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Bus drivers in Minnesota are getting a helpful eye on things from a new pilot program involving a Driver Assist System using GPS tracking technology, according to the Star Tribune.

The Driver Assist System is an innovative new pilot program through the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) which allows bus drivers to see around their bus with a combination of lasers, alerts and GPS technology.

Planning Manager of the MVTA Michael Abegg explained that the system helps aid drivers greatly, as most buses are nine and a half feet wide but run on shoulders that are only ten and a half feet wide. Abegg went on to add that from the vantage point of the driver, they can’t see clearly how close they are to cars on either side and often overcompensate by steering in the other direction. With the pilot system, drivers can view monitors which give accurate real time views of exactly how much room they have on either side of their buses, as well as in front and behind.

Abegg said this GPS technology adds a level of confidence in drivers, which makes a more pleasant and safe ride for everyone inside. He added that these measures would be all the more important next year when the metro area’s first rapid bus transit corridor opens, due to the reduced room buses will have to travel on. Meant to mimic light rail, buses in the rapid transit corridor will run only on the narrow shoulder, which cause stress for drivers thinking they are too close to the wall or other lanes of traffic. The new GPS system will take the guesswork and concern out of this issue.

Article Written by Greg Minton