Creating the Superbus with ITS: real time passenger information

Concerns the BUSTIME system, operated by Strathclyde Passenger Transport, which provides real-time information at ´bus stops along an arterial route into Glasgow. Implemented in December 1996, the project set out to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a particular concept (developed to fit with the constraints of ´bus deregulation) and to assess the public response to the system. ´Buses are fitted with passive tags that are read by roadside interrogators. The location and identity of each ´bus is transmitted to a central control unit, which calculates the arrival time of that ´bus at all the downstream stops and sends the appropriate message to a display at each stop and to a display in a shopping centre on the route. The system has been assessed in terms of technical performance and passenger response. While the configuration suited the requirements of the time and performs satisfactorily under certain conditions, there are considerable technical, practical and financial drawbacks. These include the lack of location updates between interrogators, data input requirements and a high operating cost. The initial surveys showed an extremely positive public response, but further market research is required