2018 Call for Projects Application List

Who is Completing the Application?

Please provide contact information for the person who will complete the online application for this project. The email address and password entered here will be used to complete and submit both Pre-Applications and Applications.

Primary Agency Information

Please provide contact information for the agency official who is representing the project sponsor. This individual will be considered the official applicant and must be authorized by their agency to submit this request for funding and make necessary assertations and representations on the agency’s behalf.

Additional Agency Information

1. Is this project being developed and/or implemented in partnership with another agency?

Project Information

1. Project Title

Fleet Modem Refresh

2. Project County

Harris County

3. Facility/Street Name

N/A

4. Project limits (from, to) or location (Address)

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) service area

5. Describe the primary problems to be addressed by the project (Project Need).

The current modems in the METRO vehicle fleet are at the end of their useful product life of five years. The manufacturer no longer supports the low bandwidth 3G devices and the modems must be replaced for METRO local and commuter buses, METROLift vehicles, dedicated Yellow Cabs that contract with METROLift, and light rail vehicles. The modem system that METRO currently utilizes in its vehicles is obsolete and must be replaced as quickly as possible. The modems only have a single channel and point of communication. In an emergency, if this channel is damaged or not functioning, emergency communications and operations would be seriously impacted. METRO proposes to replace the existing obsolete equipment with dual modems. In addressing this challenge and replacing these dated devices with dual modems, METRO will also address another public safety issue. Many public safety officials currently rely on various networks to communicate during emergencies. In the last several flood events in Houston, such as Hurricane Harvey, METRO buses were used to facilitate high-water rescues and emergency travel. Having a clear and quick communication network is vitally important as METRO vehicles are increasingly being relied upon in emergency situations. First responders and public agencies have trouble corresponding with each other because they are not connected on a single network. Channels can be saturated with civilians trying to communicate during an emergency. This non-essential traffic overwhelms broadband networks and make it difficult for first responders to coordinate with each other and other entities during emergencies. These new modems will allow for preemption for first responders and emergency personnel using a dedicated broadband network, provided by FirstNet. FirstNet is an independent authority within the United States (U.S.) Department of Commerce that was authorized by Congress in 2012 to develop, build, and operate the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders. Communication is essential in emergency situations and not having priority for public safety officials can hamper emergency relief efforts and endanger lives.

6. Describe the proposed improvement/activity (Description).

Modems located on various METRO vehicles will be replaced with 1,736 dual modems in METRO local and commuter buses, METROLift vehicles, dedicated Yellow Cabs that contract with METROLift, and light rail vehicles (LRV). These modems will function on the current communication channel METRO is using and will also be able to integrate with FirstNet’s high-speed broadband network. They will be able to communicate quickly, without interruption, on a dedicated broadband with two channels and points of access to the network. This will allow the modems to efficiently act during emergency situations. Priority service will be given to METRO police officers and buses on this broadband. METRO cell phones of essential staff will be able to be ‘uplifted’ on the FirstNet network and given priority in emergencies. The FirstNet network will have two channels for multiple points of connection during emergencies. This creates redundancy and resiliency if one of the points of connection is not functioning. This redundancy is vitally important in that it allows for emergency communications and operations to continue to function in the event one of the channels is inoperable during an emergency.

7. Describe the primary outcomes to be achieved by the project (Project Purpose)

During emergencies, first responders will be able to communicate in real-time using the FirstNet high-speed broadband network that is solely for their use and will not be saturated by civilian use. Having a reliable communication system will allow first responders to effectively respond to disasters (such as hurricanes and floods) to secure and protect their communities. Various jurisdictions will be able to communicate and coordinate with each other using one network to enhance public safety and facilitate emergency responses. METRO will be able to be called upon for future public safety emergencies as an agency that has excellent first responder capabilities. Another benefit of this broadband channel is that it provides the capacity for a separate channel for Wi-Fi for customers on METRO vehicles. The new system will also provide Global Positioning System (GPS) location information for real time METRO vehicle notifications and collect ridership information. Video service will be supported that will allow camera monitoring of METRO vehicles. Cameras are used for the security of passengers and staff; more recently, the Houston Police Department (HPD) was able to use video footage from a METRO bus to resolve a high-profile crime. All fare collection efforts will be tied into these modems as well. Their enhanced broadband connection will increase the reliability of the collection system through the high-speed connection. Currently, there is a delay from the time a customer adds funds to their smart card via the mobile application to the time the information gets posted to their account.

