CAT Board approves $2.5 million system-wide technology upgrade

A $2.5-million contract with Clever Devices has been approved by the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) to implement a new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

CAT will replace an antiquated ITS with a newer system that will provide enhanced features and improved technology. The system will allow for service improvements such as real-time bus tracking, vehicle-health monitoring, service alerts and computer-aided dispatch.

Grant funding is available to cover 80 percent of the cost of the system with a 20 percent local match provided by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue.

“I want to thank our staff and partners, the Federal Transit Administration and Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, for the hard work and collaboration involved in obtaining these grant funds,” said CAT CEO Bacarra Mauldin. “This purchase will allow CAT to implement advanced technologies and improve the experience of our long-time riders, while also meeting the increasing expectations of younger generations when it comes to public transit.”

CAT says New York-based Clever Devices scored the highest of three service providers after a selection committee evaluated the proposals based on their experience, implementation approach, manufacturing plan, disadvantaged business participation and price.

The system-wide installation of the ITS throughout CAT’s computer network, facilities and vehicles is expected to take about a year to complete.