RBDS or RDS technology is a way of sending information directly to wireless receivers. One of the initial uses for this technology is to broadcast accurate real-time traffic information directly to vehicles or smart information kiosks. Another use for RBDS is to broadcast differential correction information for use by Global Positioning System receivers.

Currently traffic information is widely available through commercial broadcast radio, however, it does not always reach the traveler at a time or location where the information is useful. By using RBDS technology, timely traffic information is delivered directly to an instrumented vehicle or kiosk. Thus, relevant traffic information is always available to the traveler.

The Phoenix Deployment Test

Real-time traffic information is gathered from the Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Tempe, Metro Networks and Skyview Traffic Watch Inc.. Crusader Software (PC NT 3.51) developed by Daltek AB is used to encode the traffic information. Differential Corrections, Inc. broadcasts the encoded information from KSLX FM 100.7 radio station. Volvo systems (Dynaguide in-vehicle and PC based units) overlay the traffic information onto Maricopa County Department of Transportation maps of the metropolitan Phoenix area. Retki software developed by Liikkuva (running on notebook PCs) overlays the traffic information onto ETAK maps of the metropolitan Phoenix area.

A True Public/Private Partnership

The project was developed cooperatively by public and private organizations through innovative financing that contributed funding, hardware, software and engineering for the project. The partnership intends to establish a viable commercial market for permanent deployment with revenue sharing. Partnerships such as these will facilitate the mainstreaming of Intelligent Transportation Systems.

National Standards

The RAPID project uses the International Traveler Information Interchange Standards (ITIS) established by ENTERPRISE. This allows RBDS equipment to be compatible world-wide.

Need More Information? Contact:

• Manny Agah, ADOT, magah@dot.state.az.us
• Alan Hansen, FHWA, ahansen@fhwa.dot.state.az.us
• Sharon Cuevas Hansen, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, hansen@planning.mcdot.maricopa.gov
• Ken Hayes, Metro Networks, hayesnaz@aol.com
• Jeff Lange, Differential Corrections, Inc., jeff@dgps.com
• Jan Hellaker, AB Volvo, Technological Development, jahe@vtd.volvo.se
• Kurt Junge, Liikkuva, The Land Navigation Company, kjunge@voyager.liikkuva.com
• Tomas Yvell, Daltek AB, tomas.yvell@daltek.se
• Larry Sweeney, ETAK, The Digital Map Company, larry.sweeney@etak.com