Real-Time System pilot

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
25/03/2011

Real-time in no time

The future of public transport customer information will be piloted by TransLink operator Clarks Logan City Bus later this year.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced that the 12-month trial of the Customer First product will deliver real-time information on bus locations, arrival and departure information direct to customers.

"Customers have told us they want more detailed and accurate information about their bus travel," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"This $11.4 million pilot will let TransLink know exactly where a bus is and how far away it is away from a stop or busway station.

"The information can then be sent direct to customers via their mobile phones, website applications and also displayed on monitors at stations, terminals, stops and inside buses or ferries.

"The preferred tenderer - German transport company Init, which has installed similar sized systems in Vancouver, Dublin and Dubai - will pilot Customer First on all 124 Clarks Logan City buses which run across 27 urban routes and school routes.

"The system will also operate on route 555 - Logan City to CBD - which is one of our busiest routes carrying more than 120,000 trips a month and includes our two state-of-the-art three-door Superbuses."

Clarks Logan City Bus CEO Graham Davis said he was excited to be chosen to trial Customer First.

"We're happy to trial this system which will benefit our customers and our business," Mr Davis said.

The bus equipment will be designed and built in coming months and progressively installed on buses from November with customer's being able to access data during the first half of 2012.

This data will allow the exact position of the bus to be reported, to a central real-time system that can display that information to customers any number of ways.

Ms Palaszczuk said Customer First would not only make travel easier by providing more reliable travel information for customers, but also allow TransLink to continue to build a better network.

"This system will highlight points on the network which impact on reliability, help improve fleet management and allow us to better use our infrastructure."

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[ozbob]

Twitter

AnnastaciaMP
 
Opened TransLink conference on innovation and technology this morning.
about 3 hours ago via web

================

[colinw]

Starting with showing them the definition of Innovative in a dictionary.

Here's an innovative concept - a train that comes every 15 minutes!  

[#Metro]

"Your bus is 1 hour away"
"Your bus service ends at 6pm"

This is going to be like that screen at Brisbane Airport that says

"Train in 29 minutes"

Fix the frequency first!

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

"No information, the Great Circle Line, your bus doesn't run on Sundays!"

[#Metro]

"BUS FULL"
"NOT IN SERVICE"
7ASNF#UR*&#YEUIR*&#HE*&#UIGHE*&#273%^# <---  popular; often seen at QR stations"GO BUY A CAR"

[Fares_Fair]

 
very witty all.

I have to admit that I think this is a good idea to give public transport users
real-time information on the bus network's arrival / departure times.

Trialling on one of their busiest routes deserves credit also.
At least they will know if the bus isn't going to show ...

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Fares_Fair]

"BUS FULL"
"NOT IN SERVICE"
7ASNF#UR*&#YEUIR*&#HE*&#UIGHE*&#273%^# <---  popular; often seen at QR stations"GO BUY A CAR"

That could well reflect how people feel when they see it TT !
I see that almost every day at Bowen Hills Station's PID.

Regards,
Fares_Fair

[colinw]

Common scenario at the airport.

Prospective Airtrain passenger reads:

"Train in 29 minutes"

Prospective Airtrain passenger then turns to companion and says:

"Sod it, let's get a taxi".

Back on topic.  Real time information that works properly would be a boon at busway stations.  I have more than once sat at the P.A. Hospital and Boggo Road busway stations watching the screens counting down to services which did not show.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 25th March 2011 page 2

Travel times get real

[ozbob]

Great to see a good article on this in the mX.  It is a lot of money at a time when some people are losing services.

As Ben Hoskin points out there are systems already to roll that are a lot less cost ...

[#Metro]

Brisbane is just ridiculous. Heaping praise on superbuses,
HELLO your bus and train frequency in the suburbs is terrible!!!

Perhaps we should build a gigantic high-cost, high visibility large monument to public transport constructed out of
rail and bus bodies welded together and hail that as an improvement to public transport.

