The Alameda County Transportation Commission received $12.45 million from the California Transportation Commission to apply the Freight Intelligent Transportation System (FITS) program at the Port of Oakland.
FITS consists of 15 freight technology demonstration projects, aiming to address traffic management, security systems and roadway improvements at the Oakland seaport. The funding comes from California Senate Bill 1 funds.
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According to the Port, FITS will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow for truckers who haul cargo containers in and out of Oakland. It will also upgrade security systems and provide a common communication platform for first responders.
This funding will help improve the Port’s maritime operations. FITS will help reduce truck wait times and provide a safer and more secure maritime area
mentioned Port of Oakland Director of Maritime John Driscoll.
Some examples of FITS demonstration projects include the following:
- Interagency emergency operations and traffic management center;
- WiFi for truckers to access traffic and terminal gate updates;
- Changeable message signs to show traffic delays for truckers;
- Vehicle queue detection for accurate measurement of truck turn times;
- Mobile phone app for truckers.
The Alameda County Transportation Commission will also administer construction of 13 FITS improvement projects. The Port will administer construction of two projects that are security related.
FITS is also a part of the Transportation Commission’s GoPort Program, which aspires to enhance freight movement in the Oakland Seaport area. The GoPort Program also provides air quality benefits through reductions in truck idling and street congestion deriving from freight movement efficiency.
The overall cost of the FITS program is $30.6 million and all projects are planned to be finalized by late 2021, followed by 12 months of systems testing. The project is expected to go live in late 2022.
