PACE TO DEBUT INTELLIGENT BUS SYSTEM AT KICKOFF DEMONSTRATION

Pace, the suburban bus division of Chicagolands Regional Transit Authority, will host a kickoff demonstration of its Intelligent Bus System (IBS) at its North Shore Division Garage. The advanced transit technology was provided by Siemens Transportation Systems Integrated Local Government (ILG) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

CHICAGO, Ill. (PRWEB) March 7, 2003 -- PACE, the suburban bus division of Chicagolands Regional Transit Authority, will host a kickoff demonstration of its Intelligent Bus System (IBS) on March 6 at its Evanston, Ill. North Shore Division garage. The event will inform division, industry, municipal, funding agency, and media members about the intricacies of the advanced public transportation system by showcasing how it operates on a daily basis.

This is a historic time for us because our Intelligent Bus System will dramatically improve the way we do business," said Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross. It will provide our customers with information and conveniences they probably thought were never possible, and were excited to demonstrate this innovative technology at our upcoming event."

During the Kickoff Demonstration, a simulator-dubbed the Bus-in-a-Box-will demonstrate the many components of the buses Automatic Vehicle Location / Computer-Aided Dispatch system, including: immediate on-board transfer information to ensure connections to other buses, automatic visual and verbal announcements of bus stops, a comprehensive emergency notification system, and an advanced vehicle system monitoring to warn of mechanical problems. Attendees will also be invited out for a 40-minute VIP ride on a newly-equipped Pace bus to experience the technology from a passenger's perspective.

Pace is the 650-vehicle suburban bus division of the Regional Transit Authority in Chicago. Pace provides fixed bus routes, Dial-a-Ride services, vanpools and special-event buses throughout Chicagos six-county suburban region. The agency is the 14th largest bus service in the United States and Canada. Their IBS project was launched in 2001.

Siemens Transportation Systems Integrated Local Government (ILG) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa provides the advanced computerized transit technology to Pace. ILG specializes in Advanced Public Transportation Systems and Intelligent Transportation Systems throughout North America. Siemens solutions include TransitMaster and real-time public information systems including OnStreet (signs at bus stops), WebWatch (online information), and EZTrips (trip-planning kiosks). ILG also offers ResponseMaster, an emergency awareness, response management, and advanced data communication system for public safety agencies.

According to John Braband, Pace IBS Project Manager, Siemens was selected after a thorough review of proposals received through our competitive procurement process. Their product was the best overall to fit our unique needs. They have put together a team of highly skilled professionals."

Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (www.sts.siemens.com) is one of Siemens operating companies in the United States. The company provides a broad spectrum of products and services to the U.S. transportation industry, including Intelligent Transportation Systems, communication and operation control centers, electrification systems, AC-traction locomotives, mass transit vehicles and complete design/build turnkey systems

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics and engineering company. It employs 426,000 people in 192 countries and reported worldwide sales of $77.8 billion in fiscal 2002 (10/1/01 - 9/30/02). The United States is Siemens' largest market in the world, with sales of $21.5 billion in fiscal 2002 and approximately 70,000 employees in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Corporate headquarters for Siemens' U.S. businesses are located in New York City. For more information: www.usa.siemens.com

Pace Contact: Blaine Krage
Public Relations Specialist
Pace Suburban Bus
T: 847-228-4295
Blaine.Krage@Pacebus.com