FL: Broward County Transit Receives Commission Approval to Implement New Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Locator System

On Jan. 28, the Broward County Commission voted to move forward with implementation of a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system for Broward County Transit (BCT).

The new CAD/AVL system will allow operations dispatchers to better manage fixed-route and community buses and the planned “WAVE” modern streetcar system. It will also provide ”real-time” bus arrival and departure information through passenger advisory signs, websites, text messaging and mobile phone applications.

“This is a highly-anticipated project,” said Tim Garling, director of the Broward County Transit Division. “Our passengers and BCT staff look forward to the implementation of the CAD/AVL system. This technology will enhance our entire operations by improving the riding experience for our passengers as well as the internal business process of public transportation.”

In addition to several other features and functions, the CAD/AVL system will enhance communications between the operations dispatchers and bus drivers when addressing issues that arise during day-to-day operations.

BCT will now begin work on the first of seven phases to prepare for a full-system rollout, which is tentatively scheduled for spring-summer 2015. The $12.5 million dollar project is federally-funded from various Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, including $2.2 million dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.