8. Have any MPOID numbers been assigned to this project?

No

9. Have any TxDOT Control-Section-Job (CSJ) numbers been assigned to this project?

No

10. What is the estimated total capital investment required for the project?

Less than $100 million

A. Investment Category & Strategy

(Manage) ITS Infrastructure

11. Please provide the federal funding amount requested.

4541000

12. Please upload the funding commitment letter or letters of support from the local government.

Funding Commitment Letter & Letters of Support 10.31.18.pdf

Project Development/Readiness

1. Please select the level of engineering completed.

Not Started

2. What is the completed or anticipated level of environmental documentation required for the proposed project?

None of the Above

A. What is the anticipated date for Open to Traffic?

10/01/2021

3. Will any of the following be required to implement the project? US Army Corps of Engineers Permits

No

US Coast Guard Permits

No

Railroad Agreements

No

None of the Above

Yes

4. Will the acquisition of Right of Way or an easement be required to implement the project?

No

5. Has utility coordination been initiated for the project?

No

6. Will the project improve or significantly affect infrastructure owned or operated by another agency?

No

7. Please upload project development timeline. A sample of Best-Case Scenario project development timeline can be downloaded here for your review. (Optional)

1a Fleet Modem_DEV TIMELINE.pdf

8. Please provide any additional project development/readiness information relevant to the proposed project. (6000 characters max) (Optional)

One hundred dual modems have been purchased by METRO and are being tested. The modems tie into the existing telecommunications system and can be later linked to the FirstNet network. The modems are being utilized on METRO buses currently to determine whether there are any technical or installation issues. These modems are not included in this application. The next steps would be to purchase modems for the remaining vehicles in METRO’s fleet and to enroll in the FirstNet service. When the remaining modems are purchased, installation for the remainder of the METRO bus fleet would take approximately one year. When a FirstNet agreement is finalized, the FirstNet team will come to METRO and assist with the rollout of the service and further installation of the modems.

Map/Location

1. Please provide a clear and concise GIS coverage or PDF map for the proposed project. (MPK ESRI Map Package file preferred)

1b Fleet Modem _MAP.jpg

Project Budget

1. Please attach a completed project budget worksheet. Templates are available on the 2018 Call for projects website.

1c Fleet Modem_BUDGET.xlsx

2. Are Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) being requested?

No

Benefit/Cost Analysis

1. Safety Benefits

Fleet IT Upgrade BCA.zip

2. Delay Benefits

10312018122925PM.xlsx

3. Emissions Benefits

BCA Placeholder - see #1 Safety Benefits for BCA information.xlsx

6. Please provide a brief narrative describing the methodology, input data and results. (Optional)

See attachement in #1 Safety Benefits for BCA methodology

Planning Factors - Improves Corridor Level of Travel Time Reliability (LOTTR)

1. The proposed project will reduce Planning Time Index (PTI) by:

0.11 - 0.20

2. Please upload your completed LOTTR template.

2a Fleet Modem_LOTTR-Estimation.xlsx

Planning Factors - Incident/Event Management

1. Will the system be an integral part of an incident management system?

Yes

A. If Yes please explain.

These new modems allow for preemption for first responders and emergency personnel using a dedicated broadband network provided by FirstNet. During emergencies, first responders will be able to communicate in real-time using the FirstNet high-speed broadband network that is solely for their use. Having a reliable communication system will allow first responders to effectively respond to disasters, to secure and protect their communities. Various jurisdictions will be able to communicate and coordinate with each other using one network to enhance public safety and facilitate emergency responses. This system will bolster incident management services in the region.

