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MS2 Connect: A New Era for Traffic Data Management

In a significant step forward for transportation agencies, MS2, a brand under TAPCO, has unveiled MS2 Connect—a cutting-edge software solution aimed at simplifying traffic data collection. This launch comes in the wake of Diamond Traffic's closure, a company whose traffic counting equipment was widely relied upon across various jurisdictions. With the MS2 Connect software, agencies can now continue leveraging their existing Diamond traffic counters, ensuring that essential data collection remains consistent and reliable.

The Importance of Traffic Data

Accurate traffic data is critical for informing roadway safety and infrastructure decisions. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires transportation departments across the United States, including all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, to report essential data such as traffic volume, speed, and vehicle types on a monthly basis. This data provides insights into highway safety and is paramount for managing the federal-aid highway program.

According to Ben Chen, the founder of MS2, the vision for MS2 Connect extends beyond just enhancing existing tools; it incorporates a comprehensive, automated, data-driven approach for traffic counting programs. This innovative software promises to protect previous hardware investments while connecting fieldwork with data processing through a unified workflow. It aims to facilitate improved decision-making for transportation agencies based on a steady stream of reliable data.

MS2 Connect's Key Features

MS2 Connect has been meticulously designed to support both short count and continuous count operations. One of its standout features is its ability to maintain most of the functionality from the previous Diamond Centurion software while also introducing new capabilities that simplify the uploading of traffic count files into the MS2 Traffic Count Database System (TCDS).

Some notable features include:

• - Investment Protection: Agencies can continue using their current Diamond traffic counting equipment without the immediate need for replacements, thus safeguarding their investments.
• - Operational Continuity: MS2 Connect enables both short-term and continuous traffic monitoring without disrupting the agency's existing operations.
• - Familiar Functionality: With a focus on user experience, the software preserves familiar counter management capabilities to ease the transition for existing users.
• - Streamlined Data Management: It simplifies the process of transferring collected data into MS2 TCDS, reducing administrative burdens on agencies.
• - Path to Connected Workflows: The software sets the stage for a connected traffic data management process, preparing agencies for future innovations.

Jason Breault, Director of Client Success at MS2, shares that direct collaboration with customers during the design process allowed MS2 to tailor the features of MS2 Connect to meet actual user needs, thereby extending the life of existing counters while preserving data collection functionalities.

The Future of Traffic Data Management

The introduction of MS2 Connect signifies a pivotal moment in MS2’s broader ambition to create a Unified Short Count Workflow. This initiative seeks to unify every stage of traffic count programs—ranging from scheduling counts to collecting and reporting data—effectively minimizing manual tasks and expediting the delivery of accurate traffic data.

For over two decades, MS2 has been at the forefront of enhancing how transportation agencies collect, manage, and analyze roadway data. Currently, more than 260 agencies across 33 U.S. states and Canada benefit from MS2's innovative software solutions.

MS2 is a key part of TAPCO's extensive roadway safety portfolio, assisting agencies in transforming traffic data into actionable insights that bolster road safety. By identifying risks, responding to hazardous situations, and enabling informed safety decisions, MS2 contributes directly to safer roadway environments.

To discover more about MS2 Connect and how it can empower your agency’s traffic counting capabilities, reach out to the team at MS2 via [email protected].

About MS2 and TAPCO

MS2, a TAPCO brand, specializes in providing transportation data management software that aids agencies in collecting, managing, analyzing, and sharing transportation information. TAPCO, on the other hand, is recognized for its innovative Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) aimed at enhancing road safety and promoting vehicle connectivity, having established a significant reputation over its 60-plus years of operation. For more information, visit TAPCO's official website or engage with them on social media platforms.