Every day, nearly 100 million people in North America depend on transit buses to navigate through busy streets and urban environments, according to data from Statista.
But these environments are increasingly complex, which presents ongoing challenges for transit systems to maintain safety and efficiency.
For example, accidents due to blind spots account for over 800,000 crashes and more than 300 fatalities annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Traditional safety measures aren’t advanced enough to address the dynamic and unpredictable nature of modern transit environments, believes Gatekeeper Systems, a company based in Abbotsford.
As urban areas become more congested and transit routes more complex, transit operators face a number of challenges to navigate; advanced systems that provide real-time monitoring and alerts are therefore necessary, the BC firm argues.
Gatekeeper has some skin in the game. Indeed, the company’s business model is centred around addressing safety by applying modern technology to traditional transport, from long-haul trucking to school buses.
One example is Gatekeeper’s Pedestrian Protector for Transit, a solution launched this year to enhance safety around transit buses.
The system uses AI and video analytics to continuously monitor a bus’ surroundings. When the bus stops, the system activates and scans the exterior environment for pedestrians. A 360° Surround Vision System displays a panoramic view around the vehicle.
“This comprehensive monitoring system ensures that drivers are fully aware of their surroundings, making for safer transit for both drivers and pedestrians,” the compass states. “The system’s ability to highlight and track pedestrians in real time minimizes the risks associated with blind spots, ensuring drivers have comprehensive situational awareness.”
Gatekeeper Systems recently reported financial results for fiscal Q3 2024. During the quarter, revenue reaching $6.5 million, a 9% increase from the same period last year. For the nine months ending May 31, revenue grew by 27% with a net income of $3.1 million.
“Fiscal Q3 revenue represents the highest third-quarter revenue in Gatekeeper’s history,” stated chief executive Doug Dyment. “Our strong financial performance in recent quarters has allowed us to increase investment in our people and business infrastructure in alignment with our new product offerings and expected growth.”
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