Nestor Traffic Systems and GeoFocus to Install Rail Crossing Warning System in Florida; NTS and GeoFocus to Demonstrate AWARE: Advanced Warning Alerts for Railroad Engineers

    PROVIDENCE, R.I.--June 4, 2001--Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. (NTS) today announced that the Company has been awarded a contract by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to install and demonstrate a grade crossing warning system at two Tri-Rail crossings in South Florida. The AWARE (Advanced Warning Alerts for Railroad Engineers) system combines NTS' Rail CrossingGuard(R) video-based crossing monitoring technology with GeoFocus, Inc.'s TrainTrac(R) communications-based train location and information system to provide grade crossing status information and alerts to approaching locomotives.
    Each AWARE crossing will be equipped with Rail CrossingGuard video monitoring for automated detection of vehicles, trains, and traffic control devices, an AWARE controller, and spread spectrum radio communications. Rail CrossingGuard's ability to detect vehicles on the tracks will allow the system to trigger an alert from the crossing to warn an on-coming AWARE-equipped train of imminent danger. Each AWARE-equipped train will have Mobile Information Terminals (MITs) to display crossing status messages and alerts, a GPS-based train location device, and a two-way spread spectrum wireless radio for communication between the train and the trackside computer.
    "A system with the ability to warn an on-coming train of trouble ahead is a technological breakthrough in grade crossing safety," said Michael Dowell, FDOT's Rail Corridor Programs Engineer. "These AWARE installations could prove to be the pivotal solution in averting potentially life-threatening crashes. We are excited to be at the forefront of this venture as an integral part of proving the capabilities of this innovative technology in a highly urbanized environment."
    The goal of this multi-phased project is to test and evaluate the technologies employed. Field demonstrations will involve multiple aspects of the AWARE system, including automatic detection of crossing obstructions and other hazardous crossing conditions, real-time, two-way communication between the crossing and approaching trains, on-train devices for the display of crossing status and alert information, and live transmission of grade crossing video to remote rail and traffic operations centers. These trials will involve both simulated and real crossing hazards. The final stage of the project will involve a full demonstration of system functionality at two crossings and on-board two Tri-Rail trains. This deployment will be the first of its kind to showcase such advanced grade crossing safety features. Widespread adoption of this Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) application would represent a milestone in the use of advanced technology to help reduce the number and frequency of crashes and improve overall grade crossing safety.
    "Integrating Rail CrossingGuard's video detection capabilities with our GPS-based train locator and communications is a natural extension of both product offerings - with considerable safety benefits and tremendous market potential," said Gary Muter, GeoFocus' General Manager. "The AWARE system represents a significant initiative, combining two complementary technologies to deliver a unique solution for grade crossing safety."
    This contract is an extension of an existing contract with FDOT where NTS is providing video monitoring equipment and services at five crossings along the South Florida Rail Corridor. This installation is part of the first phase of FDOT's innovative statewide program to demonstrate new technologies to improve highway railroad grade crossing safety.

    About Nestor Traffic Systems

    Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc., an affiliate of Nestor, Inc. (OTC: NEST) and headquartered in Providence, RI, is an emerging leader in providing innovative, video-based monitoring systems and services for traffic management and safety. Its products incorporate advanced video processing technology into intelligent, real-time solutions that promote traffic efficiency, intersection safety, and highway- rail grade crossing monitoring. All products are sold direct and by selected partners worldwide. For more information, call 401-331-9640 or visit www.nestor.com/nts.

    CrossingGuard is a registered trademark of Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. TrainTrac is a registered trademark of GeoFocus, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.