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New technology to help bus drivers navigate shoulders
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009
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by Laura Adelmann
Thisweek Newspapers
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority doesn’t want its new bus technology kept under wraps.
This week, 10 buses operating in Dakota County on Cedar Avenue and I-35 will feature advertisements for “Bus 2.0,” to highlight the technology that is planned be used to help Cedar Avenue transit buses operate safely on the shoulder road.
PHOTO: Some buses operating on Cedar Avenue and I-35 will feature wraps that highlight information about the new technology that will be used in the future on Cedar Avenue to help bus drivers safely navigate driving on the shoulders. Photo by Rick Orndorf
Among the methods the “Driver Assist System” will employ to help bus
drivers is a seat that vibrates in warning if the system senses an
obstacle ahead.
“The driver has an opportunity to pull into traffic, away from the
shoulder, before an incident could occur,” said MVTA Customer Relations
Manager Robin Selvig.
In addition, the DAS uses global positioning software to track buses
locations, and drivers have a heads-up display of their location on the
corridor up to Crosstown in Bloomington.
Selvig said MVTA drivers will all receive training on the components using a simulator.
“The idea here is to use the technology components to help drivers feel more confident to use the shoulders,” Selvig said.
The $50,000 bus wraps were paid for with funds from the federal Urban Partnership Agreement.
Laura Adelmann is at
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