How much is this roll out of technologies and screens going to cost? The price tag is missing- why?
NONE of this is going to fix the fundamental issues- 15 minute core frequency on a core frequent network.

[Jonno]

Making the data feed available is the key. Then the apps just pick it up. Surely the Cubic system could provide this feed as their system has GPS positioning... But then again it is Cubic and even the simplest thing send too hard.  The trains also have location feeds as well.

[SteelPan]

"No information, the Great Circle Line, your bus doesn't run on Sundays!"

  Sorry Fr couldn't get to church - no buses!

[SteelPan]

A good move overall. 

A few points.  So far as seriously late buses go, Translate have already had the ability to update passages on where their long over due bus is - it's called the radio in all Translate network buses.  The mutiple times I've called wondering where a bus is - like 25mins PLUS after it was due - at night - I've been told they can't (won't) give me that info!!!  Great, but should I keep standing here or make an alternate arrangement, "aaahhh sorry sir, all I can give you is timetable information" - timetable information, what good is that to the Translate network buses - timetables   Yeah right!

Given the system is used in numerous cities worldwide already , does it really need a 12 month trial?  What happens AFTER the trial - knowing Translate it'll be a 5yr review process!

Finally, in 2011, isn't it about time most bus routes had real time e-bus stop signage - well 3/4 of them anyway - I guess mobile received data is an alternate in the short to medium term.  Can we pls get most Buzz's and the GCL bus running 24/7 and more services on the GCL - at least.

Ahhh Qld, Beautiful one day, 1974 the next!   :conf    :conf    :conf

[SurfRail]

Real-Time System pilot

What is the Real-Time System pilot?
The Real-Time System pilot is a trial of real-time information technology on TransLink services operated by Clarks Logan City Bus Service. The pilot will start from mid-2012 for approximately 12 months, and at an estimated cost of $11.4 million.

By keeping the scope of the project to Clarks Logan City buses we are able to test and refine the technology, address any teething problems and improve the system based on customer feedback. A wider roll-out of the technology is subject to the success of the pilot, customer acceptance and funding availability.

What are the benefits?
•Customers will have access to reliable and precise information on the status of their service via the TransLink website, mobile site and Call Centre.
•Customers waiting at some of the major stops in the Logan area will be able to see how far away their bus is via the electronic timetable information boards.
•Passengers travelling on-board will see where they are on the route and which stops are coming up next via the electronic information boards.
•On-board audio announcements will make travel easier for customers with a visual impairment.
Why is it needed?
Our research has identified that some customers (especially unfamiliar bus users) can feel quite anxious about using public transport. They might wonder whether they're at the right stop, how long they need to wait or when to get off the bus.

Real-time passenger information means customers will have access to accurate service information before they leave home, at the bus stop and on-board - making travel even easier.

Don't we already have real-time information?
The electronic timetable information currently provided on our busway network and at the busier Brisbane Transport stops is a mix of scheduled and real-time information. This older technology relies on working road infrastructure and transponders on-board Brisbane Transport buses, rather than GPS and means some services 'drop off' the electronic passenger information boards without arriving and with no explanation. This is very frustrating for customers and not an ideal real-time solution for customers.

How will it affect me?
If you use TransLink services operated by Clarks Logan City Bus Service you will have access to real-time information from mid-2012 as part of your normal on-board journey or via translink.com.au, compatible mobile devices and at some bus stops.

We'll continue to keep you updated as the launch draws closer via website updates, advertising in local papers and on-board information.

http://translink.com.au/about-translink/what-we-do/infrastructure-projects/real-time-system-pilot

[O_128]

Wasn't this to start late 2011  . But Finally also where is the iPhone app. Be great to put in your location and a list of buses comes up.

[haakon]

I wonder if the Union representing BT Bus Drivers will arc up about being tracked? When this moves past trial and Translink wants to put it on all buses.

