EMTRAC for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The EMTRAC system enhances the following “essential features that define BRT”[2]—without requiring additional hardware:

Dedicated Right-of-Way and Busway Alignment: EMTRAC-equipped vehicles are able to automatically open entrance gates to dedicated BRT lanes.

Off-Board Fare Collection: Vehicles may request signal priority at near-side stops (depending on door status) or while approaching far-side stops (depending on stop-request status).

Intersection treatments: In addition to signal priority, precision vehicle detection allows for lane-specific actuated phasing.

Platform-Level Boarding: Account for faster loading times by customizing the conditions under which priority is requested. As a result, signal phases are not altered until necessary.

Transit agencies are also able to monitor real-time BRT activity with the EMTRAC Central Monitor system.

Right Turn from Dedicated BRT Lane - Monterrey, MX

BRT Features

  • Industry-best satellite and inertial positioning enables vehicles to request signal priority by lane.
  • Equipped vehicles can automatically open busway and garage entrance gates, without requiring additional onboard hardware.
  • Route timepoints may be automatically reported by vehicle, with timepoint data saved to detailed activity logs.
  • Central Monitor software displays vehicle activity in real time on interactive map.
  • Vehicles are easily configured to allow signal priority only under specified conditions.

BRT Benefits

  • Timeliness: Vehicles behind schedule may be configured to continue requesting signal priority until they are back on schedule.
  • Ease of Installation: EMTRAC BRT equipment is the same as used for other EMTRAC applications.
  • Expandability: Agencies can upgrade their existing EMTRAC system with minimal effort, adding capabilities as schedules and budgets allow.
  • Flexibility: Install additional components for specific vehicles (or vehicle classes). For example, install EMTRAC Control Heads (to provide driver alerts) only on rapid-transit buses.
  • Accuracy: The EMTRAC system utilizes the most precise vehicle-position technology to ensure exact location reporting—even in unfavorable urban environments.
  • Security: Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum radio signal has superior range and utilizes AES encryption.

References

1. Wright, Lloyd, and Walter Hook. The BRT Planning Guide. New York: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, 2007.
2. “What Is BRT?” Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. ITDP, Web. 6 Aug. 2015.

Video

EMTRAC System video demonstrations of EMTRAC System capabilities, including Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP), Transit Signal Priority (TSP), transit rail safety, vehicle detection, and signal management.

Intelligent Signal Management  -  1:13
EMTRAC INTRODUCTION  -  4:13
RAIL LINE SAFETY  -  4:45
RAIL WORKER SAFETY  -  3:20
RAIL WORKER SAFETY DEMO  -  8:13