|
|
|
|
|
          
|
Real-time passenger information
Evidence on performance RTPI, often introduced as part of modernisation packages for public transport have been shown to improve perceptions and increase usage of services (Litman, 2008). Hence it is difficult to attribute the sole effect of implementation of RTPI. Evidence on whether RTPI alone can increase patronage is inconclusive and conflicting; whilst Forsyth and Silcock (1985) suggested that patronage could be increased by 10% (London underground) and Suen and Geehan (1986) reported from Ottawa, Canada found patronage change ranging from 2.8% in the peak to 8.2% in the off-peak, Wardman and Sheldon (1985; for London Buses) and James (1985; for Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle, UK) found the results to be less positive. Evidence from Brussels, Belgium (Multisystems Inc, 2003) suggested that with the introduction of RTPI known as Phoebus, ridership rose by 6%, and the system operating across San Francisco, California (USA) reported a 5% increase in patronage of rail services since the system was deployed (San Francisco Muncipal Railway, 2001), yet evidence from simulation models (e.g. Hickman and Wilson, 1995) found that quantitative benefits were questionable. Star Trak (Leicester, UK)
The information reported here is obtained from the following sources: Context The policy of Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council (the local authorities of Leicester in UK) is to encourage the use of sustainable means of transport. This policy is implemented partly through a strategy of improving bus services. In doing so, they formed a quality bus partnership with the bus operators and established the Star Trak system for Leicestershire. The system was launched in November 2000 and covered 22 routes with around 250 buses though new services are continuously added to the list. In addition, a check on the website has revealed that other neighbouring authorities within the region (Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council) are also participating in this scheme. It must be borne in mind that the system is one of a package of measures, listed below, to provide quality bus services and is designed to encourage commuters to use the bus as an alternative to driving. In summary the system comprises the following components:
Star Trak tracks the position of buses using GPS systems; this information is used to predict their time of departure at their respective bus stops and is displayed at selected stops on LED signs. On board the buses, the name of the next stop is displayed on a text screen. In addition, if a bus is running behind schedule, a traffic signal priority system is activated in favour of the bus. The various interlinked components of this system is shown in Figure 4.
Impacts on demand With the caveat that RTPI was not the only measure implemented (since new vehicles and infrastructure were acquired when Star Trak was launched), DfT (2003) reported that improved routes have seen an average 28% increase in passengers. No information is available on the previous modes used by these commuters though and hence it is unclear whether these 28% came from car users or existing public transport users or were newly generated trips. In addition, passenger attitude surveys have shown that 90% of users consider the electronic displays either useful or very useful. Impacts on Supply All the routes that have been improved with measures including Star Trak, have seen a significant increase in patronage. It was reported (DfT,2003) that as a result of the package of measures which included RTPI, an increase in ridership levels have led to the bus operator increasing the frequency of the service from every 20 minutes to every 10 minutes.
Countdown (London,UK) The information reported here is obtained from Linton (1997), Johnson (1999) and Schweiger (2003) as well as the homepage for Transport for London (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/technologyandequipment/2369.aspx) Context London Buses, part of Transport for London, is responsible for London’s network of over 600 routes (one of the largest urban networks in the world). Unlike other parts of the UK, services in London are planned by London Buses and then operated (via a tendering process) by bidding operators. The RTPI information implemented by London Buses is known as Countdown. Countdown features real-time information for all routes serving a particular bus stop. In addition to showing the order in which buses will reach a stop, it shows their destinations and the number of minutes until their expected arrival. The signs also display special messages about traffic delays or planned roadworks. The current system relies on tag and radio technology where sensors fitted on buses allow a central system to receive regular updates from each bus about its current location. Bus operators can then monitor exactly where a bus is and use the information to control services more effectively. This has been in development since trials begun in 1992 (they were completed in 1996). The system is being continuously deployed and modified as RTPI displays are introduced at more and more bus stops across the capital. At the time of writing (June 2009), the current system that supports Countdown (tag and radio technology) is being replaced with a new system based on Global Positioning Systems employing satellite technology. Impacts on demand With regards to usage, about 70% of passengers referred to the display when they arrived at the stop, and about 90% looked at the sign while they waited (DfT, nd). Countdown was found to generate 1.5% new revenue (DfT, nd). In addition DfT (2003a) reported that the RTPI system in London resulted in routes showing an increase of 1% in passenger numbers. This seems very low compared to the numbers achieved elsewhere but one must consider that the public transport patronage in London is already very high. Impacts on Supply There is no information regarding any change in supply as a result of RTPI. Contribution to Objectives
TriMet TransitTracker (Portland, Oregon USA) The information reported here is obtained from BAH (2006). Context Transit Tracker is a real-time traveller information system deployed by Portland TriMet beginning in 2001. The Transit Tracker system provides TriMet riders with a real-time estimate of the expected time until the next transit vehicle arrives at a specific stop (bus) or station (rail). Transit Tracker covers all rail stops and each of TriMet’s 7,700 bus stops. Riders can access Transit Tracker in one of three ways:
Transit Tracker uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to track the location of vehicles in revenue service. Every TriMet vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that allows continuous satellite tracking with an accuracy of approximately 10 metres. This real-time location information is used to calculate real-time bus and train arrival information. The information is then routed to electronic displays (Figure 5) in equipped bus shelters and rail stations as well as to the Transit Tracker Online Website and related customer service phone line. Information is provided in the form of arrival countdowns (i.e., minutes to the next arrival). There was no information on whether RTPI generated additional ridership for TriMet. It was stated in BAH (2006) that “existing studies of Transit Tracker use do not provide a reasonable basis for assessing any potential increase in ridership resulting from implementation of the Transit Tracker system”. However at the same time, surveys have found that that 78% of passengers use RTPI always or frequently. Impacts on Supply This was not reported. Contribution to Objectives
Gaps and WeaknessesThe biggest gap in evidence is in isolating the impact of RTPI from the entire package of measures implemented to improve bus services. In the case of London, roll out of the scheme occurred over a period of ten years and is still continuing. It is difficult to separate the impacts of Countdown from secular growth in passenger numbers. However for the Transit Tracker, RTPI alone did not achieve any increase in demand in transport, though it could be argued that it was fitted only on 13 of the services available. There is also a lack of information on whether new users have switched from car use or other modes.
|
