Smarter Transit Priority for Modern Cities

The Advanced Bus Detection and Signal System (ABDS) was designed to address the challenge of bus delays at busy signalized intersections. It detects approaching buses within mixed traffic and automatically triggers a priority signal phase—reducing travel time and improving reliability.

Unlike conventional TSP technologies, ABDS requires no transmitters or onboard bus equipment, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for municipalities.

The Advanced Bus Detection and Signal System (ABDS) uses a distributed network of LiDAR-based sensors and controller nodes. Detection devices capture bus movement within shared lanes and relay activation data to a master node through secure Ethernet or wireless links.

The master node processes detection logic and communicates with the SafeLink client node, which transmits a controlled activation pulse to the traffic signal controller. Once the bus clears the detection zone, ABDS automatically resets and returns the intersection to standard operation.

The modular design allows multiple approaches or intersections to operate in sync, maintaining precision and ensuring fail-safe transit priority control.

At the core of ABDS is the SafeLink™ interface module, which provides complete optical isolation and surge protection between field sensors and the traffic controller. The wiring diagram illustrates integration between a PoE injector, an 8-port Ethernet switch, and controller test inputs—forming a compact and reliable network.

SafeLink operates as a passive safety barrier, ensuring that even in the event of a power or network failure, the intersection reverts to its standard mode. Each module supports dry-contact and Ethernet-based signaling and can be serviced without interrupting live controller operation.

This design lets municipalities modernize existing intersections without invasive cabinet modifications, maintaining full NEMA/ATC compliance while reducing integration costs.

The Advanced Bus Detection and Signal System (ABDS) earned the ITS Canada Innovation Award (2021) for improving urban transit efficiency through automation, safety, and precision detection.

Deployed at the City of Burnaby Metrotown Bus Loop, the system supports over 12 major bus routes—Canada’s first LiDAR-based Transit Signal Priority deployment.

The system’s success was further validated in the TransLink 2023 Bus Speed and Reliability Report, which cited the Burnaby deployment of ABDS for achieving approximately 19% reduction in average bus travel time during peak hours and a payback period of under two years.

This recognition underscores Botech’s leadership in advanced detection, communication, and control technologies shaping the future of smart mobility in Canada.