Sound Transit continues to explore new technologies that may be incorporated into the implementation of bus and rail services. Its Research and Technology program, created by Sound Move, evaluates innovative ways to provide transit service and looks at ways to reduce dependency on single occupancy vehicles, improve public transportation's cost effectiveness, and better respond to customer needs.
The Research and Technology program has already funded and implemented a variety of projects - including a demonstration of "Smart Bus" technologies, advanced traveler information computer applications, and the testing of a diesel/ electric hybrid bus. These projects benefit both Sound Transit and our regional transit partners.
Recently, the Research and Technology program developed a Transit Technology Plan, which provides both an inventory of current technologies and a framework for making future technology investments. Sound Transit worked with its regional transit partners through the inter-agency Regional Transit Technology Group (RTTG), a technology-oriented committee made up of area transit agencies and interested stakeholders. Together, the groups planned a series of technology-related initiatives, both for the region and specific to Sound Transit. These initiatives will work toward fulfilling the goals first established in Sound Move.
For more information on the Research and Technology program at Sound Transit or any of its projects please contact us.
Other technologies currently under Sound Transit review include the following:
- Water taxis
- Automatic vehicle location
- Closed-circuit TV security
- Regional automatic trip planning
- Traffic signal preemption
- Real-time transit traveler information systems
- Internet e-commerce for sale of fare media
