Bus Real-Time Information Steven Turvey and David McGuigan Consultants, Faber Maunsell Nottingham University, 24 th November 2005

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?


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


What is Real Time Information?

Real Time Information systems usually provide:

Detailed fleet information for bus operators



Information at bus stops when the next bus is due to arrive and other service

information;



Information at bus stops



SMS text messaging facilities;

Web based information via a graphical interface.










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



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



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



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


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)


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


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



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



Technical Issues Integration of Electronic Ticket Machines and on bus

units Use of GPRS technology Server-to-server links Cross-journey prediction



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)



Institutional Issues (continued)

Contractual negotiations (who pays for different components within the RTI system?)

Liability issues (who pays for repairs?)



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


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;


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.


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;



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.



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'



3. STOPWATCH - Hampshire

5% increase in bus patronage



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'



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


Thanks for listening

Any Questions ?

Documents

Bus Real-Time Information Steven Turvey and David McGuigan Consultants, Faber Maunsell Nottingham University, 24 th November 2005