Stagecoach East recently demonstrated its innovative intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology in Cambridge to delegates from the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE).
ISA, which is used on the Busway which links Huntingdon, St Ives, Cambridge and Trumpington, uses GPS to automatically slow the vehicle via the retarder. Launched in April, the employment of the technology is the first instance on a guided busway in the world.
Developed in association with Volvo, it earned Stagecoach East the Best Use of Technology (up to 150 vehicles) honour at the routeone awards last autumn.
Terry Absalom, Engineering Director of Stagecoach East, who opened the presentations, says: “This was a hugely important event for us and builds upon a webinar that Busway Operations Manager, Danny Smith, and I gave a couple of weeks ago. The ISA is a ground-breaking piece of technology, and a real world-first, which I hope that our region can be proud of.
“It always take considerable investment and a huge amount of time in testing to develop a finished system, but if there is something we can do to improve safety still further, then we have a duty to do so.”
The system was the result of many months of work to establish the geographic boundaries of the many speed zones along the world’s longest guided busway.
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, says: “We’re very proud of the work we have done to bring this solution to market, helping to considerably improve road safety for passengers and the general public crossing the guided busway. This level of technology is key to smooth and safe urban transport, and is an integral part of what Volvo Buses can offer as one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers.”
Oliver Teasell, SOE Membership and Registration Manager, adds: “Speed-assisted technology is becoming increasingly important as we strive to create more efficient and sustainable transportation systems. Speed-assisted technology can help to ensure that buses arrive safely, on time and on schedule.
“This is especially important in urban areas, where traffic congestion can be a major problem. Focusing on engineering, and innovation we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.”
