By Karen Robes Meeks
The California Transportation Commission has awarded the Alameda County Transportation Commission $12.45 million to implement the $30.6 million Freight Intelligent Transportation System (FITS) program at the Port of Oakland. The money comes from the California Senate Bill 1 funds.
.According to the port, the program aims to lower congestion, improve traffic flow for port truck drivers, update security systems and establish a common communication platform for first responders. It features 15 freight technology demonstration projects such as WiFi to allow truck drivers to get traffic and terminal gate updates, message signs to warn drivers of traffic delays, and a vehicle queue detection to help determine truck turn times.
“This funding will help improve the Port’s maritime operations,” said Port of Oakland Director of Maritime John Driscoll. “FITS will help reduce truck wait times and provide a safer and more secure maritime area.”
The projects are expected to be completed by late 2021, with 12 months of system testing to follow before going live in late 2022.