[Golliwog]

This is doing more than I expected. I thought it would only be tracking via website or the display boards at the stops that have them. The on bus stuff would be useful.

[O_128]

This is doing more than I expected. I thought it would only be tracking via website or the display boards at the stops that have them. The on bus stuff would be useful.

Very useful, I hate how it is expected you know where the bus is going and where the stops are. Not all of us are just monday to friday commuters on the same bus day in and out

[SurfRail]

This will be pretty much the best of its type in Australia for the big metropolitan systems.  The networks with Google Transit do not have the same on-board or en-route functionality (fixed signs at stops, onboard displays and announcements) except in very limited applications (eg Perth CATs).

It will enable you to work out just what portion of 30 minutes you need to wait for your train...

[Gazza]

This is doing more than I expected. I thought it would only be tracking via website or the display boards at the stops that have them. The on bus stuff would be useful.

Very useful, I hate how it is expected you know where the bus is going and where the stops are. Not all of us are just monday to friday commuters on the same bus day in and out

Doesn't help either when you are on a bus at night with an ad wrap, and you cant even see the stops.

[Golliwog]

This is doing more than I expected. I thought it would only be tracking via website or the display boards at the stops that have them. The on bus stuff would be useful.

Very useful, I hate how it is expected you know where the bus is going and where the stops are. Not all of us are just monday to friday commuters on the same bus day in and out

Doesn't help either when you are on a bus at night with an ad wrap, and you cant even see the stops.

Not to mention that BCC buses with those messages opposite the rear door that are solid and don't even have the little hole punchy pattern to see through.

[HappyTrainGuy]

That's why they are trying wifi so you can use google maps to see your location

[ClintonL94]

Here are some photos of what is starting to appear on a lot of Logan City Buses:

What could seem to be the PID and audio announcement





The GPS installed next to the driver

[ozbob]

Thanks Clinton, very interesting!

[verbatim9]

Real-time information pilot on Queensland buses delayed until 2012

Eight months after announcing plans for a 12-month trial of a real-time passenger information system on Queensland buses, the state's transit authority, TransLink, is completing final preparations to begin the trial in early 2012.

The trial, part of the state government's $11.4 million Customer First project, was first outlined in May 2010 and will investigate which types of information delivery are most useful to TransLink customers to inform a wider scale roll out of the technology.

Despite originally being slated for commencement in November 2011, a spokesperson for TransLink told Computerworld Australia the system design had been finalised and the wiring and hardware brackets were currently being added to the 124 Clarks City Logan buses on which the trial will be conducted. However, the installation of the real-time hardware and trial wouldn't occur until early next year with data to become available to passengers from mid-2012.

"The system is designed to deliver real-time information on bus locations and arrival and departure information direct to customers," the spokesperson said. "It will also provide useful information to our bus delivery partners to help them in the day-to-day management of their fleets."

According to the spokesperson, if the trial is successful TransLink also intends to roll the system out across all South-east Queensland buses and ferries.

"The system is being designed to be compatible with other real-time systems to allow future integration with rail and light rail real-time systems.

"Real-time information will primarily be displayed at the point of travel via monitors on buses and at bus stops and stations, but also via TransLink's standard and mobile websites.

"Audio next stop announcements will form part of the on-bus information and TransLink is investigating the installation of on-demand audio announcements for the kerb-side displays."

German transport company, INIT, won the tender to create the system and has previously installed similar systems in Vancouver, Dublin and Dubai.

Follow Chloe Herrick on Twitter: @chloe_CW

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

[ClintonL94]

Real Time System Pilot is on its way! The PIDs are starting to reveal themselves across the LCBS fleet.



Photography of Clinton L 29th Feb 12

[#Metro]

The buses in Canberra have this but just advertise useless stuff like ads.

They need to show WHAT THE NEXT STOP IS ON THE ROUTE. The buses and streetcars in Toronto all show this, also Vancouver.

