Connected Vehicle App Makes Bus Stops Smart
Waiting for a bus just entered the “smart technology” era.
Silicon Valley’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has teamed up with two high-tech leaders in the automotive ecosystem – Renesas Electronics America Inc. and eTrans Systems – to demonstrate a new application to improve the bus rider experience through technology innovation.
The Smart Stop application allows for communication between buses and waiting passengers. A waiting passenger can send a message to the driver telling him he wants to take the bus, and the bus can tell those at a stop it is on its way.
Smart Stop will be demonstrated at the annual conference of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), June 12-16 in San Jose, Calif. The demo is Wednesday, June 15, off Viola Ave. next to the San Jose Convention Center South Hall between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The demonstration highlights V2I (Vehicle-To-Infrastructure) and V2V (Vehicle-To-Vehicle) solutions using Dedicated Short Range Communications, or DSRC, for safety and mobility applications.
V2X technology connects the fleet systems with infrastructure, using 5.9 GHz WI-FI communications. The technology allows vehicles to reliably interact with infrastructure, enables collision avoidance, and promotes fuel efficiency.
“VTA is looking for new and inventive ways to improve the customer experience when taking transit,” said Gary Miskell, VTA’s chief information officer. “A Smart Stop provides customers a quick and simple way to keep them informed on their trip.”
“It’s an exciting time for the transportation industry, and Renesas Electronics America is pleased to partner with VTA and eTrans Systems to demonstrate the first eco-friendly solution for V2X,” said Vinay Thadani, senior staff product marketing manager, Automotive Unit, Renesas Electronics America, and ITS California committee member.
“Connecting the innovation of transit, vehicle, and infrastructure of the VTA, while using a Renesas On-Board Unit with eTransSystems technologies, Smart Stop will promote safety and greener ridership in overall transit.”
ETrans, a leading developer of software solutions for connected and automated vehicles, has designed communications software that allows the bus and the bus stop to communicate using DSRC technology.
“DSRC is an emerging technology that is going to greatly improve road safety and mobility and we are very excited to rollout this cutting-edge solution with VTA,” said John Estrada, eTrans CEO.
USING DSRC TECHNOLOGY
In the demonstration, a mock VTA bus stop will use DSRC to let a bus operator know if someone is waiting at a particular stop, and to let passengers know when the vehicle is nearby. This means drivers won’t have to stop when there are no passengers waiting, saving time and fuel.
When passengers arrive at a stop, they can use an app on their smartphone or the touch screen at the stop kiosk to indicate that they are waiting for a particular bus. This request is passed to a Road Side Unit that runs software developed by eTrans. The Road Side Unit then uses DSRC technology to transmit that request to the bus on-board unit which generates an audible and visual alert. As the bus approaches the stop, DSRC communication is used to notify the passenger, via their smartphone, that the vehicle is approaching.
A second demonstration of DSRC technology will feature Renesas advanced ADAS autonomous driving platform, which uses a combination of sensor fusion, 3D surround view, and V2X technologies to provide driver warnings for collisions, red lights and road construction.
Regulations expected to go into effect will mandate V2X technology be integrated with existing vehicle safety features to optimize driver safety and fuel efficiency. Many major auto manufacturers have begun to respond to the new mandate, which is proposed for vehicles manufactured for model year 2019.
The VTA is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of its region. VTA is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations and also serves as the county’s congestion management agency.