AUTOMATEI) VEHICLE LOCATION (AVL). Using transponders, vehicle odometers and/or Global
Positioning Systems (GPS), AVL systems monitored at central dispatching center can facilitate
the reliability of time transfer and switches between modes and provide real-time arrival-departure
information to users.
AUTOMATED DEMAND RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS. By utilizing AVL in conjunction with shortrest.
path algorithm processing, vehicular route diversion and fleet dispatching can be implement,ed.
AUTOMATET) VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION (AVI). Small electronic devices that contain and transmit
informat,ion identifying each specific vehicle in a fleet could enable High Occupancy Vehicles
(HOV) or priority status verification and significantly improve the efficiency of operations. AVT
can also enable a system-wide probe system, whereby the speed of individual modal movement
units can be monitored as they traverse the system’s infrastructure. Computerized monitoring
can detect traffic congestion automatically and provide means of early detection incidents for t,hr,
multimodal isystems monitoring systems.
ON-BOARD AUTOMATIC GUIDANCE. Simple laser or radar sensors installed on the vehicleti can
warn the operator of the presence of other vehicles in close proximity. More complex and futuristic
syst,ems may also use such control devices to control steering, acceleration and decelerat~ion of
vehicles.
VEHICULAR UNIT DIAGNOSTICS. On board sensors automatically monitor vehicular capacity,
location, and operating condition of pertinent equipment. This information is transmitted to
a central control center and is compared with a predetermined operating schedule. Deviation
can be noted and transmitted to both operator and dispatcher. Corrective instructions can be
automatically issued to the operator to restore service or schedule adherence. Data on vehicle
status are stored in the computers so that schedules, analyses, and plans can be revised losing
actual data.