BURNSVILLE, MN--(Marketwire - Jun 27, 2011) - The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) Board of Directors awarded a contract for Intelligent Transportation Systems Base Architecture (also known as an automatic vehicle locator -- AVL -- system) at its June 22 meeting.
"This is an exciting move for the MVTA," said Board Chair Willis E. Branning, who was a member of the Board's "Special AVL Committee." He continued, "During the past two years, we carefully researched systems that would best meet the needs of the MVTA and we believe RouteMatch will be an excellent long-term technology partner with the MVTA."
The Special AVL Committee also included Rosemount Mayor William Droste and At-Large Board member Wally Lyslo of Burnsville. The committee reviewed the regional system in place at Metro Transit and other area providers, and then directed staff to seek other options. The Committee wanted to ensure that the solution will not only meet current needs, but will take advantage of future technologies without a complete system replacement. In addition, a "hosted" solution was considered consistent with the MVTA's approach to contract for services. Both the Board Special AVL Committee and the MVTA Technical Committee agreed on RouthMatch as the vendor of choice.
The objective of the AVL project is to "improve the operational efficiency and performance of the MVTA," according to Executive Director Beverley Miller. "These desires can be summarized in two main goals: 1) Improve overall dispatching and operating efficiency, and 2) Increase availability of transit information and dissemination," she said.
RouteMatch Software, which currently works with more than 350 transit agencies nationwide, will be providing MVTA with integrated, yet modular transportation software, accompanying hardware, and traveler information services. RouteMatch's CAD/AVL solution will serve as the base of MVTA's system which will help MVTA more effectively manage its fixed routes and on time performance, and locate its vehicles. The contract also includes the purchase of the Android-based Samsung Galaxy tablets for 120 vehicles. These versatile devices will help MVTA bus drivers conduct in-vehicle navigation, real-time data collection and route/schedule adherence.
"MVTA is a terrific example of a progressive transit agency that values open, scalable solutions to accommodate a large commuter ridership between metro and suburban communities," said Tim Quinn, Executive Vice President and Co-founder of RouteMatch Software. "We're thrilled that Minnesota Valley has chosen RouteMatch's technology and our team of engineers, implementation consultants and customer support specialists. We look forward to partnering with MVTA to achieve their immediate and long-term goals."
The MVTA will take a phased approach to the project and requires a scalable system with a well-defined upgrade path to technologies that support Automated Passenger Counting, Automate Voice Annunciation, On Board Dynamic Message Signs, and additional Traveler Information Systems (TIS). The ability to share information with the regional system is also an important component of the project.
The project is being funded by a variety of sources including the MVTA's 2010 National Transit Database (NTD) fund allocation that has been exchanged into Regional Transit Capital (RTC) bond funds, and RTC funds from MVTA's 2011 NTD allocation which was approved by the Metropolitan Council on June 22. Additional components will be added to the system as funding is obtained.
MVTA is the public transportation provider for residents and businesses of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, and Savage. Call (952) 882-7500 for transit information or visit the MVTA web-site at www.mvta.com.
Contact Information:
MVTA Contact:
Robin Selvig
(952) 882-7504