Transit Technology Testing and Validation
SRF partnered with Premier Electric to conduct transit technology testing for station components along Metro Transit’s METRO C Line, a bus rapid transit (BRT) route serving the Twin Cities region. Originally focused on system verification for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, passenger information systems (PIS), and emergency telephones, the project scope expanded to include additional smart infrastructure elements across 16 station pairs.
Testing for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
SRF developed and implemented detailed test plans for the following systems:
- CCTV cameras
- PIS
- Emergency telephones
These systems required confirmation of real-time audio/video transmission, accurate arrival data, and full operational functionality. Testing occurred in 24-hour, 7-day, and 30-day intervals to simulate live-use scenarios and ensure system reliability.
Additional System Testing and Integration
As the project progressed, Premier Electric requested additional support for inspection and testing of:
- Power supplies and managed switches
- Bus arrival annunciators
- Surge protection devices
- Environmental monitoring systems
- Uninterruptible power supply components
To support this expanded scope, SRF created a comprehensive suite of over 1,000 pages of customized testing forms and documentation, refined continuously throughout fieldwork.
Coordination with Metro Transit and Partner Agencies
Successful completion required close coordination with multiple Metro Transit departments and third-party contractors. SRF’s responsiveness was critical in resolving issues on tight timelines, particularly when on-site adjustments or remote support were needed without advanced notice.
Problem-Solving During System Commissioning
During system-wide testing, SRF identified and helped resolve multiple issues, including:
- Emergency telephones failing to receive calls, triggering reboots
- PIS updates causing display crashes and outages
By adapting quickly and maintaining communication across teams, SRF ensured the full system was validated and functional in time for METRO C Line’s opening day.
Resource Links:
Metro Transit – METRO C Line
Internal Category:
Transit Planning, Design & Implementation
ITS/CAV
Traffic & Technology
More from:
Minneapolis, MN
Saint Paul, MN
