Orbital Sciences has been awarded a $30 million contract by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to supply a fully-integrated, satellite-aided dispatch system to help manage and control a fleet of 1,627 buses, light rail, maintenance and supervisory vehicles.
Orbital¿s state-of-the-art Computer Aided Radio Dispatch system (CARD) uses a combination of satellite-based vehicle positioning technology through the U.S. Government¿s Global Positioning System (GPS), and wireless, terrestrial-based communications capabilities.
The CARD system will allow SEPTA to enhance its real-time fleet communications, improve its operational performance and efficiency, and help ensure the safety of its passengers and vehicle operators.
The $30 million contract announced today extends Orbital¿s relationship with SEPTA, which began in 1995 under a previous contract covering 400 vehicles. Orbital TMS has already provided SEPTA with a satellite-based system that automatically announces stops along transit bus routes using both visual and audible alerts.
Mr. John K. Leary, Jr., General Manager of SEPTA, said, "This comprehensive CARD system will take SEPTA well into the next century as a progressive technology leader in public transportation management. I look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Orbital¿s TMS group."
The Orbital TMS CARD system includes a powerful new data mining and reporting capability for assessing fleet performance and providing quantitative data to support future fleet operational improvements. The system also offers an open architecture, with open standards, enabling SEPTA to add to and update the system quickly and efficiently, which will allow them to incorporate even more advanced technologies that may become available in the future.
"Orbital TMS is excited to be continuing our partnership with SEPTA. We have assembled an experienced, proven team, ensuring a successful implementation," said Mr. David L. Mathisen, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital¿s TMS Division. "Our significant previous experience with fleets of this size in urban areas around the country uniquely positions Orbital as the most qualified contractor for the job."
