Transfort Deploys In Motion Technology Solutions to Improve Passenger Ride Experience

In Motion Technology today announced that Transfort of Fort Collins, Colorado has deployed the company’s mobile networking equipment to enable new video and information systems providing passengers with improved security and up-to-the-minute bus location.

Transfort has installed In Motion’s onBoard Mobile Gateway in all of its fixed route buses to serve an on-board video camera system that captures and stores video images while the bus is in service. At the bus garage, the Gateway transmits selected onboard video and other information over a secure, high speed wireless link. The Gateway will also allow operations and law enforcement staff to view live video from nearby vehicles, further improving the safety and security of operators and passengers.

Transfort will also utilize GPS (global positioning system) data reported using a cellular connection from In Motion’s Gateway to identify the exact location of buses along their routes. In the future, this information will be displayed to passengers in a variety of forms through Transfort’s Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) that is currently under development. The Gateway will provide reliable, secure connectivity for systems performing route and schedule management, fare collection and other applications serving Transfort passengers and staff.

The onBoard Mobile Gateway consolidates network access for more efficient, manageable and secure delivery of wireless services to all vehicle systems. It incorporates multiple wireless modems to roam between a variety of wireless technologies. When available network technologies change, agencies can simply upgrade the Gateway to make new wireless services accessible by all onboard systems.

“Our research has shown that residents are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprints and are looking for alternatives to driving that are both modern and convenient,” said Dean Erickson, Transfort’s Director of Information Systems.

“Transfort is committed to becoming this alternative, and to that end is putting the infrastructure in place to be able to meet these expectations. Once deployed, ATIS will provide passengers with information about routes, schedules and the location of buses in real time and can be accessed at stops, in stations, over the Internet, and on mobile phones. This will make traveling on Transfort even more convenient and give passengers better control over their commute and their day.”

“We looked at other technologies for fleet communications, but none offered the flexibility, security or cost effectiveness of the Gateway,” said Erickson. “Once our system is fully deployed, passengers will have unprecedented access to service information.”

“We are pleased to be working with Transfort to provide a communications solution for video and traveler information systems,” said Dave Birarda, VP of Business Development for In Motion Technology. ”Transfort’s advanced bus network architecture will consolidate communications, improve network performance and eliminate redundant costs. It will also simplify the addition of future systems and services for the fleet.”

In Motion Technology to Provide Advanced Wireless Communications for the Utah Transit Authority

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) today announced the fleet-wide deployment of the onBoard Mobile Gateway from In Motion Technology, the leader in mobile networking technologies that efficiently connect and manage equipment, information and people in the field. The solution provides wireless communications capabilities to enable in-vehicle credit card payments, Internet access and other advanced services for passengers utilizing UTA’s 530-vehicle bus service.

“We chose In Motion because they offered a mobile wireless technology that was reliable, secure and cost effective,” said Clair Fiet, Chief Technology Officer for the Utah Transit Authority. “This solution will enable us to improve operations and enhance the passenger experience in many ways.”

In Motion’s onBoard Mobile Gateway creates a wired and wireless local area network aboard transit vehicles, enabling multiple devices and systems to have reliable connectivity over a variety of networks. In Motion’s onBoard Mobility Manager will give UTA’s headquarters staff a virtual dashboard of information about networks, devices and vehicles from the field, and a high level of information and control over its wireless communications.

The onBoard Mobile Gateway provides real-time communication enabling authorization of credit cards, ski passes and other electronic fare media used by UTA passengers as they board, providing a convenience for passengers and increasing efficiency for the agency. Wide-area and garage area communications are also provided for systems, managing vehicle location, route, schedule and service information. Using the onBoard Mobile Gateway as a WiFi hotspot, passengers will also have access to email and the Internet from their laptops, PDAs or smart phones. UTA’s IT team will also be able to monitor and troubleshoot its wireless network and devices in real time.

“We have tried other mobile data solutions, but In Motion’s technology and team set it apart,” Fiet said. “In Motion worked with us to identify a variety of business needs and develop solutions that have improved our operations and the service we provide to our patrons every day.”

“The Utah Transit Authority is a leader in public transportation services and technology,” said Kirk Moir, President and CEO of In Motion Technology, which has deployed solutions for transit, first responder, utility and commercial organizations across North America. “We are proud to serve UTA with technology that enhances the passenger experience and improves operations.”