Both the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), two Northeast Ohio-based innovators in future mobility, have announced a collaboration to test intelligent tire sensors and prototype tires on SARTA’s fleet of diesel and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered (HFC) buses, respectively.
As a result of sensors installed on the car, Goodyear’s SightLine mobility cloud receives real-time data on tires’ condition. Tire performance and potential vehicle troubles can be spotted early thanks to unique algorithms that analyze the data fast and provide relevant information. For SARTA to cut operational costs, decrease fleet downtime, and boost environmental benefits, Goodyear will use the testing to evaluate the TPMS Plus powered by Goodyear SightLine performance on HFC buses used in daily public transit service
The tread wear, rolling resistance, and longevity of a prototype tire are all being tested by Goodyear on SARTA’s diesel and HFC buses. Goodyear’s future electric car tire designs will be informed by the results of these experiments.
“Goodyear’s scientists and engineers continuously look for opportunities to experiment with new technology so we can stretch our thinking and advance our capabilities for the tires of tomorrow,” said Johnny McIntosh, Goodyear’s director, Integrated Solutions and Tire Management. “This work with SARTA will give us valuable data on ways tires can impact the safety, sustainability and efficiency of public transportation.”
“Like our friends and neighbors at Goodyear, SARTA is committed to the development and deployment of sustainable transportation solutions,” SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad said. “We are pleased and proud to provide a real-world testing environment for innovative technology that will increase the MPG performance of our diesel buses and increase the already-impressive range of our HFC-powered vehicles.”
Ten SARTA buses, five of which are diesels and five of which are HFCs, are being used in the daily revenue service for these testing. According to preliminary testing, TPMS Plus powered by Goodyear SightLine has the potential to help reduce roadside bus breakdowns and improve fuel efficiency..
