Skip to main content

VTA demonstrating Smart Stop technology at ITS America San Jose

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is showing conference attendees how its Smart Stop technology can tell bus drivers that someone is waiting at a particular stop, improving the rider experience while saving fuel costs. The Smart Stop demonstration is designed to highlight Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) solutions using dedicated short range 5.9 GHz Wi-Fi communications. It was built in partnership with Renesas Electronics America, a semiconductor supplier, a
June 15, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 1791 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is showing conference attendees how its Smart Stop technology can tell bus drivers that someone is waiting at a particular stop, improving the rider experience while saving fuel costs.

The Smart Stop demonstration is designed to highlight Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) solutions using dedicated short range 5.9 GHz Wi-Fi communications. It was built in partnership with 2266 Renesas Electronics America, a semiconductor supplier, and eTrans Systems, a developer of software for connected and automated vehicles.

According to the agency, bus stops can be crowded and confusing when serving multiple routes, and bad weather can obscure waiting passengers from the driver. Passengers can use an app on their smartphone or a touch screen at a kiosk to indicate they are waiting for a particular bus. The request is then passed to a road side unit that transmits the request to the approaching bus's on-board unit. An audible and visual alert notifies the driver, and the passenger is notified via smartphone. If a bus approaches a stop that doesn't have a passenger waiting, the driver can continue on the route without stopping--saving time and fuel. At the same time, safety is improved by minimizing the need to exit and enter traffic.

"VTA is looking for new and innovative ways to improve the customer experience when taking transit," said Gary Miskell, VTA's CIO, in a press release. "Smart Stop provides customers with a quick and simple way to keep informed on their trip."

A mock bus stop will be set up Wednesday between 10am and 3:30pm off Viola Avenue next to the convention center. Conference attendees are encouraged to stop by and hail an approaching bus.

VTA is also demonstrating a dedicated short range communications (DSRC) solution from Renesas Electronics that uses a combination of sensor fusion, 3D surround view and V2X technologies to provide driver warnings for collisions, red lights and road construction. New regulations mandate that V2X technology be integrated with existing vehicle safety features to optimize driver safety and fuel efficiency, and many auto manufacturers are already developing solutions to meet compliance.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Port of Hamburg launches intelligent traffic light
    June 3, 2015
    The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) in Germany and NXP Semiconductors have partnered on an intelligent traffic light for the port that they claim optimises the flow of truck traffic and guides drivers through the increasingly heavily used port more quickly and safely. The smartPORT traffic light was developed by the HPA in conjunction with its partners NXP, Siemens, Heusch/Boesefeldt and Hamburg Verkehrsanlagen. NXP supplied the solutions for the wireless communication, V2X and RFID, and ensures data pro
  • Connexionz awarded contract to connect multiple transit agencies across three States
    November 22, 2017
    Provider of smart transit innovations Connexionz has been awarded a contract to deliver multi-agency regional passenger information system to connect several transport networks across three US States. It will initially manage and support seven partner agency fleets, with potential to scale and link up to 18 separate transport operators across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Called iTransit NM it is designed with the intention of enabling passengers convenient access to real-time information on all rural and
  • Telstra and Cohda Wireless conduct first Australian V2P technology trial
    July 28, 2017
    Telstra, in partnership with Cohda Wireless, has successfully conducted Australia’s first test of vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) technology over a mobile network in South Australia. The trial demonstrated vehicles interacting directly with pedestrians’ and cyclists’ mobile phones providing early-warning collision detection and alerts via an application installed on the phones. The technology was tested using some common scenarios that occur every day in Australia, such as a car and a cyclist approaching a blin
  • Forestry Commission installs ticketless parking
    August 24, 2016
    Newpark Solutions has been awarded a major contract to install the latest Fusion ticketless pay-on-foot parking system at over 40 woods and forests across the UK managed by the Forestry Commission. The first two installations have already been completed to handle over 1000 car parking spaces situated at Alice Holt, a Royal forest in Hampshire, and Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset. The Forestry Commission charges for vehicle access within these forests to supplement government funding and assist with