The GreyHawk Shuttle MDC (Mobile Data Computer) System automatically guides drivers through their runs and lets them efficiently communicate with a dispatcher during the route.   The heart of the MDC bus system is a Vehicle Logic Unit (VLU) or computer consisting of a very robust Pentium class processor.  Many attached devices are controlled by this Windows central computer.  The Global Positioning System (GPS) inside of the computer recognizes the “next stop” and automatically announces it over the PA system.  Surveillance cameras record every activity on the vehicle.  A touch screen acts as the monitor for the computer allowing drivers to enter data and review information.  The system’s communications technology links the driver and dispatcher together to exchange messages. 
 

System Components

The “central logic unit” in a fixed route bus is the nucleus of the “Intelligent Bus System”.  The DART fixed route system doesn’t stop at just one function, rather it performs multiples.  The configuration of the system includes:  Pentium III 500 MHz with 32 Meg RAM 4 video cameras per vehicle (6 on light rail cars) Hard disk – up to 20 gigabytes to store the video of all cameras  Color touch screen for driver viewing and input 11 megabit per second spread spectrum transmissions to extract the stored video Automatic passenger counters at each door that are able to detect direction Fare box interface to Agent Systems unit GPS triggered stop announcements over the PA system Automatic sign changes triggered by GPS Wide area interactive communications. Automatic GPS/AVL transmissions every 2 minutes (parameter controlled) J1708 Engine interface to ECM to detect and transmit engine faults automatically (other engine data is extracted for maintenance records) Automatic Off-Route / Off-Schedule exception reporting  Emergency button system

This fixed route system at DART is the ultimate “Intelligent Bus System” and could be the FTA showcase system that others will use as a model.  It is in a “Proof of Concept” phase now.  We also plan to develop a complete fixed route “back end” system for dispatching and reporting.  This will complement the blocking, run cutting, rostering, and other scheduling systems of other suppliers.
 

This is also the Driver interface.

How Does It Affect The Drivers?

They simply "Log In", select their route, and drive. Nearly everything else is AUTOMATIC...

• Automatic stop announcements
• Automatic sign changes - inside and out 
• utside signs automatically changed on trip change
• Automatic collection of stop data
  • Arrival time
  • Passengers getting on and off
  • Departure time
• Automatic GPS / AVL
• Automatic engine "fault" detection
• Automatic "off route" or "off schedule" alerts

• Send messages to dispatch
• Receive messages from dispatch
• See the camera views on the monitor
  • Camera facing the front door
  • Camera facing the rear door
  • Camera facing front to rear
  • Camera facing rear to front
• Change outer signs at end of route, to garage, etc.
• See where you are on a map
• "Tag" video - Panic button alarm
• See fare box information & make adjustments (only with Agent Systems fare box)

Special Data Capture Functions

• Pre-Trip Inspection Forms to fill in
• "Eyes Open" Forms to fill in