We’ve written several times in the last year about cities around the world utilizing GPS tracking devices to improve their public transportation systems.
Our latest news find on the topic details a GPS tracking initiative for public transportation GPS trackers in Pullman, WA as a result of a stimulus grant which will also fund the purchase of a camera for each bus.
The GPS tracking system is currently in testing, and is expected to be available to patrons in 2012.
Source: http://news.wsu.edu/pages/publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=29235&TypeID=1
As a result of grant funding, the state of Vermont will soon be using GPS tracking devices to provide better transportation services to veterans who need transportation to work, medical appointments, and more. Convenience and accessibility are some of the key goals of the GPS tracking program. In addition, the program will allow dispatchers to easily monitor the locations of all transportation vans throughout the state.
Source: http://gpstrackinginfo.com/gps-tracking-devices-to-be-installed-in-veteran-transit-in-va/2585
Two-million dollars in grant funding will be put to work improving technology for Columbia, Missouri’s city bus transportation system, including the possible addition of a GPS tracking system to the city’s bus fleet, and the addition of natural gas powered buses.
The GPS tracking systems would allow smart phone users to view the location and arrival information of each bus.
Other technologically-advanced considerations include auto-counting of passengers and length of individual bus rides with the goal of creating a more efficient public transportation system for the city.
Source: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/oct/26/gps-might-track-columbias-buses/
Train riders in parts of India are going to get a serious upgrade to their
train system. A new GPS tracking-based passenger information system, known as the
Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation (SIMRAN) system, will soon be giving them
real time information on the location of trains. The GPS tracking systems will be installed in the Mumbai and Howrah Rajdhanis lines. The type of information available will include the exact location, the speed and the estimated arrival time of trains, based on this information.
The system will begin with four select trains as a pilot program, though
private testing has taken place. If the system turns out to be a success it
could be installed in over 8,000 trains that connect to 8,177 stations. The
system could, in time, replace a human-managed system that relies on phone calls.
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/gpsbased-information-system-in-howrah-mumbai-rajdhanis/185421-11.html
Read more about GPS tracking and public transportation in India.
A $49.5 milion dollar contract to purchase high tech public transportation buses for Staten Island will result in patrons having the conveniences of plugging in laptop computers, cell phones, and more. In addition, the Metropolitan Transit Authority reports Staten Island bus patrons will soon have the ability to use a GPS tracking application to track the location of any bus at any time via their computer or smart phone.
GPS tracking installed on the new buses will allow patrons the convenience of knowing if their bus is running on time, resulting in a more reliable, user-friendly public transportaton system. New Yorkers endure some of the longest commute times in the nation.
Many major cities are now offering GPS tracking of their public transportation system for the convenience of their patrons. Here’s another story about GPS tracking for city buses.
Source: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/swank_new_high-tech_buses_head.html
According to the Detroit Free Press, GPS tracking technology for tracking airplanes, could soon be available if government funding and the approval of the FAA come through.
With a concept easily comparable to fleet tracking, GPS tracking systems for aircraft would allow pilots to fly directly to their destinations rather than using the current practice of indirect routes which are dependent upon the ability to communicate with ground stations.
GPS tracking systems will also allow pilots to see their own locations as well as the locations of other planes in the area. Precision GPS technology will allow planes to fly closer together. In addition, it is anticipated that GPS tracking installed on aircrafts will result in fuel conservation due to the fact that pilots will have the technology necessary to glide directly on to the runway while idling, rather than using the current procedure of stair step descents which consume considerable amounts of fuel.
GPS tracking for aircraft may be delayed due to lack of funding and the FAA approval process. Some fear that a prolonged delay would negatively affect the United States’ lead role in high tech aviation development around the world.
Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20110705/NEWS07/107050337/GPS-system-aims-make-flying-easier
An traditional form of transportation in India is getting a very modern upgrade with GPS tracking devices soon to be installed on autorickshaws, commonly used by commuters in Indian cities. According to Indian Express, a test group of 250 autorickshaws will be equipped with GPS tracking systems by the end of July. The GPS trackers will be monitored via GPS tracking software by transport department officials.
The GPS trackers are intended to prevent drivers from overcharging passengers, and taking longer routes than necessary. The GPS trackers also include a panic button intended for use by passengers in emergency situations so that authorities may reach them more quickly.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Autorickshaws-to-get-GPS-tracking-devices-by-end-of-July/810129/
