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

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th November 2005 What is Real Time Information? Real Time Information systems usually provide: Detailed fleet information for bus operators

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th November 2005 What is Real Time Information? Information at bus stops

Bus Real-Time Information24 th November 2005 What is Real Time Information? SMS text messaging facilities; Web based information via a graphical interface.

Bus Real-Time Information24 th November 2005 What is Real Time Information? SMS text messaging facilities; Web based information via a graphical interface.

Bus Real-Time Information24 th November 2005 What is Real Time Information? SMS text messaging facilities; Web based information via a graphical interface.

Bus Real-Time Information24 th November 2005 How does Real Time Information work?

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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: (

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 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;

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th November 2005 Why invest in Real Time Information? – examples 3. STOPWATCH - Hampshire 5% increase in bus patronage

Bus Real-Time Information24 th 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 Information24 th 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 Information24 th November 2005 Thanks for listening Any Questions ?