[SurfRail]

^ That is what they will do.

I've no idea why the Canberra ones are so useless.  They are supposed to be linked to the destination displays as they come from the same manufacturer - and its not like there are that many bus stops in Canberra to input.

[SteelPan]

The early/mid "2000's" finally comes to SE Qld!      maybe - one day!
$11m+ for a 12mth trial - 

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
01/05/2012

Real time trial for Brisbane's CityGlider buses

The Queensland Government's rollout of its real-time information system trial is coming soon to one of Brisbane's most popular bus routes.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the real-time passenger information system would give customers an accurate arrival and departure time on the popular CityGlider route.

"I'm pleased that TransLink has been able to expand its trial to include the 20 buses that service the CityGlider route, between Teneriffe and Newstead," Mr Emerson said

"This addition to a Logan City trial, to commence soon will come at no extra cost and will ensure real-time information can be trialled within the CBD.

"Customers will be able to see exactly when the next bus is coming using a web-based mobile phone or tablet.

"There will also be on-board information to identify the next stop as well as other handy passenger information.

"This trial will require each bus to be fitted with a GPS tracking dev ice and other equipment that allows the bus to compare its current location to its planned location.

"The bus then releases this information to the central real-time system which calculates and sends the expected time of arrival the on-bus displays, mobile devices and TransLink website."

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomed the decision, adding that Brisbane City Council had been pushing for the technology to be installed on the city's buses for some time.

"I'm committed to delivering an extra 360 buses this term on top of the 500 my team delivered last term in a bid to make Brisbane's bus fleet more reliable and comfortable," Cr Quirk said.

"I believe this technology trial is a big step forward towards improving the reliability of Brisbane's public transport network. That is why my team has been lobbying for its installation and I'm pleased the new LNP State Government has listened."

German transport company INIT was chosen to install the real-time system for TransLink.

INIT has installed similar real-time systems at more than 400 sites across the world including Dubai, Vancouver in Canada, Dublin, Bavaria and soon in South East Queensland.

The real-time system will also be trialled on 125 buses in the Clark's Logan City Bus Service fleet, including the high-frequency route 555 between Logan City and the Brisbane CBD.

Display and GPS equipment will be installed on the CityGlider services from August.

[ENDS] 1 May 2012

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[somebody]

What?  A different GPS from the Go Card system's one?

[ozbob]

What?  A different GPS from the Go Card system's one?

Maybe the system needs it's own GPS system, and might be too difficult to integrate with the go card GPS system?  Only wondering.  Perhaps it is also deliberate to keep it separate in case the ticketing system changes or something. e.g.  Go card mk 2?

[O_128]

Iphone app? track my bus?, ETA? Cant wait

[colinw]

I'm seeing an increasing number of screens on LCBS buses. At this stage they just display the current time, a message saying the real time info system is coming, plus a "next stop requested" overlay when someone has requested a stop.

I'm not surprised the system would have a different GPS to Go Card. Its unlikely to be written around the same protocol from the device, and it prevents the GPS being a single point of failure for both Go Card and the PID.

[somebody]

So will this system be unaccessable to those without a smart phone?

Next thing is, it looks like the prospect of a state takeover of the buses have diminished considerably, with the Mayor being quoted in a ministerial release.

[ozbob]

No, anyone with web access.

Eg.  Vancouver --> http://m.translink.ca/  Mobile site for Translink Vancouver

Check out ' Next Bus '

This is the same system as for Brisbane according to the latest statement.

==============

As for the Mayor being quoted, heck mates are mates at the moment .. lol

[SurfRail]

It was known some time ago there would be a mini-trial at BT - the figures I originally saw were that 12 buses would be done up around the same time as the Logan roll-out.  (There are 20 CityGlider buses quarantined away from everything else, so it makes sense.)

I don't suppose anybody has observed any of the street installations popping up around Logan yet?  There are meant to be several as part of this, at busier stops.