TriMet, Oregon - USA

The Federal Communications Commission had given an order requiring TriMet to narrow-band their old analog 450 UHF system. As about half of the radios used on that system were being leased from the City of Portland, TriMet decided to transition to a single TriMet-owned radio system that provided them with the interoperability required to communicate with related agencies.

As well as interoperability, TriMet needed a system that would reliably support and enhance worker safety for employees across their entire network not only in emergency situations, but also in day-to-day activities. This is especially vital for Maintenance of Way staff that maintain the light rail network used by the rail vehicles, when trains are in the vicinity of their work.

Transitioning to a digital system powered by Tait radios has provided TriMet with clear, crisp voice communications that give them the crucial, reliable contact they need in daily operations. Confidence in their communications system has increased, and overall productivity has also improved. "The Tait system is critical to worker safety," notes O'Connor, and gives staff the constant contact with rail control that they need to keep safe.

The new system has also improved safety for bus operators with the silent alarm feature and emergency buttons on the portable radios. Geo-location capabilities provide confidence that if someone needs help and is unable to tell dispatch where they are, dispatch staff will still be able to locate them quickly.

Having experienced the Tait consultative approach, Mr. O'Connor summed up the process of working with Tait and our resilient, reliable products and solutions, saying Tait is "small enough to provide good customer service, large enough to deliver high quality products".