The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has emerged as a pioneer in modernizing transportation infrastructure by leveraging cutting-edge internet and Ethernet technologies. By integrating these advancements into its operations, Utah Transit Authority has not only enhanced its efficiency but also improved the overall transit experience for commuters across the state. In this article, we will delve into the transformative journey of Transit Authority and explore the role of internet and Ethernet technologies in revolutionizing Utah’s transit landscape.
Key Benefits
Meeting Evolving Transportation System Needs
Established in 1970, the Utah Transit Authority has become a multi-modal transportation leader that is 100-percent accessible with 69 light rail vehicles, 30 commuter rail cars and more than 600 buses. The company’s TRAX light rail system is currently averaging more than 58,300 riders a day along its 15-mile Salt Lake-Sandy line and the 4-mile University Line.
Providing the transportation system that gets us to work, takes children to school and shuttles us to entertainment wherever we wish to go may seem trivial, but can be a complex business. In the state of Utah, temperatures drop well below freezing in mountain winters and get extremely hot in the desert summers. Magnetic sensors in the street and traffic monitoring cameras can be mounted hundreds of feet from the traffic control system and often have no existing power cabling except at the control system box.
UTA's Vision For a Connected Transit System
UTA envisioned a future where seamless connectivity and smart technologies would revolutionize public transportation. With this vision, Transit Authority recognized the potential of internet and Ethernet technologies to modernize its operations and deliver enhanced services to commuters.
Powering Remote Traffic Surveillance Cameras With Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Providing power to devices (cameras, ticket machines and street sensors) can get expensive. Previously, every device would require its own electrical connection, power adapter and cable. When considering cable runs of over 2,000 feet, this can get expensive as well. The solution is to provide electricity via Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology that allows both power and data to be transmitted over the same Category 5 (a.k.a. Cat 5) cable that is used for data. However, the PoE standard is often too short for most traffic-related requirements.
UTA’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its adoption of internet and Ethernet technologies. By optimizing routes based on real-time data, Utah Transit Authority reduces congestion and lowers fuel consumption. Additionally, the implementation of smart energy management systems in transit facilities, enabled by Ethernet technologies, helps minimize energy waste and promotes eco-friendly practices.
The Transit Authority needed to run both PoE power and Ethernet data over long distances. They leveraged Enable-IT’s solid state Ethernet extender technology to achieve their goals. The Transit Authority can now power older remote ticketing systems, modern PoE cameras and street sensors 24x7x365 on its light rail and bus transportation station congestion control networks up to 2,500 feet away.
Operating in The Extreme Winter Cold and Summer Heat
Outdoor temperatures in the state greatly fluctuate throughout the year. The cameras, magnetic sensors, control systems and wires heat and cool throughout the day. Such dynamic conditions require solid state electronic components. The UTA tested several components and selected the Enable-IT 860 and 865 Ethernet Extenders, which can support temperature ranges as extreme as from -30°C (-22°F) to +75°C (167°F) over long distances.
Going The Distance - Over Existing Infrastructure
The story doesn’t end at the traffic stop. Traffic networks are a connection of traffic stops throughout the city, county and state. Some stops are significant distances from each other. To leverage the power of a traffic network, these stops must all be connected. Ethernet only runs 328 feet, so connecting stops that are a mile apart, can become a major issue. Also, traffic networks are traditionally tied together with regular phone wire, not Category 5 Ethernet cable. Replacing countless miles of cable gets extremely expensive.
Fortunately the Transit Authority tested Enable-IT’s 860 PRO long distance Ethernet Extender, capable of powering Ethernet up to 6,000 feet over existing telephone cable as well as Category 5 Ethernet cable. This proved to be the solution needed to help tie everything together on the existing infrastructure.
Environmental Sustainability
The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its adoption of internet and Ethernet technologies. By optimizing routes based on real-time data, Transit Authority reduces congestion and lowers fuel consumption. Additionally, the implementation of smart energy management systems in transit facilities, enabled by Ethernet technologies, helps minimize energy waste and promotes eco-friendly practices.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Utah Transit Authority has demonstrated exceptional foresight in modernizing its transportation infrastructure through the integration of cutting-edge internet and Ethernet technologies. By leveraging these advancements, it has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also significantly improved the overall transit experience for commuters across the state.
Key benefits of this initiative include providing PoE power to cameras, street sensors, and traffic light controllers, as well as connecting traffic stops up to a mile apart. These solutions operate seamlessly in extreme temperatures, ranging from -30°C (-22°F) to +75°C (167°F), ensuring reliable performance under challenging conditions.
UTA’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its adoption of smart technologies, which optimize routes based on real-time data to reduce congestion and lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, the implementation of smart energy management systems, enabled by Ethernet technologies, helps minimize energy waste and promotes eco-friendly practices.
By leveraging Enable-IT’s Ethernet extender technology, Transit Authority has successfully powered remote traffic surveillance cameras, ticket machines, and street sensors over long distances, enhancing its overall transportation network. The use of solid-state electronic components has ensured reliable operation in Utah’s dynamic environmental conditions, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of UTA’s transit operations.
Overall, innovative approach to modernizing its transportation infrastructure serves as a model for other transit agencies looking to improve their services through the integration of advanced technologies.
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