Minnesota’s cities and counties continue to use data to improve operations and are leveraging newer technologies to work smarter. Use of telematics – activating communication systems to share real time information – is transforming local agencies opportunity for continuous optimization with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems using Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Several agencies have deployed AVL systems with varying levels of data collection. Costs vary depending on data points collected, frequency of data collection, and level of analysis desired by the users. Minnesota’s local agencies reported $20-$30 per month per unit as typical fees. Some systems like Motorola StreetTrek or TRBOnet Enterprise utilize existing Motorola two way radio systems eliminating monthly per unit fees. A system can be deployed for $1,200 per year.