The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) is deploying a Cisco wireless mesh network to provide a better transit service experience, reports GovTech.
Houston METRO will deploy Cisco Aironet 1500 Series mesh access points at 47 locations throughout the city, including METRO Park and Ride lots and major stops.
At each of these locations, Houston METRO will link IP security cameras, which will watch for suspicious activities to the Aironet 1500 access points.
Additionally, Houston METRO is equipping 150 intersections with Cisco wireless and mobile routers. The Cisco 3200 Series Routers allow for traffic signal information to be uploaded without recurring monthly charges (using cellular) and provides for future traffic management enhancements, such as video surveillance and wireless hot spots for METRO employees and public safety officials.
The 3200 series Mobile routers (right) are rugged wireless routers that offer secure data, voice, and video communication, and support multiple wired and wireless links, including integrated 802.11b/g and 4.9 GHz wireless technologies.
Virtually all areas of METRO’S parking lots - some 440 acres total - will be monitored with the system, which includes 343 cameras that detect images good enough to be used in court. The program cost $16 million and includes adding network capabilities allowing Houston TranStar to remotely control 156 traffic signals in west Houston.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Capital Metro is offering Wi-Fi on some of its buses. For now the pilot program will only be available on the Express routes.
Related DailyWireless Transit Connectivity stories include; Houston’s WiFi Parking, Autonomous Bus, Traffic Hotline, WiFi Train a Comin’, Washington’s HiWay WiFi, San Francisco BusFi, \Crash Recorders, Train Surfing, Unwired Transportation and Transportation’s Big Show.
