Download - Bus Real-Time Information
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Bus Real-Time InformationSteven Turvey and David McGuiganConsultants, Faber MaunsellNottingham University, 24th November 2005
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
TopicsWhat is Bus Real Time Information?
How does it work?
Where is it in use?
Some experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Why invest in it?
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What do we mean by Bus Real Time Information?Real Time Information Systems can include:
Provision of travel information at bus stops, to mobile phones, and via the internet
Bus Fleet Management
Public Transport Priority through Selected Vehicle Detection
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?Real Time Information systems usually provide:Detailed fleet information for bus operators
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?Information at bus stops when the next bus is due to arrive and other service information;
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?Information at bus stops
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Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?SMS text messaging facilities;Web based information via a graphical interface.
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?SMS text messaging facilities;Web based information via a graphical interface.
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?SMS text messaging facilities;Web based information via a graphical interface.
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
How does Real Time Information work?
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
How does Real Time Information work?
Vehicles are fitted with Automatic Vehicle Location equipment, enabling their position to be tracked continuously using GPS
Bus position is transmitted to the central control station using wireless communications - Private Mobile Radio; GPRS; MESH
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
How does Real Time Information work?
A Central computer uses this information to predict how long it will take for vehicles to reach stops
Arrival times transmitted to stops using wireless communications
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
How does Real Time Information work?
In some systems, vehicles request priority at traffic signals when behind schedule
A request is sent when the vehicle crosses a GPS cordon on approach to traffic signals
This request can either be relayed via an urban traffic control system or direct to the traffic signals themselves
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Where is Real Time Information in use: Bristol
Four bus routes fitted with RTI
Installed Spring 2003
Information available at stops and online:(www.acislive.com)
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Where is Real Time Information in use: Leicester
Star Trak system launched in 2000:Covers 34 routes, expanded into Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Cost approximately 4 million
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Current state of project:
280 shelters installed along key routes and at major stops around the city
Commissioning currently in progress, 169 stops so far passed
System expanded to include important Route 11 (Outer Circle) line and Interchange locations
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Sign Installation Priorities:
Too expensive to install RTI signs at every bus stop
Signs prioritised according to:Number of passengers boarding at stopWhether the bus stop is at an important interchange
Signs can only be installed where bus stops are sufficiently large to cater for them
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Technical Issues Integration of Electronic Ticket Machines and on bus unitsUse of GPRS technologyServer-to-server linksCross-journey prediction
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Institutional Issues Multiple partners with different needs to satisfy:Centro (West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) - ClientTravel West MidlandsRTI System ProviderGPRS Mobile Network OperatorSMS Service ProviderAir Time ResellerWebsite and Internet Kiosk ProviderOurselves (Project Managers)
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Institutional Issues (continued)
Contractual negotiations (who pays for different components within the RTI system?)
Liability issues (who pays for repairs?)
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Financial Issues
Capital costs vs Revenue (operational costs)
Obtaining evidence of benefits of RTIParties unwilling to commit large sums of money unless benefits can be shown
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information?
Many bus companies perceive major benefits from being able to locate their vehicles and manage their fleet better;
The public like bus real time information, it improves peoples perceptions of public transport;
There is strong evidence that when included as part of whole route treatment RTI can increase bus patronage and reduce reliance on the car;
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information?
RTI systems provide a platform for other location based services e.g. provision of bus priority at traffic signals;
The public will pay for SMS services.
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 1.COUNTDOWN - London
Countdown was found to generate a minimum of 1.5% new revenue;
96% of passengers thought that Countdown information was clear and easy to see;
About 70% of passengers referred to the display when they arrived at the stop, and about 90% looked at the sign while they waited;
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 1.COUNTDOWN - London
65% perceived a shorter waiting time, whilst 89% felt the wait was more acceptable;
83% of passengers found that time seemed to pass more quickly and the service was also perceived as being more reliable. Passengers perceived waiting at bus stops at night to be safer.
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 2. Star Trak - Leicester
One route that was equipped with the Star Trak equipment experienced a 28% patronage increase
90% of users consider the electronic displays either useful or very useful
Usage survey concluded that 67% of respondents said they are 'more prepared to wait for a bus with the Star Trak system'
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 3. STOPWATCH - Hampshire
5% increase in bus patronage
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 4. TIMECHECKER - Liverpool
The Timechecker system has led to a 5% increase in patronage on routes where Timechecker had been installed
92% perceived RTI to be either 'very accurate' or 'accurate'
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 4. TIMECHECKER - Liverpool
85% said that it made waiting more acceptable
73% that it made them feel safer waiting for a bus at night
57% thought that real-time displays resulted in decreased waiting times
Presentation title - Presentation subtitle. Date
Bus Real-Time Information24th November 2005
Thanks for listening
Any Questions ?
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We are the glue that keeps it all togetherMention the bus fire TWM thought it was due to Centro-installed equipmentCapital costs easier to pay as lump sums received from Government to pay for system to begin with. However, money must be spent within strict time periods, so revenue costs must be financed differently.Bus companies can see where their buses are at all times, enabling them to deal with congestion and incidents. If several buses are seen to be bunching up the bus company can advise 1 or more to turn round early or wait at the stop to fill in gaps in the service.
Various performance figures can be obtained, enabling the bus company to better understand how they are doing.Bus reliability did not significantly improve, it was just perceived to be better