Numerous metropolitan areas throughout the world are developing and operating advanced transportation management systems (ATMS). The intent of these systems is to maximise the productivity and efficiency of the surface transportation system through better management of the existing infrastructure and to enhance safety, mobility, accessibility, and the environment. In some cases, public transport agencies are actively involved in the development and operation of ATMS, while in other cases transit operators receive real-time information from these systems. In Texas, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) jointly developed and operates TranStar, the ATMS in the Houston area. In addition, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority in San Antonio has transit operating personnel located in TransGuide. The experience of both these studies are presented to document the benefits transit operators can realise through better integration with ATMS. These benefits include the use of real-time information on accidents and traffic conditions to help transit operators reroute buses around major trouble spots, to communicate this information to passengers, and to respond to problems involving buses. In addition, transit operating personnel can provide valuable information, especially on conditions on local streets to ATMS. The experience from Houston and San Antonio highlights the benefits transit can realise from ATMS.
Samenvatting