In-vehicle navigation units and real-time traveler information software development were the main cost drivers for the San Antonio TransGuide MMDI project to improve operations at several public agencies.

From the San Antonio MMDI Evaluation Report: Subsection 5.3.3 In-Vehicle Navigation Units Costs

Made Public Date
01/29/2004
Identifier
2004-SC00065
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Summary Information

As part of the San Antonio TransGuide Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI) program, in-vehicle navigation (IVN) units were deployed to enhance traveler information systems and improve operations at several public agencies. The IVN system installed in each vehicle provided navigational assistance as well as real-time traveler information detailing congestion, incidents, and traffic conditions at highway/rail intersections in the area. TransGuide used the Subcarrier Traffic Information Channel (STIC)-FM protocol to transmit the real-time information to the IVN units. Public agencies provided with the IVN units included fire departments, police departments, the City of San Antonio, Texas DOT, Texas Department of Public Safety, agencies using paratransit vehicles, and other agencies.

The total cost of the IVN project was $2,388,691. The majority of the project cost was attributed to the purchase of IVN devices which cost about $2,800 each. The IVN system was upgraded with a software application that added real-time traffic data. The cost of the software application development, $476,316, was another major cost driver. The total operations and maintenance (O&M) cost, $102,330, was a fraction of the deployment cost. Approximately 54% of the O&M cost was for IVN maintenance, database updates, and communication. The remaining O&M cost was shared cost with other TransGuide MMDI projects.

Equipment Description
Units
Deployment Costs
Yearly O&M Costs
Zexel IVN unit
290
$833,460
Alpine IVN unit
300
$855,900
Navigation System Development Package
$94,906
Development Labor Costs
$476,316
33% Share of AWARD/KIOSK/IVN Master computer
$5,131
50% Share of STIC FM Broadcaster
$62,978
20% Share of Development Labor Costs
$60,000
IVN Maintenance
$11,919
IVN Database Updates
$42,862
IVN Dial Up Phone lines
$610
4% Share of 25 TransGuide Personnel
$20,665
4% Share of Software Maintenance and Upgrades
$5,904
4% Share of Hardware Maintenance and Upgrades
$934
50% Share of FM STIC lease
$19,435
TOTAL
$2,388,691
$102,330


The report found that IVN users will need additional training if they are to experience the full utility of the system.

System Cost

Capital cost for project: $2,388,691 (1998).



Annual O&M cost: $102,330 (1998).