Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 9, 2016
Metro completes installation of traffic-signal transponder software in 144 buses, marking critical step toward faster commutes
Metro has completed the installation of Transit Signal Priority (TSP) software upgrades on 144 Metrobuses, marking an important step toward improving bus on-time performance and keeping buses moving through some of the region's busiest intersections.
TSP systems are being installed along seven high-ridership Metrobus corridors as a result of a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.
As a transponder-equipped Metrobus approaches a TSP intersection, the bus will communicate with the traffic signal and, if conditions warrant, may send a request to the signal system to either extend a green light or shorten a red light by five to 10 seconds, improving service reliability and shortening travel times for bus customers.
“Traffic signal prioritization will provide better on-time performance and faster commutes for our bus customers,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I am pleased with our collaboration with regional and state departments of transportation to introduce this needed investment and look forward to opportunities to expand TSP throughout the region.”
In the District of Columbia, the following corridors are being optimized for TSP:
- Wisconsin Avenue NW - MetroExtra 37
- 16th Street NW – MetroExtra S9
- 7th Street/Georgia Avenue NW – MetroExtra 79
- 14th Street – MetroExtra 16X, Metrobus 53, 11Y
- 18th & 19th Streets NW – MetroExtra 16Y and Metrobus 3Y
In Virginia, TSP is being installed in two corridors:
- Leesburg Pike – MetroExtra 28X
- Beauregard Street – Lincolnia – North Fairlington Line Metrobus 7AFY
Providing more reliable Metrobus service is one of several efforts being implemented to address transportation needs along these key corridors.
TSP is expected to be fully implemented on all seven corridors by June 30 following work by the local jurisdictions to upgrade traffic signals and related equipment. The installation of transponders keeps this project on track for delivering improvements to Metrobus customers, as indicated in GM/CEO Wiedefeld's Customer Accountability Report (CARe). For more information about CARe, please visit wmata.com/gmplan.
Created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the TIGER grant program funds a variety of surface transportation projects.
News release issued at 3:42 pm, March 9, 2016.