Specifications
December 2013
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF HEAVY-DUTY BUSES
RFP SRTA-2014-01
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PAGE-51
The AVA (Automatic Vehicle Annunciation) system shall provide override capability for the
operator to announce and display “ad-hoc” or pre-recorded special announcement messages,
including Public Service messages, to be announced and displayed through this annunciation
system.
Initial audio files are to be provided by the contractor as digitally recorded announcements,
generally using local voice talent to replicate local and regional pronunciations and accents. It is
preferred the audio be developed using professional voice talent.
Updated and new messages shall be automatically downloaded to the fleet on-board system via
wireless LAN when the busses are stopped at the maintenance facility at overlay or when the on-
board system is powered up provided it is in range of the WLAN system. Updating of the on-
board VLU data shall be possible via real time communications network.
The contractor shall provide its own voice annunciation system via the VLU, and an interior
dynamic message sign. The proposed Automatic Voice Annunciation System meets the
requirements of the ADA. The contractor shall provide a multi-lingual AVA system. The AVA
system shall provide audible and visual annunciation for every stop, route, and route variation in
the system.
The AVA System shall include at a minimum:
Multi-lingual capability: Supports audio and text multi-language announcements
Open Interface using J1708 VAN
Automatic and operator defined annunciation control: Enables announcements based on
trigger controlled parameters. Operator/manual over ride provisions for repeat, suspended,
public safety announcements etc.
Route- and location-based annunciation: Off-route, end of route and special service and
route changes are detected and annunciations adjusted
Visual Display: Supports a variety of sign types with coordinated text messages
Automatic Volume Control: Automatic noise volume adjustments based on ambient noise
AVL-based announcements: Location determination with precise accuracy to ensure proper
announcements
Destination Sign Control: Support of multiple vendors’ destination signs including Twin
Vision, Luminator, Balios, Sunrise, or approved equal.
Automatic annunciation updates: Secure wireless bulk data transfer system via 802.11
WLAN system to be installed at garages for automatic file download to the fleet
Interior Next Stop Announcement
The interior “Next Stop” announcement shall be configurable, the proposed Data Management
system to operate in either “Departing Audio” or “Approaching Audio” mode. In Departing Audio
operation, the “Next Stop” announcements are made as the bus departs the present stop en-
route to the next stop. The distance the announcement is made from the present bus stop shall
be a parameter of the VLU system and shall be configurable on the bus and through the server
side.
In Approaching Audio operation, the “Next Stop” announcements shall be made as the bus
approaches the next stop. The distance that the announcements are made from shall be a
parameter of the VLU system and shall be configurable on the bus and through the server side.