Experience
Over the years, GeoFocus has become a leader in integrated passenger communication and a pioneer in the field of Transportation Information Management Systems (TIMS). We apply our years of expertise in the field helping customers find effective solutions to meet their specific transportation communication needs. Field-tested software and hardware perform admirably for our customers nationwide, adapting seamlessly to a host of third party software applications, paging system interfaces, data communication options, Internet connections, electronic messaging and radio system preferences.
The key to our success can be found in reliable service and the ability to adapt GeoFocus technology to interface with a variety of preexisting systems. A proven track record combined with knowledge and expertise in information management, AVL and communication products and solutions for the commuter and light rail industry allows us to deliver a superior product and service to our many customers.
The following are examples of the many transportation authorities that have formed successful partnerships with GeoFocus and taken full advantage of the TIMSTAR™ software and all it has to offer.
Chicago Commuter Rails Service Board (Metra)
In 2000 and 2001, snowstorms provided the ultimate test for TIMSTAR™ in Chicago’s Metra Southwest Service and Milwaukee’s District North Lines. During the lengthy weather emergency the only trains that Metra could “see” were those installed with TIMSTAR™ Mobile Information Terminals (MIT). In fact, the service proved so lucrative that Metra subsequently signed a contract with GeoFocus to expand the current tracking product and eventually installed MITs on the entire fleet of 260 cab cars.
Metra effectively reorganized their emergency operational plans around TIMSTAR™ and now all operations are monitored 24/7, tracking each train and generating messages on trains as required.
Metra is surging forward by completing work on a new phase that will evolve into to a more cost effective two-way communication system and integrating an additional 300 new gallery cars being built by Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo. All cars will be equipped with the GeoFocus TIMSTAR™ system.
Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority (TCRA)
GeoFocus’s very first customer, Tri-Rail in South Florida has been using the TIMSTAR™ Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) successfully for seven years and it is now a vital part of daily operations. TIMSTAR™ detects train activity along a 71- mile corridor in South Florida from a central control site in Hialeah. Approximately 25 console users monitor operations and messaging activity from desktop computer stations following everything from detailed string-line reports of each train’s operations to station arrivals, departures and dwell times.
Additionally, TIMSTAR™ provides automated audio/visual messages to 18 station platforms and provides two-way communication channels to trains using Mobile Information Terminals (MIT) in each train locomotive and cab car.
The wireless connectivity for the data packets is provided through the State of Florida’s 900 MHz Automatic Trains Control System (ATCS) and on-board Safetron radios. This cost-effective association allows Tri-Rail to track trains and disseminate passenger information with no recurring monthly fees. Passengers may also enjoy the convenience of real-time status updates by calling Tri-Rails Interactive Voice Response Telephone System or by accessing the Tri-Rail Web site.
Utah Transit Authority (TRAX Light Rail)
In 2002, while preparing for the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, the Utah Transit Authority contacted GeoFocus to provide a TIMSTAR™ Passenger Information System for TRAX Light Rail System.
The system uses UTA-built GPS tracking and radio systems and the GeoFocus TIMSTAR™ software customized for the TRAX application, providing UTA with a flexible communication solution to meet their unique needs.
Thanks to GeoFocus, the end result provided UTA with automated and manual messaging to all 20 of their TRAX light rail train stations. We also incorporated “bus connection protection”, allowing information to be generated from our passenger information system sending messages directly to UTA busses and insuring that passengers were not left stranded at the station when trains ran slightly behind schedule.
MBTA, Boston
In 2001, The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) challenged GeoFocus with the task of integrating five different legacy passenger information systems. TIMSTAR™ delivered by successfully merging all into one seamless system with synchronized audio announcements and text display messaging to station platforms.
Additionally, the MBTA project included a fruitful field trial of an automated passenger information system on the Worcester Line, leading to plans for new pilot projects for on-train equipment in additional corridors.
Capitol Corridor, California
GeoFocus was retained by Capitol Corridor in 2003 to create a smart Passenger Information System that provided GPS-based AVL tracking information to the Operations Center personnel. Our solution enabled them to not only track pertinent information, but also to send up-to-the-minute audio announcements and synchronized visual text messaging the public at station platforms.
Recent updates to the system include a Verizon CDMA wireless modem interface combined with wayside markers to transmit train location. GeoFocus has also expanded the system to include the San Joaquin corridor and is awaiting approval for the Surfliner routes.
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink)
Los Angeles Metrolink’s primary goal is to provide automated passenger information to their existing train stations. GeoFocus installed a system on their fleet that uses their Advanced Train Control System 900 MHz radio system for reporting train location. Very similar to South Florida’s Tri-Rail, the system provides Metrolink with a cost-effective solution for tracking information.
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