Virginia Public Transportation Agencies Implementing Innovative Driver Assistance Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2017

DRPT: Kelsey Webb
(804) 840-0575
kelsey.webb@drpt.virginia.gov

Virginia Public Transportation Agencies Implementing Innovative Driver Assistance Technology
~ Added safety measure alerts bus drivers to pedestrians and bicyclists ~

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is pleased to announce the cooperative statewide procurement of Mobileye Shield+ Driver Assistance System (DAS) technology for all public transportation providers in Virginia. This is the first statewide cooperative procurement of its kind, making Virginia a national leader in promoting technology in public transportation while also reducing cost burdens on local public transit agencies. As part of a $450,000 pilot program, DRPT is also providing funding to ten public transit agencies to retrofit up to 50 buses with innovative pedestrian collision avoidance systems that will alert transit operators of pedestrians and bicyclists that enter the path of the vehicle.

“One of the main goals of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation is to ensure safe and reliable transportation for Virginia’s citizens, and we actively seek opportunities to implement new technology to make our transit infrastructure safer. Driver Assistance Systems are a great way to add yet another safety feature to our fleets. We are excited about this opportunity to bring this technology to our transit systems and look forward to the positive impact they will have as a result of implementation,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell.

The Mobileye Shield+ DAS system adds an additional safety feature to existing buses in order to prevent potential pedestrian collisions. DAS technology includes hardware elements like cameras, sensors, and digital displays, as well as software elements to record and report incidents and note trends. DAS systems can also reduce wear on transit vehicles by encouraging more predictable bus movements.

The DAS pilot program was funded through a Statewide Transit Demonstration Grant and the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund. DAS will make its first appearance on The Hopper, a downtown circulator bus operated by the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) and funded by SMART SCALE.

DRPT, the Virginia Transportation Research Council, and other entities will be involved in monitoring this effort and reporting the results of the pilot. For more information, please visit: www.drpt.virginia.gov

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Mike Mucha at (804) 786‐6794, TDD 711, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.
About MobilEye

About Mobileye, an Intel Company
Mobileye, an Intel Company is the global leader in the development of computer vision and machine learning, data analysis, localization and mapping for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and autonomous driving. Our technology keeps passengers safer on the roads, reduces the risks of traffic accidents, saves lives and has the potential to revolutionize the driving experience by enabling autonomous driving. Our proprietary software algorithms and EyeQ® chips perform detailed interpretations of the visual field in order to anticipate possible collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, debris and other obstacles. Mobileye's products are also able to detect roadway markings such as lanes, road boundaries, barriers and similar items; identify and read traffic signs, directional signs and traffic lights; create a RoadBook™ of localized drivable paths and visual landmarks using REM™; and provide mapping for autonomous driving. Our products are or will be integrated into car models from more than 25 global automakers. Our products are also available in the aftermarket.