Boston's transit authority plans to modernize telecom system

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) awarded a $7.8 million contract to Communications International Inc. (CII) to install and test a new 800 MHz interoperable voice and data communications system.

The transportation authority, which oversees bus, train and boat operations and transit systems for people with disabilities in the Boston metropolitan area, actually awarded the contract last summer but formally announced the deal today.

CII is installing a $25.7 million M/A-COM Enhanced Digital Access Communications System (EDACS) system purchased by the MBTA in 2003 to replace a decades-old system.

In 2005, CII began a three-phase installation and integration of the digital simulcast radio, computer-aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location systems, and mobile and portable radios. The company has also developed testing and acceptance procedures for EDACS.

With the new system, all MBTA police, supervisors and bus and subway operators will be able to communicate more efficiently via voice and data regarding daily operations and during emergencies.