Goodyear sensors deployed on Sarta hydrogen bus fleet

Last month, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) – a Northeast Ohio-based future mobility business – announced a collaboration to test intelligent tyre sensors and prototype tyres on SARTA’s fleet of diesel and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered (HFC) buses.

According to the tyremaker, the intelligent tyres leverage Goodyear’s TPMS Plus on-vehicle sensors to send real-time data on tyre conditions to the Goodyear SightLine mobility cloud. Using customizable algorithms, the data is analyzed to deliver “actionable insights on tyre performance and potential vehicle issues so operators can seek proactive maintenance”. The tests are designed to help Goodyear evaluate the performance of TPMS Plus powered by Goodyear SightLine on HFC buses in daily public transit service, while also helping SARTA lower their operational costs, reduce fleet downtime and increase environmental benefits.

Additionally, Goodyear is testing a prototype tyre on SARTA’s diesel and HFC buses to measure tread wear, rolling resistance and tyre life. The data from these tests will help inform Goodyear’s future tyre designs for electric vehicles.

“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 tyres of tomorrow,” said Johnny McIntosh, Goodyear’s director, Integrated Solutions and Tire Management. “This work with SARTA will give us valuable data on ways tyres can impact the safety, sustainability and efficiency of public transportation.”

“Like our friends and neighbours 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.”

Both tests are taking place on 10 SARTA vehicles in daily revenue service, including five diesel and five HFC buses. According to Goodyear, Preliminary tests already show the potential for TPMS Plus powered by Goodyear SightLine to help reduce roadside bus breakdowns and improve fuel efficiency.