Bus Real-Time Information Steven Turvey and David McGuigan Consultants, Faber Maunsell Nottingham...
-
Upload
logan-blake -
Category
Documents
-
view
225 -
download
1
Transcript of Bus Real-Time Information Steven Turvey and David McGuigan Consultants, Faber Maunsell Nottingham...
Bus Real-Time InformationSteven Turvey and David McGuiganConsultants, Faber MaunsellNottingham University, 24th November 2005
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Topics
What 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?
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
Real Time Information systems usually provide:
Detailed fleet information for bus operators
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
Information at bus stops when the next bus is due to arrive and other service
information;
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
Information at bus stops
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
SMS text messaging facilities;
Web based information via a graphical interface.
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
SMS text messaging facilities;
Web based information via a graphical interface.
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
What is Real Time Information?
SMS text messaging facilities;
Web based information via a graphical interface.
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
How does Real Time Information work?
Bus Depot
Central ControlStation
20 Off Street Displays
208 At Stop Displays Satellite Navigation (GPS)
Transmission
SMS
WAP
PDA
Internet
Bus Depot
Central ControlStation
20 Off Street Displays
208 At Stop Displays
Satellite Navigation (GPS)
Transmission
SMS
WAP
PDA
SMS
WAP
PDA
InternetInternet
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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)
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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 stop Whether the bus stop is at an important interchange
Signs can only be installed where bus stops are sufficiently large to cater for them
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Technical Issues Integration of Electronic Ticket Machines and on bus
units Use of GPRS technology Server-to-server links Cross-journey prediction
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Institutional Issues Multiple partners with different needs to satisfy:
Centro (West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) - Client Travel West Midlands RTI System Provider GPRS Mobile Network Operator SMS Service Provider Air Time Reseller Website and Internet Kiosk Provider Ourselves (Project Managers)
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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?)
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Experiences of implementing RTI in Birmingham
Financial Issues
Capital costs vs ‘Revenue’ (operational costs)
Obtaining evidence of benefits of RTI Parties unwilling to commit large sums of money
unless benefits can be shown
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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 people’s 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;
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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.
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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;
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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.
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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'
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Why invest in Real Time Information? – examples
3. STOPWATCH - Hampshire
5% increase in bus patronage
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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'
Bus Real-Time Information 24th 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
Bus Real-Time Information 24th November 2005
Thanks for listening
Any Questions ?