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UNITED WE STAND!
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June 14, 2004 -The Trolley, RTEC Unit #401 has arrived! |
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Shirley Cummins, Executive Director for Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, Inc. (RTEC) announced they have entered into a contract with Avail Technologies to update 140 vehicles with Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s). The funds for the new equipment and technology were made possible through a Section 5309 Grant with the Kentucky Office of Transportation Delivery.
Avail Technologies is the successful bidder following RTEC’s request for proposals for Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVLs) and the mobile data computer equipment. Bids were reviewed in March and the contract was awarded in April this year, beginning with the Proof-of-Concept to be certain that the proposed equipment would be effective in the rural area of Southeast Kentucky.
The Proof-of-Concept was completed in June at RTEC’s office in Mount Vernon. During this test RTEC was able to test the units in the field and track the vehicles from the office. RTEC was very pleased with the outcome of the test and the ability of the units! Over the next couple of months Versyss/TranSched and Digital Dispatch Systems (DDS) will complete the interface between their software and hardware. Once the interface is complete, installation of the units will begin. The next phase of the project is a 30-unit vehicle test before installing equipment in 110 vehicles, the final phase of the project.
Avail Technologies contracted to install DDS MC 1790 Windows CE device. This is a very practical size device with a color touch screen that also provides mapping capabilities to the vehicle operators. Versyss/TranSched will interface the current scheduling and dispatching software TransView. Avail will enlist installation and support of the mobile units through Wilson & Deal Communications of Somerset. For data transfer, RTEC will be using Cellular Digital Packet Data, otherwise known as CDPD, provided by Cellular One. Besides having the ability to provide up-to-date information on vehicle locations for clients, the use of MDT’s will also provide RTEC with a more accurate reporting capability. RTEC is very excited to be working with Avail and are eager to get the vehicles installed with the MDT’s and provide our clients with the best transportation available.
RTEC anticipates that by the beginning of the New Year to have vehicles installed with the MC 1790’s and data transfer-taking place. The MDT will provide accurate odometer readings (or mileage) and accurate vehicle location, as well as Latitude, Longitude and current speed. The interface between the MDT and RTEC’s TransView software will immediately update the software on no-shows or instantly let drivers know of cancellations without voice contact from dispatch.
Gary Higgins, Information Systems Technician is the project manager for the AVL/MDT installation and Bryan Houk is the Geographical Information Specialist.
Check back often to see the latest changes in technologies taking place at RTEC.
February 10, 2004 - AVAIL Technologies delivered the new equipment for Automatic Vehicle Locators and Mobile Data Computers and the installation is well underway. The next phase includes testing on the first 30 units installed. If all goes well (as anticipated), the installation of the 110 units will begin. Concurrently, RTEC will receive a TransView software update through Versyss/TranSched or the automated dispatch system that will include Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and enhanced billing system.
May 11, 2005 - The AVL & MDT equipment is installed and 140 vehicles are in the final test mode and transportation specialists are being trained to use the new equipment.
July 23, 2007 - Avail Technologies has installed AVL/MDT equipment in 175 vehicles of RTEC, including its subcontractors.
RTEC Working towards Securing a Trolley for Rockcastle County:
RTEC is currently running several feasibility studies and trial fixed routes shuttling tourists to and from Renfro Valley and Mt. Vernon in an attempt to gain public interest and improve visibility of attractions to visitors. The ultimate goal being that of securing a Trolley for Rockcastle and having a link between two prominent areas of growing appeal to guests of our community.
During Mount Vernon’s annual Bittersweet Festival,
RTEC Driver Lola Swinney shuttled numerous visitors to our community from their
Motels or RV Parks to the Bittersweet Festival and to Renfro Valley Village
shops.
 October 11-12, 2003 |
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October 10-12, 2003 |
Riders welcome the option of public transportation as an alternative to driving themselves in the Festival traffic. Driver Lola Swinney received several compliments from passengers as she navigated the heavy traffic with patience and skill. Our guests were pleased with our Festival and hometown during the shuttle trial and wholly supported our endeavors for a more permanent fixed route they could utilize in their frequent visits to Renfro Valley and Mount Vernon.
RTEC wishes to thank those who are already supporting the effort and a special thanks to Driver Lola Swinney for helping to make the trial run on October 11th and 12th a success!
New Trolley for London, KY
RTEC Unit #501 has arrived and is designated for operation at London, KY. Plans are well underway to provide semi-fixed and deviated routes between places of businesses and populated areas in the City of London. Purchase of the new trolley was made possible through the Federal Transit Administration and the Kentucky Office of Transportation Delivery.
Congressman Hal Rogers was instrumental in securing the Section 5309 Grant Funds.
Click on image to enlarge.
Unit #601
has arrived. RTEC
plans are to operate #601 in transportation services for Somerset and
Pulaski County.
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