Kapsch TrafficCom North America to provide 5.9 GHz DSRC-based truck parking connected vehicle system for the I-94 Corridor in Michigan

13 March 2013

Kapsch TrafficCom North America (Kapsch), part of Kapsch TrafficCom Group, has been selected by HNTB and the Michigan DOT (MDOT) to deliver a Truck Parking Connected-Vehicle System at five sites along the I-94 corridor in Michigan.

The Kapsch solution consists of a 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) in-vehicle unit and roadside equipment with customized application software that together provide drivers with real-time truck parking availability information from MDOT facilities and private truck stops.

This system is the first truck parking system to be deployed in North America utilizing 5.9 GHz—the chosen technology for the US DOT Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot program. (Earlier post.) The system will be fully delivered in December 2013. The contract has a rather low volume but a high strategic significance, according to the company.

With the advent of monitoring commercial vehicle driver hours of service through electronic on-board recorders, the importance of knowing not only where the closest truck stop is but also the corresponding space availability is now a must-have for the commercial vehicle marketplace. This trial further delineates the value enabled by utilizing 5.9 GHz technology for an ever expanding array of commercial vehicle applications.

—Chris Murray, President and CEO, Kapsch TrafficCom North America

The in-vehicle segment of the Kapsch solution will consist of a location-based application running on the TS3306 5.9 GHz DSRC On-Board Unit and a truck parking application user interface hosted on an off-the-shelf Android-based tablet. The roadside segment will feature the MTX-9450 5.9 GHz DSRC WAVE Transceiver, interfacing with MDOT’s Advanced Traffic Management System, which will furnish real-time truck parking availability data.

Kapsch also is currently participating in a three-state wireless assessment pilot project with HELP, Inc. to demonstrate the power of automated screening of driver, paperless credential and commercial vehicle information utilizing 5.9 GHz DSRC. The pilot is taking place at five inspection facilities in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.

The benefits for states and carriers include improved highway safety and mobility, greater carrier compliance, and significant time, money and fuel savings.