September 16: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1999:  The first Automated Passenger Counter technology is installed on 60 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses.

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The APCs use Automatic Vehicle Location Systems in conjunction with Global Positioning System software to pinpoint the location of each bus stop while sensors record the number of passengers.

Infrared sensors are mounted at the front and rear doors to detect embarking and disembarking passengers.

The data generates reams of valuable information that can be used to improve customer service.

More information can be found in the September 16, 1999 issue of the MyMetro employee news digest.