Bus Real-Time Information

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?



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



What is Real Time Information?Information at bus stops when the next bus is due to arrive and other service information;



What is Real Time Information?Information at bus stops



What is Real Time Information?SMS text messaging facilities;Web based information via a graphical interface.









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




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 stopWhether 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 unitsUse of GPRS technologyServer-to-server linksCross-journey prediction




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)




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 RTIParties 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 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;



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;



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.



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'



Why invest in Real Time Information? examples 3. STOPWATCH - Hampshire

5% increase in bus patronage



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'



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



Thanks for listening

Any Questions ?


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

Bus Real-Time Information

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