETC and Fast ETC lanes equipped with the most advanced automatic payments machines, optical classification systems, ETC beaco

Iteris will use the ITS World Congress to focus on the Pico, a compact video detection system. It is specifically designed for adaptive traffic signal systems installed at small-to-medium intersections with up to sixteen detection zones. According to the company, the system’s rugged and inconspicuous package reduces the potential for theft and vandalism. As video cameras are mounted above-ground, installation is far less labour-intensive and requires minimal traffic encroachment, thereby reducing lane closu

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released Transforming Transportation through Connectivity: ITS Strategic Research Plan, 2010–2014 (Progress Update, 2012). This report is an update to the 2010 ITS Strategic Research Plan, which established a research agenda to prepare the next generation of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies for widespread deployment throughout the nation. Research and development efforts have advanced notably over the last two and a half years in areas s

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is keen on using cutting-edge technology to control and manage the movement of its mass transit systems, including buses. With the aim of providing advanced services to mass transit users in the Emirate, the Public Transport Agency implemented integrated intelligent systems solutions including the Automated Vehicle Management (AVM) system, which links both the internal and inter-city routes. According to Adel Shakeri, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA Public

Wellington City Council in New Zealand has installed new electronic signs designed to help road users find available parking spaces. Five signs located around the city provide real time information to advise drivers of the number of available spaces in nearby car parks. The technology behind the signs is proven and used in Auckland and other main centres around New Zealand. Car park operators Wilson Parking, Care Park and Tournament worked in partnership with the council to get the new signs up and running

Developed by researchers led by civil engineering associate professor Henry Liu at the University of Minnesota, the SMART Signal (Systematic Monitoring of Arterial Road Traffic Signals) system is said to be reducing congestion on roads controlled by traffic lights. The system automatically collects and processes data from traffic signal controllers at multiple intersections. It then creates performance measures, including information on the times and locations congestion occurs on a given road. Traffic eng

The results of the US$33.8 million (€26 million) European Bus System of the Future (EBSF) project have been announced following four years of intensive research and high-profile work. The project, which started in the midst of the financial crisis in 2008 and achieved several key results, aimed to develop a new generation of urban bus systems adapted to the needs of European cities as well as improving the perception of bus transport. By defining the bus system as a whole, rather than looking just at the v

The urban business group of Finnish consulting and engineering company Pöyry has been awarded a contract from the Finnish Transport Agency for maintenance management of the 1,800 kilometre-long Eastern Finland railway network, which the company has been managing since 2005. The new contract, valued at around US$6.7 million (EUR 5.2 million) commences at the beginning of 2013 and will run for five years. The contract covers the maintenance management of railways, rail structures and equipment, land areas and

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) is to present a four-year public transportation program to the Taiwanese Cabinet. Over the next four years, the US$683.76 million programme will purchase more than 3,000 buses, including hybrid buses and electric buses, to replace the existing buses in Taiwanese cities. Low-floor buses will account for 30% of the total buses to be used in city area in 2016. The number of low-floor buses in metropolitan areas will increase by 2% a year, under the

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is to install an advance warning system on the Interstate 277 (I-277) outer loop between Tryon Street and Interstate 77 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This system will detect traffic data such as volume and speed, alerting motorists to backups that frequently occur on the ramp from I-277 outer to I-77 north. The $188,000 project was awarded to Consolidated Power of Mooresville, who will install the detection warning system, consisting of two microwave