Published June 2002

Mobile command center
to aid CT in emergencies

By John Wolcott
Herald Business Journal Editor

In the world of “working wheels,” Community Transit’s buses are real heroes.

Each day a fleet of nearly 200 coaches carries thousands of people to work who would otherwise be adding their own vehicles to the county’s already congested traffic grid.

But what if an earthquake or other natural disaster caused severe damage in the county, including the destruction of Community Transit’s operations base on Hardeson Road near the Everett Boeing aircraft assembly plant?

The transit company’s executives and directors have had that same thought — a fear heightened by last September’s terrorist attack on the United States. In preparation, they’ve taken action to be sure the agency can maintain radio contact with its bus operators and security officers, even if the radio dispatch center must be evacuated.

Community Transit is the first transit provider in the state of Washington to create a mobile command center, a bus converted into a radio and command vehicle. Within minutes of a disaster, Community Transit dispatchers will be back on the air, collecting information from security officers and coach operators while providing information and assistance in return.

The mobile center, powered by a 12,000-watt ultra-quiet generator, contains a dispatch console and an auxiliary radio work station. The center also will soon be installing a HAM radio set to maintain contact with other emergency services agencies in case telephone systems are down.

The mobile command center is also equipped with a power inverter that provides standard 110 current, so portable computers, printers and other equipment can operate in the bus. In addition, it has power hookups outside the bus so additional electronic equipment could be set up in a tent or trailer near the bus.

The agency had considered the need for this type of vehicle for many months, said Michael Ford, Director of Operations and Maintenance.

“September 11th really brought home the need for a mobile unit like this,” Ford said. “It crystallized our thinking about how we would function in a major disaster, and made us see the value of a system that we could use in almost any circumstance.”

Community Transit completed training in May for the staff members who would operate the vehicle and its communication systems in the event of an emergency.

The mobile command center is particularly important, too, because Community Transit is a key participant in Snohomish County’s disaster preparedness system. In case of an emergency, the agency provides buses for transportation or shelter. For example, last year when a Lynnwood day-care center had to be evacuated, a Community Transit bus was on site as a shelter for the children.

“We have a responsibility to our community to be ready in case of any type of emergency,” Ford said. “This mobile command center is a valuable tool that will keep our services running during a disaster, when they’ll be especially needed.”

Related: CT aims to cut diesel emissions

Back to the top/June 2002 Main Menu