2. Is the proposed system is located on H-GAC's CMP network?

Yes

A. If Yes please explain.

The CMP network includes fixed guideway transit systems, freeways, and all other principal arterial highways. The new modems will enhance the service and reliability of public transportation utilizing roadways within the CMP throughout METRO’s service area. Improving the dependability of the public transportation network through enhanced communications will work towards the CMP strategy of improving overall transportation system reliability. Best use will be made of the existing transportation system by increasing the reliability of its communications, while also allowing for efficient incident management. The FirstNet first responder system will improve incident management of the public transportation system through the utilization of the new modems.

3. Will the proposed system provide notification of potential congestion to facility users?

Yes

A. If Yes please explain.

The modems will enhance system reliability of communication using a high-speed broadband network. The new system will collect ridership information and other data. The improved data collection system will allow for information to be transmitted faster and efficient. This will lead to more effective communication of system issues to both first responders and the general public. When emergencies and system interruptions occur, the information associated with this incident can be relayed back to the appropriate agencies and subsequently the public.

4. Will the proposed system give priority to Emergency vehicles?

Yes

A. If Yes please explain.

Priority service will be given to METRO police officers and buses on this broadband. METRO cell phones of essential staff will be able to be ‘uplifted’ on the FirstNet network and given priority in emergencies. First responders will be able to communicate quickly, without interruption, on a dedicated broadband with two channels and points of access to the network.

5. Will the proposed system provide priority to transit or high occupancy vehicles?

Yes

A. If Yes please explain.

The modems will be installed in METRO vehicles, which constitute the core of the public transportation system that METRO operates. When the modems are not being used for incident management, the modems will allow efficient, priority communication between transit vehicles operators and the transit authority.

Planning Factors - Includes Life Cycle Maintenance Plan

1. Does the proposed project application include Life Cycle Maintenance strategies/plan?

Yes

A. Please provide the Life Cycle Maintenance plan.

2. Fleet Modem Refresh Planning Factors_final - Life Cycle.docx

Planning Factors - Interagency Coordination/Continuity of Operations

1. Will system tie into another agency's systems to allow for data sharing?

Yes

A. If Yes, please provide a brief narrative describing what other agencies the proposed ITS system ties into to allow for data sharing.

During emergencies, first responders will be able to communicate in real-time using the high-speed broadband FirstNet system. Various jurisdictions will be able to communicate and coordinate with each other using one network to enhance public safety and facilitate emergency responses. This network will be able to document information such as call volumes, time, frequencies, and other pertinent data concerning first responder communications. The data can be used by the various agencies, and their respective jurisdictions, to enhance and improve incident management.

2. Will the system enhance continuity of operations or the system be operational in the event of a disruption?

Yes

A. If yes, please provide a brief narrative describing how the system enhances continuity of operation or be operation in the event of a disruption.

First responders will be able to communicate quickly, without interruption, on a dedicated broadband with two channels and points of access to the network. The FirstNet network will have two channels for multiple points of connection during emergencies. This creates redundancy and resiliency if one point of connection is not functioning properly. The redundancy is vitally important in that it allows for emergency communications and operations to continue to function in the event one of the channels is inoperable during an emergency.

Planning Factors - Roadway Hierarchy/Freight System Priority/Evacuation Route

1. Please select the functional classification of the roadway on which the proposed project is located, based on the characteristics of the roadway after the project is implemented. The FHWA Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures is provided in the link below.

Principal Arterial

2. Is your project located on one of the following? Greater Houston Freight System

No

Locally Designated Freight Corridor

No

State Designated Evacuation Route

Yes

None of the Above

No