Public Transportation Enjoys Proliferation of New Technologies

EXPO 2005 to Showcase New Generation of Bus, Rail and Transit System Innovations That Benefit Passengers, Maximize Efficiency, Conserve Energy and Reduce Emissions

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com

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Passengers on public transportation systems all over America are benefiting from a wide array of technologies that have emerged in recent years to enhance the riding experience and make it easier than ever to use transit for commuting, shopping, recreation and going to school.

The innovations that have triggered these enhancements will be on display at the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA's) triennial International Public Transportation Expo (EXPO 2005), which will take place September 26-28 at the Dallas Convention Center in conjunction with the September 25-28 APTA Annual Meeting. With 800+ exhibitors and 16,000+ leaders expected to be on hand, EXPO offers reporters a unique opportunity for a first-hand look at the technologies that are leading public transportation into the 21st century at the largest public transportation expo in the world.

"In recent years, we have seen a real acceleration in the development and deployment of technologies that have transformed public transportation and helped our members better serve their passengers," said APTA president William W. Millar. "EXPO 2005 brings together leading public transportation professionals and innovators from around the world."

Among the current examples of this transformation in America's transit systems that are making headlines:

• The LYNX transit system in Central Florida has equipped six buses with on-board wireless Internet that allows passengers with wireless-equipped laptops to read on-line news, shop by computer, check e-mail and instant-message with friends. A similar pilot program is underway with AC Transit buses in Oakland, Calif., offering a first glimpse at a future where buses become rolling Internet cafes. Wi-Fi-equipped buses will some day pave the way for other enhancements such as Global Positioning System mapping services that allow passengers to go on-line to find nearby stores and restaurants.
• Even before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the transit industry was on the leading edge of developing security technologies to protect systems and passengers, and today a new generation of sophisticated technologies has raised transit system security to new levels. New software-enhanced surveillance systems continuously detect suspicious activities such as unattended items, rapid movements, sudden changes in light and sound, and different types of intrusions, and this information is automatically relayed to personnel in the operations control center. On-board Wi-Fi surveillance allows real-time images to be transmitted to police in the event of an emergency, and automatic vehicle location systems make it easy to track down transit vehicles in distress. Importantly, investments in security provide protection against all types of hazards, not just terrorist attacks.
• Advances in smart card technology are giving passengers more flexibility and rewards for riding public transportation. New advanced collection systems allow passengers to pass through the turnstiles without waiting in line, and the chip-based cards store fare information and certain discounts they can receive. If the cards are lost, the transit system can disable them so the passenger is reimbursed and receives a new card. Also in the pipeline are interoperable fare cards that will soon allow passengers to travel on different transit systems within regions of the country using one card, a feature that will begin to deploy in 2006.

Another innovation in fare collection and smart cards is frequent rider reward programs. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which serves the San Francisco area, recently announced it would offer a "BART Rewards" program that gives frequent riders cash or free tickets. Also, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C.'s transit agency, just launched a three-year pilot program with Citibank where passengers can receive MasterCards with a computer chip that allows them to pay fares and parking or make purchases with the same card.

• Riders have added control over planning their trips thanks to new passenger information technology that can alert them when the next bus or train is coming by e-mail or cell phone, and provide real-time updates at the station on its location and how long they will have to wait. Another trip planning resource for transit passengers that is available in more and more parts of the country is 511, the three-digit telephone number that provides a gateway for multimodal transportation information to help them plan and schedule the most efficient combination of bus and/or rail routes in their area.
• Transit systems are leading the way in the development of cleaner, more fuel efficient transit vehicles. More than 8,000 clean-burning natural gas-powered buses are now on the road, along with 700+ hybrids. More than 80% of the nation's bus fleet is now powered by ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. Retrofit technologies such as catalytic converters and diesel particulate traps also are helping to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. On the rail car side, AC electric propulsion systems are helping to make systems cleaner and more energy efficient.
• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail passengers are now entertained by in-rail car television and radio network that delivers daily news from the market's top TV station on multiple flat screen televisions, along with six channels of wireless audio available on any FM radio.

The many benefits of America's 21st century public transportation system have resulted in a ridership increase of 23% since 1995, and this growth has led to increased funding for transit systems all over the country. More than 80% of all local ballot initiatives to fund transit system construction and improvements have passed in the past year, and the federal transportation reauthorization bill passed in August included significant increases for public transportation.

As leaders in the public transportation field gather in Dallas for EXPO 2005, there are numerous compelling story lines and trends that reflect the changing face of the industry, and the many steps transit systems are taking to better serve their riders. APTA encourages reporters to join us for an event that promises to offer a wealth of news-making opportunities. For more information about no-cost registration for members of the media, visit www.ntpshow.com/shows/apta2005, or contact Mary Ellen Menton at 202/289-2001 or mmenton@stratacomm.net

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions, and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.