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Motorola, Inc.
Release date: September 13, 2005
City Buses Pick Up Wireless Broadband in Cedar Rapids
Motorola and Trapeze Group Deliver Seamless Mobility and Two-way, Real-time Video for Security and Entertainment on Buses
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and Trapeze Group today announced the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has implemented new mobile broadband solutions that will enhance the security and enjoyment of riders on the city's buses, as part of a city-wide revitalization project. Using Motorola's mobile mesh networking technology, the city bus lines can now wirelessly connect to the Internet and city data network. Transit authorities can now remotely monitor video surveillance cameras on city buses to enhance the safety and security of passengers, drivers and vehicles. Streaming digital video entertainment will also be provided to passengers, making their commute more enjoyable. Additionally, riders on the city's buses will be able to wirelessly connect to the Internet via Motorola's mesh networking technology.
The new mobile data system, powered by Motorola's mesh networking technology and Trapeze intelligent transit solution (ITS) software, enables streaming video of advertising, news and transit schedule information to the city's fleet of 50 buses. Using this system, bus dispatchers from Five Seasons Parking and Transportation, the company which operates Cedar Rapids' public transportation fleet, can also wirelessly monitor real-time security video on buses while they are in motion, as well as when they are parked.
"The installation of Motorola's mobile mesh network coupled with Trapeze's innovative ITS software exemplifies Cedar Rapids' innovation and leadership in making its citizens safer and more productive on its buses," said Bill Hoekstra, Transportation & Parking Director of Five Seasons Parking and Transportation. "We looked at several options but only Motorola and Trapeze were able to reliably provide a two-way broadband connection and applications to the buses while they were in motion."
The new system covers seven miles of main thoroughfare throughout Cedar Rapids. The first five of the city's fifty buses are already operating with the new video system in place.
"This is a major breakthrough for transit in North America," commented Greg Tomsic, vice president and general manager, Trapeze ITS Division. "Forward-thinking transit organizations like Cedar Rapids can now provide a 'mobile Internet cafe' for their riders. This innovative service will enrich the riding experience on the transit corridor and contribute to ridership growth."
Motorola's mesh networks technology was originally developed for battlefield communications. The technology has been adopted by Motorola to address wireless broadband needs, such as wireless streaming video for both fixed, portable and mobile applications for the ITS market. As a result, the Cedar Rapids mesh system automatically creates a high-speed, self-forming and self-healing mobile broadband communications network. This reduces deployment and operational costs, while enabling easy expansion of the network. The system also features Motorola's unique Multi-Hopping(R) capabilities that turn each mesh-enabled bus into a wireless router/repeater, allowing the signals from one bus to hop through neighboring buses to reach network access points. This technology increases the range and coverage of the network without increasing system cost. Motorola's mesh network solution features built-in location and tracking features, so enhanced Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and other applications can be supported without relying on costly GPS equipment.
"Cedar Rapids has proven that it aims to provide its residents, businesses and visitors with access to the latest technology," said Juergen Stark, Corporate Vice President at Motorola. "The innovative use of technology to help improve the safety and satisfaction of public transportation passengers throughout the city serves as another powerful example of how municipalities, and the people who live there, can benefit from Motorola's mobile mesh networking solutions."
About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com/ .
About Trapeze Group
Trapeze Group delivers technologies to support, build, and manage better passenger transport. An international company, Trapeze is focused on the unique needs of public and community transit, ridesharing, and medical and school transportation. With the industry's most advanced software, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and mobile technologies, government and commercial organizations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific turn to Trapeze to help them strengthen efficiencies, increase ridership, improve service, and gain return-on-investment. For more information, visit http://www.trapezegroup.com/ .
Source: Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT: Pamela Benke of Motorola, Inc., +1-407-659-5332, or Pam.Benke@motorola.com
Company Information: Name: Motorola, Inc. Address: 1303 E. Algonquin Rd., 7th Flr. City: Schaumburg State: IL ZIP: 60196 4041 Country: USA Phone: 847-576-5000 http://www.motorola.com/
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