Technology keeps ACCESS vans on track - This Week in Transportation

Technology keeps ACCESS vans on track

Photo: ACCESS driver uses MDT
ACCESS van drivers now have enhanced trip information -- including maps -- at their fingertips.

Getting passengers from Point A to Point B, now also involves M-D-T for King County Metro Transit’s ACCESS paratransit program that provides transportation service for persons with disabilities and the frail elderly.

Last month, ACCESS operations completed the installation of Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) in all 280 vehicles in its fleet. The new technology improves Metro's ACCESS service, plus provides significant operational efficiencies to save money.

The MDTs supply wireless, real-time data communication between the fleet and the dispatch center. Drivers receive up-to-the minute information about scheduled trips, their passengers, and even detailed maps – all displayed on a computer screen right at their fingertips.

But, it's also a two-way communication system. Drivers can input information on their MDT screen to update the dispatch center from the road. An on-board automated vehicle locator uses GPS technology to transmit the exact location of each van back to the dispatchers. And, even mechanical diagnostic information can be transmitted directly back to maintenance workers in another location. Overall, more than 140,000 pieces of information are generated by the system daily.

“This system is easy to use, and provides us with a wealth of information to operate a paratransit system at peak efficiency,” said Park Woodworth, Metro's manager of Paratransit and Rideshare Operations. “The everyday operational matters are automated, allowing our staff to focus on unexpected events before they become problems.”

A few years ago, new interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) caused ACCESS to re-evaluate its service. It was determined that 100 percent of all trip requests had to be provided to eligible riders. That goal was achieved in 2003, but more trips created delays in the schedule. The MDTs are already improving the schedule reliability, resulting in better service for ACCESS customers.

Drivers and dispatchers receive minute-by-minute information on vehicle location and estimated arrival information. If there is a traffic jam or one passenger is delayed, the trip information can be updated immediately. If the van is going to be significantly delayed, another driver can be dispatched to pick up other passengers on time.

Access ridership for February 2004 exceeded numbers for the same month in 2003 by 6.5 percent, and that was 2.2 percent greater than anticipated. Overall, the program hit the one-million ride mark in 2003. Ridership has been rising steadily since King County began the policy of zero denials for all trip requests. This, coupled with the addition of 350 to 400 newly registered users a month, will continue to put upward pressure on ridership. The installation of the MDTs allows Metro to respond to that pressure with grace and efficiency.

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Bridge construction springing up

Two bridge projects begin this month, setting the stage for a busy construction season for the Bridge and Structural Design Unit within the King County Road Services Division.

At the Edgewick Bridge east of North Bend, traffic on 468th Avenue Southeast will be switched over to a temporary bridge beginning this week. The detour is necessary so that the county can replace the current bridge over the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

The temporary bridge is one lane wide, and motorists will only be able to travel in one direction at a time. There are new temporary traffic signals on both ends of the bridge – plus a signal at Southeast 161st Street – to help control bridge traffic. The temporary bridge is expected to be in use through mid-October.

Next week, the county will close the Wynaco Bridge on 168th Way Southeast, east of Auburn, to begin a six-month retrofit and repair project on the bridge. The improvements will help the bridge better withstand earthquakes and to correct problems such as a cracked and degraded deck, narrow lanes, and deteriorated railings that do not meet current safety standards. During the closure and construction, traffic will be rerouted along Auburn-Black Diamond Road and Kent-Black Diamond Road.

Later this year, work will begin to replace the Elliott Bridge, seismically retrofit the Duvall Bridge, and carry out maintenance improvements on a handful of smaller bridges around the county.

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Partnering on winning transit projects

Two transportation projects involving Metro Transit were recently honored with “Vision 2020” awards from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).

The "Ave" (University Way Northeast) street improvement project was a joint effort by the City of Seattle and Metro, with support from the Greater University Chamber of Commerce and the University of Washington. The project focused on improving pedestrian safety and mobility, transit speed and reliability, and the overall street character along The Ave.

On the Eastside, the Vision 2020 award went to the Redmond Trip Reduction Incentive Program (R-TRIP). The program offers a comprehensive array of transportation services to all sizes of Redmond employers. R-TRIP is credited with having removed more than 1.25 million trips from the road system, creating more than 800 new vanpoolers, and leveraging more than $700,000 in private employer funding to develop ongoing Commute Trip Reduction programs. It is a partnership between Metro and the City of Redmond.

The PSRC is an association of governments that works to achieve “Vision 2020,” the region's adopted growth and transportation strategy that calls for healthy communities, a strong economy, and an efficient and diverse transportation system.

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Mariners get rolling with Metro

The Seattle Mariners baseball season opens up at home this week, and Metro is a great way to get to and from Safeco Field.

Service to ball games varies by the time and day of the week the games are played. But either way, Metro has a winning combination of regular service and special shuttles.

For all the details on Metro's Mariners service, visit Metro Online.

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New airport fence fills many roles

Photo: New fence art at KCIA

The remodeling of the terminal building at the King County International Airport is now complete, with the installation of a new fence that is both functional and eye-catching.

A fence was needed to separate the terminal from the runway areas, funnel passengers to loading areas, and it needed to meet Federal Aviation Administration security standards. Public art funds were also available, so KCIA commissioned Georgetown artist Peter Requam to design and fabricate the fence near the terminal. Installation was completed last month.

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Roadwork ahead

Here is a list of King County Department of Transportation projects that may disrupt traffic and travel this week:

South 277th Street, between Auburn and Kent - There will be no lane closures, but there will be traffic disruptions on South 277th Street between the West Valley Highway and 72nd Avenue South through October 2005.
Northeast 124th Street, north of Redmond - Work continues through October 2004 on Northeast 124th Street between Willows Road and State Route 202.
124th Avenue NE, in Kingsgate - Private utility relocation is underway, and will be followed by street improvements along 124th Avenue Northeast between Northeast 132nd Street and Northeast 146th Place.

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STOP — there's more...

Bridge construction springing up
Partnering on winning transit projects
Mariners get rolling with Metro
New airport fence fills many roles
Roadwork ahead

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