Perrone Robotics and NEORide Collaborate on Advanced Tech for Ohio Transit Buses

In a groundbreaking initiative, Perrone Robotics Inc. and NEORide have joined forces to upgrade the public transportation landscape in Ohio. Awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation's SMART Grant program, the project will retrofit six Gillig buses in the state with advanced driver-assistance technology. This endeavor is poised to significantly enhance safety and efficiency within the transit systems operated by NEORide members, namely the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA), Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), and Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA).

The retrofitting will utilize the innovative TONY™ ADAS Retrofit Kit, which seamlessly integrates with existing bus infrastructures. The total funding allocated for this project is approximately $1.98 million, channeling valuable federal resources to bolster public transit safety. With the TONY™ ADAS Kit, these buses will be equipped with features such as Forward Collision Avoidance, Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assistance, Blind Spot Detection, and various other traffic safety enhancements that promise to streamline operations while minimizing the potential for accidents.

Paul Perrone, the CEO and Founder of Perrone Robotics, emphasized the importance of this upgrade—"TONY allows transit systems to leap from legacy to leading-edge safety in weeks, not years." This statement underscores the value of retrofitting existing vehicles rather than purchasing new fleets, enabling agencies to enhance their service capabilities while maximizing taxpayer value. The integration will allow transit operators to rapidly implement crucial safety measures, making Ohio’s buses among the safest on the road today.

Katherine Conrad, Executive Director of NEORide, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative approach, stating, "Our mission is to bring innovative, cost-effective mobility solutions to the communities we serve." By consolidating federal resources and modernizing fleet operations across multiple agencies, NEORide is setting a national benchmark for transit innovation. This proactive strategy not only enhances passenger safety but also advocates for a model of regional collaboration that could redefine public transport across the nation.

Over the project duration, Perrone Robotics will facilitate the integration of these technologies across the buses, ensuring that agency staff receive comprehensive training while also delivering performance data to the U.S. Department of Transportation for evaluation. The successful completion of this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of TONY ADAS retrofits by additional NEORide members and other transit agencies throughout the United States.

Both Perrone Robotics, recognized for their pioneering work in autonomous vehicle technology, and NEORide, a council aimed at expanding regional transport options, are elevating the safety and operational standards in public transport. Their collaboration signifies a crucial step towards modernizing transit fleet operations by embracing cutting-edge technology that prioritizes the safety and efficiency of passengers and operators alike.

For transit agencies interested in enhancing their fleets, further information about the TONY ADAS functionality is available on Perrone Robotics' website as well as NEORide's official page. As they embark on this transformative project, the focus remains clear: to establish a safer and smarter public transit system for Ohio residents.

Topics Auto & Transportation)

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