Friday, September 22, 2006

Will study bring transit improvements?

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By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

A statewide transit study could result in better technology for local public transportation.

The Idaho Statewide Transit Technology Study is being performed by Iteris Inc. and the Idaho Transportation Department's Division of Public Transportation, using federal grant money.

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"The focus is to deploy technologies to various providers," John Krause, an analyst with the ITD, told the KART/PEAK board Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Begun in July 2006, the study's goal is to assess ways in which technology in public transit operations can better enhance service in both urban and rural systems.

Service providers like KART/PEAK could benefit from scheduling software, electronic signs at bus stops notifying riders when the next bus is coming, vehicle tracking and automated passenger counting.

"Idaho received $2 million from the (Federal Transit Administration)," Krause said, adding that the ITD will provide the 20 percent local match.

Once needs are determined, transit officials can request more money from the federal government.

"We don't think $2 million will do what we need to do across the state," he said. "We've been trying to partner very closely with each provider (for needs assessment)."

For more information, log on to www.aptsidaho.org.