Article: Transport alerts on schedule

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Transport alerts on schedule

Transport alerts on schedule
Article from: MX

Julia Phipps for MX

May 21, 2008 02:07pm

EMAIL, SMS and electronic sign alerts to notify commuters of bus delays will be trialled next year by TransLink.
The pilot study of a real-time system will use a combination of technologies to track bus locations and compare them with scheduled locations.

It would then notify travellers whether the buses are on time or late through SMS, emails and electronic signs at stops.

The initial trial will be on the Sunshine Coast, with a tender set for release mid-year to three companies shortlisted by TransLink.

It is expected a decision on the successful tenderer will be made towards the end of 2008 with the trial beginning in early 2009, a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, an email alert system for train passengers will be available next month.

In January, QR initiated an email-alert trial with members from commuter-advocate group Rail Back on Track.

Group spokesman Robert Dow said the trial had positive feedback from users who received details about delays on their elected train line.

QR passenger services executive general manager Andy Taylor said it had been a success and would enable passengers to register on the QR website to receive email alerts.

The development period is progressing on schedule, with a final test of the technology incorporating feedback from rail commuter groups due to commence shortly, Taylor said.

Dow said the TransLink pilot should take a look at QRs work.

TransLink should tap into the experience of QR and get it running sooner rather than later, he said.