Byron Waldman (left), President and CEO, and Thomas Waldron, Vice President, Planning and Development, worked with Battelle to develop System 21®, a mass transit system with cars that operate on both sides of a triangular beam.

Battelle is a pioneer in the use of technology for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), transportation planning, human factors, airport security, and mass transit. As a charter member of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, Battelle provided substantial contributions to automated highway systems, collision control technology, and national ITS architecture development and evaluations. In 1996, Battelle managed the Traveler Information Showcase for the Federal Highway Administration, which operated during the summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Both residents and visitors were given access to advanced traveler information systems - including handheld personal computers, in-vehicle route guidance systems, interactive TV, dedicated cable TV, and Internet web pages. Integrated with the Atlanta Transportation Management Center to access real-time traffic information, the new systems helped travelers make informed decisions about navigating the city. Following the success of this program, Battelle will install similar systems in Seattle and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area in 1997. In another project for the FHWA, Battelle tested new technology, such as global positioning systems and handheld computers, for use in analyzing infrastructures. By monitoring the vehicle trips of a sample of Lexington, Kentucky, residents, these systems provide a basis for decisions on where to place traffic lights, which roads to widen, and how to set speed limits. Battelle also determines transportation users' acceptance of new technologies. Our mobile driving simulator is used to assess driver reactions for improvements to transportation systems and displays. In a recent study, Battelle evaluated the usefulness and safety of navigation information displays placed in different locations in vehicles. Battelle applies technology to improve safety for air travel. Researchers at the Battelle-operated Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new surveillance system for the Federal Aviation Administration. This holographic imaging system screens airline passengers, detecting plastic, ceramic, and metal weapons in seconds. In the area of mass transit systems, Battelle is partnering with FUTREX Inc. to develop revolutionary technology. The result is an elevated monobeam system which supports vehicles traveling in two directions. Our technical engineering and overview services are helping create a system that is modular, low in cost, and efficient - an excellent solution to growing worldwide transit needs. In the words of Byron Waldman, President and CEO of FUTREX Inc., "Battelle's engineering talent and strong commitment helped to ensure the successful completion of our System 21® model."

The Institute of Transportation Engineers voted Battelle and the Federal Highway Administration as the best public-private partnership of 1996. Pictured here from left are Dave Williams and Jerry Pittenger of Battelle and Larry Dreihaup and Felton Rutledge of FHWA. Our multi-million dollar driving simulator safely exposes users to a wide range of traffic conditions. Battelle is a leader in airport security technology.