SEPTA Computer-Aided Radio Dispatch Replacement System

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the regional public transportation authority providing a comprehensive transit network of buses, trains, trolleys, and subways to the City of Philadelphia and surrounding counties, has enlisted TYLin and our global alliance partner Introba to provide engineering services for a new Computer-Aided Radio Dispatch (CARD) System. The CARD System will streamline communication between operators, dispatchers, and other personnel to ensure that buses, trains, and trolleys are dispatched promptly and according to schedule. The new CARD System will enhance the overall passenger experience with improved reliability. 

The SEPTA CARD System includes a Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) System and an 18-channel, P25 phase II, 700 MHz trunked radio system. We completed the design and specifications and provided bid support services for the CARD System. We are currently providing Construction Related Services (CRS). 

The CARD System will support SEPTA’s fixed-route revenue buses, trackless trolleys, trolleys (city and suburban), the Norristown High Speed Line, Frankford Line, and Market–Broad Street Line at 10 depots operating throughout SEPTA’s entire greater Philadelphia metropolitan service area. The CAD/AVL system will also support the Customized Community Transportation (CCT), which provides the “CCT Connect” paratransit service to individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.

Project Highlights:

• The project includes the design and implementation of a distributed systems architecture with geographically separated primary and backup control centers for improved reliability under emergency situations.  
• The CARD System’s 700 MHz radio system will support voice communications while SEPTA’s existing 4G LTE cellular communications network will support CARD System data communications.