New Flyer Named Partner on FTA Safety Research and Demonstration Grant for L.A. County’s Metro System

New Flyer of America Inc. has announced it was named as an original equipment manufacturer partner on a U.S. Federal Transit Administration Safety Research and Demonstration grant awarded to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The SRD project commenced during the second quarter of 2017 and is anticipated for completion in 2020.

Metro seeks to reduce pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle collisions using sensors for driver warning and assist. The SRD project team is responsible for evaluation of cost-effectiveness and practicality of selected collision mitigation solutions, with New Flyer named as a partner to evaluate sensor-based collision avoidance systems. The technology assessment includes automated braking as well as other sensors that can assist drivers with pedestrian warning, blind spot caution, and collision avoidance. The most technically feasible and commercially viable solutions will be included in a 50-bus evaluation.

“We are proud to have New Flyer play a key role in this important SRD project,” said Chris Stoddart, senior vice president of engineering and service of New Flyer. “Driver and passenger safety is of utmost importance, and evaluating autonomous driving and collision avoidance technologies in the densest transit environments will validate the potential of new solutions in tough driving conditions. We look forward to integrating innovative SRD solutions into the Xcelsior bus in a manner that benefits the entire transit industry.”