Three Major ETS Routes Upgraded with Smart Bus Technology

Starting Oct. 18, ETS routes 8, 9 and 512 will have buses equipped with Smart Bus technology, which provides riders with real-time service information and enhanced security features.

The 8 and 9 are two of ETS’ busiest routes and the 512 is a new Late Night Owl bus. Smart Bus technology provides real-time bus departure information and automated announcements to notify riders of an approaching bus stop.

Smart Bus technology allows bus operators to better monitor if they are early, on time, or running late. Operators can communicate more easily with Transit Control and discretely activate an alarm for assistance.

Buses equipped with cameras can also provide transit control with a live look-in of activities while the automated vehicle location provides the current bus location (including the speed and direction of travel) so the appropriate resources, if needed, can be dispatched to the correct location.

With more than 7,300 bus stops and more than 306,000 daily bus boardings, new technology keeps ETS riders informed about the status of their bus in real time. Riders can access information using ETS Live tools. More than 300 ETS buses have now been equipped with Smart Bus technology, with 500 more scheduled to be added by March. The goal is to complete conversion of the entire ETS fleet (929 buses) by the end of summer 2016.