sensing/communication

Sensing/communication uses tools like Wi-Fi, LIDAR, V2I/V2V, information kiosks, fiber optic communications, and smart streetlights to collect, share, and deliver real-time data that improves safety, efficiency, and user experience across all modes of travel.

wi-fi

Wireless internet installed on buses, trains, subways, and other transit vehicles to enable real-time communication, enhance passenger experience, and support connectivity with intelligent transportation systems (ITS), including vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication.

Costs

  • Wi-Fi installation: $1,000–$4,000 per vehicle​

  • Annual operation costs: $400–$600 per vehicle​

  • City-wide Wi-Fi infrastructure may account for about 5% of the overall ITS construction budget

Key Considerations

  • Size of the transit fleet​

  • Network and data security​

  • Availability and reliability of power sources​

  • Effective management of data and connectivity systems

Pros

Wi-Fi for V2I can improve efficiency

Cons

Network stability

 
 

Representative Use Cases

Metro St Louis

Field Conditions

Best suited for areas with high transit ridership and access to reliable broadband internet service to support consistent connectivity and communication.

lidar

LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and generate detailed 3D models of objects and surfaces.

Costs

See breakdown on the right

Key Considerations

  • Costs and scalability of implementation​

  • Often needed for higher levels of autonomous vehicle operation​

  • Complexity involved in integrating with other systems​

  • Requirements for data storage and processing

Pros

  • Improved safety and efficiency

  • Improved traffic management

  • High Precision

Cons

  • Complex data processing

  • High cost

  • Limited Range

 

Representative Use Cases

Utah DOT​

Field Conditions

Suitable for most intersections and transportation settings, with greater advantages in dense, urban environments.

v2i/v2v communication

Enables wireless communication between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I) or between vehicles themselves (V2V) to improve safety, traffic flow, and overall transportation efficiency.

Costs

V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure): Uses roadside units (RSUs) costing approximately $36,500 to $52,000 per kilometer. V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Components cost around $350 per vehicle (as of 2020), with prices expected to decrease as the technology advances.

Key Considerations

  • Strength, security, and reliability of wireless networks and infrastructure​

  • Privacy concerns related to data sharing​

  • Potential liability and legal issues​

  • Driver acceptance/education

Pros

  • Improved traffic flow

  • Potential for autonomous driving

Cons

  • Implementation challenges

  • Potential for compatibility issues

 
 

Representative Use Cases

Salt Lake City​

Field Conditions

Connected vehicle technology is adaptable to most environments, both urban and rural, making it versatile for widespread deployment.

information kiosk

Standalone, self-service computer systems that provide users with information and access to various services in public or private settings.

Costs

Ranges from $1,000 to over $60,000 depending on size and features.

Key Considerations

  • Functions and services offered​

  • Placement and accessibility​

  • Power availability​

  • Physical size and design

Pros

  • Improved user experience

  • 24/7 availability

Cons

  • Accessibility concerns

  • Potential for technical issues

 
 

Representative Use Cases

Downtown Denver

Field Conditions

Ideal for downtown areas and transportation hubs where there is high pedestrian traffic and easy access to information are needed.

fiber optic wire/communications

A communication technology that transmits data using pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic.

Costs

  • Aerial installation: $40,000 to $60,000 per mile​

  • Underground installation: $50,000 to $120,000 per mile

Key Considerations

  • Required bandwidth capacity​

  • Suitability for long-distance data transmission​

  • Immunity to electromagnetic interference for reliable communication

Pros

  • Faster Communication

  • Immune to interference

  • Lightweight and flexible

Cons

  • High initial costs

  • Potential for environmental damage

  • More fragile than copper wire

Representative Use Cases

Atlanta

 
 

Field Conditions

Typically installed close to the roadway pavement edge and buried at least 30 inches deep. Installation should be coordinated with other existing or planned fiber optic infrastructure to avoid conflicts.

smart streetlights

Modern streetlights equipped with technologies like cameras, light sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. These smart lights adjust illumination based on local conditions to enhance safety and save energy.

Costs

Varies widely depending on features and technology included.

Key Considerations

  • Compliance with federal and utility regulations​

  • Higher upfront installation costs​

  • Deciding which technologies and sensors to integrate

Pros

  • Reduced energy cost

  • Improved safety and pedestrian satisfaction

  • Reduced light pollution

Cons

  • Initial cost

  • Difficulty in selecting the combination of tech to add to the light

  • Lack of common standards

Increasing in cities/states such as

Florida and San Diego

 
 

Field Conditions

Best suited for areas with existing lighting infrastructure where legal access is possible. Ideal locations include places with higher pedestrian activity, moderate to high density, or elevated crime rates. Upgrading is especially efficient when coordinated with streetlights nearing the end of their life cycle, allowing for seamless integration.

 
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