This information appeared in a press release on November 1, 2010

Global Science & Technology Awarded Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Research Contract

Fairmont — Global Science & Technology, Inc. (GST) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a research contract with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop a new surface transportation application that will benefit the passenger bus industry, traveling public and transportation agencies by providing more accurate weather and driving condition information. The research project will be conducted at GST's Innovation Lab located in Fairmont, WV.

The six-month research project will incorporate Roadside Weather Information System (RWIS) Environmental Sensor Stations (ESS) with proprietary environmental observation data collect from sensors aboard passenger buses to create a unique decision support system and traveler information system. GST will create an Internet-based application that will process the data that identify weather conditions and hazards along scheduled bus routes. The application will display route maps, weather icons and text that describe existing conditions for each bus and each route. The application will be available for passenger bus operators, drivers, and the traveling public via the Web and mobile phones.

"Adverse weather has significant effects on our nation's highways and consequently causes problems for commercial companies that rely on highways to support their enterprises", said Brian Bell, GST Vice President of Innovation. "The Passenger Bus (Motorcoach) Industry generates over $55 billion annually and has over 750 million passenger trips. Conditions such as snow, ice, fog, rain, and black ice greatly impair public safety, reduce travel capacity, and cause travel delays. We will deliver more meaningful and relevant weather information products that have national implications of improving the efficiency and safety of an entire industry and local implications of providing better transportation services in our communities."

The FHWA has been instrumental, through an initiative called Clarus, in developing an integrated surface transportation weather observing, forecasting and data management system, and in establishing partnerships to create a Nationwide Surface Transportation Weather Observing and Forecasting System. The objective of Clarus is to provide information to all transportation managers and users to alleviate the effects of adverse weather (e.g., fatalities, injuries and delays). The Clarus system is at the core of the GST research project.

For more information, please contact John Dahlia: work (304) 368-1862 ext. 14; cell ( 304) 657-7095; or e-mail John.Dahlia@gst.com.


About Global Science & Technology

Founded in 1991, Global Science & Technology, Inc. (GST) has offices and programs in Greenbelt, Maryland; Asheville, North Carolina; Fairmont, WV; Boulder, Colorado; and Huntsville, Alabama. Over the years, GST has built a highly specialized workforce that includes experts in key domains of engineering, science, communications, and information technology. Major clients include NOAA, NASA, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and the State of West Virginia.