Bus Real-Time Information
Steven Turvey and David McGuigan
Consultants, Faber Maunsell
Nottingham 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?
208 At Stop Displays
Satellite Navigation (GPS)
Internet
SMS
WAP
PDA
Central Control
Station
Transmission
20 Off Street Displays
Bus Depot
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 ?