Towards Car Free CitiesTowards Car Free CitiesThe Technology ComponentThe Technology Component

Michael Smith

Director of Engineering

NextBus

Technology & Technology & Information !!!Information !!!

Today…Today…

Tomorrow…Tomorrow…

Reasons for Improving TransitReasons for Improving Transit

Dependency on oilGlobal climate change (50% of CO2 is

from transportation)Pollution (60-70% in cities is from cars)Vibrancy of our citiesEconomic cost of congestion

Transit Could be Viable SolutionTransit Could be Viable Solution

People of moving to the cities, worldwide

50% of car trips in US are less than 2 miles

Except…

At the time we need At the time we need transit the most…transit the most…

“A man who, beyond the age of 26, finds himself on a bus can count himself as a failure”

Margaret Thatcher said:

There is a huge chasm:There is a huge chasm:

Lack of moneyLack of respect (transit is

transportation of last resort)Lack of technology Lack of passenger information

How to Increase How to Increase Transit Usage?Transit Usage?

$10/gallon gasoline or

Improve transit

•Investment

•Management

•Technology

Ouch!Ouch!

New Technologies…New Technologies…

GM’s Plan for FutureGM’s Plan for Future

Problems With TransitProblems With Transit

It takes too much time!Passengers don’t have

confidence in systemUnaware of choicesUnforgiving with respect to

mistakes

Old habits die hardOld habits die hard

Information as Information as Part of the Solution!Part of the Solution!

History of NextBusHistory of NextBus

Over 10 years oldStarted by the father of “Fast Pass”Emphasis on improving transitIn over 45 cities

Current CustomersCurrent Customers

Real-Time Passenger InformationReal-Time Passenger Information1. We tell users, for every stop, when

the next vehicle is going to arrive “NextBus in 5 minutes”

2. Can also display text messages“Detour next week due

to construction”3. AVL & Management tools

Signs, website, cell phones, etc

Why Real-TimeWhy Real-TimeInformation is ValuableInformation is Valuable

Make transit a better alternative:– Reduces travel time– Reduces perceived wait times– Reduces exposure to elements– Reduces uncertainty– Empowers the passengers

Increases ridership

Don’t want to wait in rainDon’t want to wait in rain

Wait where there’s coffee!Wait where there’s coffee!

Cell Phones & PDAsCell Phones & PDAs

Does It Make a Difference?Does It Make a Difference?

We get fan mail from users“Best thing to happen to SF Muni”Difference between taking or not

taking the bus

ConclusionConclusion

Yes, we have a problemNeed to improve transitFunding will be shortTransit information technology is

part of the solution