Glendora, CA - April 2000 - Mackenzie Laboratories, Inc. completes the Automatic Train Announcement System(ATAS) for the Trinity Railway Express.

We have all heard that things are bigger in Texas, but Mackenzie contends that some things are better as well. Specifically, the communications systems in commuter rail cars for The Trinity Railway Express. Developed from our Digital Audio Display System(DADS), Mackenzie created an integrated communications system for the project. The system includes automatic train announcements, passenger emergency communications as well as live intercom and public address functions.

Each bi-level coach car contains 24 speakers, 8 Light Emitting Diode(LED) text displays, 2 Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) text displays and 5 Passenger Emergency Communication(PEC) systems, all interfacing to the In Car Communication Unit(ICCU). The ICCU is a sophisticated, microprocessor based controller capable of MPEG digital audio playback, communication with text displays and comprehensive management of intercom, live public address and passenger emergency communication audio lines. ICCU's of various cars are connected to Head End Controllers(HEC), located in locomotives and cab cars, via a digital communications network. This interface provides route, audio data and trigger information.

Riders are sure to be impressed with the new Trinity Railway Express service, from its bold graphics design including a double-decker representation of the lone star flag, to its announcement system which provides station and route information audibly and visually. The goal of the system is to keep people informed and make commuting as easy as possible. Crystal clear audio and crisp text displays document where the train is and where it is going. Special attention was paid to audio and text capabilities in order to maximize usability for those with hearing or vision disabilities.

The Trinity Railway Express is jointly owned by The Fort Worth Transportation Authority(The T) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit(DART), and is operated and maintained by Herzog Transit Services. Trinity Railway Express offers a dependable, convenient and affordable commuter rail link between Fort Worth, TX and Dallas, TX. The project expects to eliminate more that 9,000 vehicles per day from the area's highways, which are already unable to keep up with increased travel demands. Commuters will save money on insurance, gas and repairs as well as wear and tear on themselves and their vehicles.

Relationships with organizations such as Trinity Railway Express are helping Mackenzie achieve our vision: Making a Difference, One at a Time. Since 1954 Mackenzie has continued to revolutionize the messaging industry through the firm's leading edge audio products and systems.

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