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VSMaRT – System Architecture
VSMaRT stands for Variegated System of Mass Rapid Transit. The key proposition of VSMaRT is that it provides the comfort and convenience that closely matches (and even betters on certain counts) that of private vehicles and at the same time matches the economy and efficiency of conventional mass rapid transit systems. It offers “variegated” value plans of price-level of service composites that are designed to closely match real user needs and expectations.

For instance, door-to door travel time with the VSMaRT service is significantly lower than what exists today. This is achieved by a combination of measures based on a keen understanding of user needs. Table 1 shows Service quality comparisons of VSMaRT with the most popular preference in the existing system i.e. privately owned vehicle. Table 2 shows the overall positive effect of VSMaRT on the automobile manufacturing industry. The components of VSMaRT are as follows:

A. Classification of Road Network
Footpath – Access to pedestrians only

Streets – Access to pedestrian, bicycles, semi-motorised rickshaws, electric/solar vehicles; Speed Limit – 15 kmph

Dual Roads – Access to motorised vehicles, bicycles, semi-motorised rickshaws, electric/solar vehicles, pedestrian crossings; Dual Roads are will be converted to ExpressRoads or to Streets in phases. Speed Limit – 35 kmph

Express Roads – Access to motorised vehicles only (except 2-wheelers), pedestrian crossover through Road Over Bridges; Elevator facility for people who are unable to climb stairs – physical/ health reasons, bicyclists; Construction of walls or fences will reduce problems with trespassers; Speed Limit - 70 kmph

The entire city region is divided into honeycomb cells. The area of the cell varies with density of residential and commercial establishments and is bounded by the road network.

B. Classification of Vehicles
Light Vehicles: 3-4-seater Electric/Solar/Gear and Pedaled/ vehicles, bicycle. These vehicles adhere to zero emission standards. Their other design feature is that they cause minimum discomfort to walking. LVs ply on Streets and Dual Roads.

Heavy Vehicles: HVs ply on the ExpressRoads. These are vehicles with seating capacities of 4 (2seats x 2 rows, 12 (3 seats x 4 rows and 40 (4 seats x 10 rows). These are low to zero polluting motorized vehicles (running on Fuel Cell, CNG or HSD), suited for long distance travel. Different classes of HVs correspond to various Value Plans.

Current bus design is not user friendly (particularly for anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs) and does not facilitate speedy entry and exit because of having a high floor body built on a truck chassis. They have single entry and exit points. These add to delays at bus stops.

HVs are designed for ease of getting in and out of vehicle with multiple doors for entry and exit. In the LDT service, HVs have none or very few stops. They move from one Mobilitare to another.

Unlike existing buses, these vehicles are lighter and have lower height as illustrated in the figure below. These vehicles have comfortable seats and leg space.

C. In-Vehicle Electronics and Software System
Components - Accelerometer, electronic compass, short range communication, GPS, long range communication, display panel that meet the following functional requirements:

Dynamic Traffic Routing: At the start of the journey, the In-Vehicle Unit receives a navigation applet for the entire trip. The display occurs on a dashboard monitor as the Lane position, Target Speed and the Direction that the vehicle should follow. The Target Speed is continuously recalculated to find a green signal at the approaching junction. Roadside Beacons are located at exit to all junctions (see figure below).

If the actual speed of the vehicle deviates from a Target Speed Range, it triggers a message to the Area Traffic Control Station.

In the event of an incident- vehicle breakdown, accident – the navigation applet is revised for all vehicles approaching the point of incidence.

Driver Proficiency Rating – Closer adherence to the navigation plan – lane, target speed and direction – is rewarded with higher a higher DPR. All deviations are recorded in the IVU and the log report is sent to the ATCS at the end of the trip.

D. Service Infrastructure
VSMaRT Information Center – Issue and service VSMaRT Membership Card; Facilitate Reservation through phone, internet, mobile, VSMaRT kiosks

Mobilitaire: Station for Heavy Vehicles, Fuel/Repair/Maintenance Service Center, Transit Warehouse. These are located at the edge or the junction of two or three cells.

Pick-up Point: Station for Light Vehicles, VSMaRT kiosk

Area Traffic Control Station: Central display of all vehicles, Driver Proficiency Rating data processing, navigation applet dispatch, traffic signal synchronization, incident management

E. Advanced Traveler Information System:
Users call up or send an SMS to a VSMaRT Call Center number. Or they log on to their webpage on the VSMaRT network through a PC or a public kiosk. Once connected, they specify their destination (Cell and LV Parking Point) and time of travel. They receive a message that confirms their booking and states the Mobilitaire/Vehicle/Seat that they are to board. Cancellations are charged.

Short trips(<3-4 kms) are within a cell or to adjoining cells. They are conducted by walk or by LVs.

Long Trips (>3-4 kms) happen between two Mobilitaires with no stops at a high Value Plan to very few stops for lower plans. LTs are thus broken up into a Short Trip from the origin point to the assigned Mobilitaire and to the destination point from the destination Mobilitaire.

F. Payment Options
Users subscribe to various Value Plans offered with VSMaRT Membership Cards– Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Economy.

Users have option to use a prepaid card or post-pay. A monthly bill is generated and dispatched to members. Options to pay by Cheque or electronic payment through VSMaRT Card are available. Visitors to the city use prepaid cards. The balance upon completion of their stay is refunded. Travel charges include Road User Charging. Fare varies with the nature of trips as follows.

1. Routine Trips are made at a specified time to a specified destination. e.g. Work/School trips. Season tickets are issued for these trips on a discount. On day/s when the user does not make this trip, they can claim refund if they inform the system in advance.

2. Non-routine, advance notification: User get a discount on the Fare, the earlier the system is notified. If the trip is not time dependant, the user can specify a time range for the trip to get the best deal.

3. Emergency Trips – trips which need to be undertaken immediately to the nearest (travel time) destination – e.g. medical emergency

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