In the battle to get people out of their automobiles and using public transit more, smartphone apps may play a pivotal role. This recent article from Wired explains how smartphone apps are changing how people use and view public transit. A study of commuters in San Francisco and Boston revealed that people are more willing to ride the bus or train when they have tools to manage their commutes effectively.
Smartphone apps benefit both passengers and transit agencies alike. Transit-specific apps provide information which allow riders to control their transit experience and give them more options in deciding when and where to ride. The article also reports that people who are choosing to take public transit are more engaged with and feel more connected to their communities.
Offering real-time schedule information and updates for riders via smartphones is a relatively inexpensive option for transit agencies. There is an entire community of third-party open source developers that create apps with transit data. According to Richard Davey, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) general manager, “Mobile technology has allowed us to provide customers with dramatically more information about their commutes at a relatively low cost…Just a few years ago, providing riders with real-time information would have required the installation of costly signs at bus stops throughout the system or building a complicated phone system. Today, new technology allows us to simply open our data allowing third parties to provide great solutions for customers.”
The people at Streetfilms have once again demonstrated the power of passenger information systems and open transit data. Their latest video features the Chicago Transit Authority’s ”Bus Tracker” system in action. “Bus Tracker” is a real-time arrival information system for all CTA buses and stops that helps residents take the guesswork out of waiting for the bus. Passengers can get estimated bus arrival information on their mobile phone, online, or in the shops of many local businesses of the Wicker Park-Bucktown district. The businesses of Wicker Park-Bucktown are using “Bus Tracker” passenger information technology to not only help keep patrons informed, but as a way to connect with customers as well. Watch the entire video here.
Here is an interesting article from New York Magazine about how waiting for public transit affects rider satisfaction. Studies have shown that waiting – whether it is for a bus or in line to buy a coffee – is psychically painful. This is due to the minutes already lost while waiting, and not knowing how much longer one will have to continue waiting. The good news is that the agony of waiting can be relieved very simply when one knows in advance how much longer their wait is going to last.
Transit agencies, too, understand this connection. The MTA in New York have installed “Public Address Customer Information Screens,” also known as “Countdown Clocks,” which display real-time train-arrival information. According to the article, researchers in Hong Kong have found that when informed of the expected wait time, consumers will tend to overestimate what this duration will be like to experience. Ultimately, passenger information technologies such as wayside signs or “Countdown Clocks” give riders a sense of control over their journey, which leads to much greater customer satisfaction. To read the full article, click here.
Here is a useful resource if you want to learn more about passenger information systems and how this technology can improve the transit experience of your riders.
If you’re involved in public transportation, chances are you’ve probably heard some of the buzz about passenger information systems and how they are transforming the public transit experience for riders. Implementing a passenger information system can seem daunting, but with the right technology it is within reach for even the smallest of agencies.
This white paper clearly explains the technology agencies need to run a passenger information system, the various ways to get real-time information to riders, and how the system can be used to not only generate revenue, but improve customer service and satisfaction as well.
Here is an interesting article from APTA’s Passenger Transport about the role of technological innovation in public transit. In particular, the article discusses how real-time vehicle location systems lead to better customer information and, in turn, better customer service. From next-bus arrival information at bus stops, to real-time information screens being installed at transit stations, customer expectations are driving technological development and technology is helping agencies to continually improve service.
If you want more information on how passenger information technology can be used to seamlessly transfer information from your agency to your riders, take a look at this webinar.
Trying to find ways to keep up with the increasing demand for real-time bus status and location information may seem challenging, but is actually pretty easy with a Passenger Information System. Here’s a free webinar that explains what a Passenger Information System does, what the benefits of having one are, and how the technology works together to seamlessly transfer information from your agency to your riders. In addition, you can also learn what you need to do to prepare your agency for a Passenger Information System, and what you need to do to open your transit data and make use of web services. With a Passenger Information System, you can keep up with even the most sophisticated transit riders. Watch the webinar now.
Do your passengers want real-time bus information and status updates, but you’re not sure where to start to keep them informed? Are you interested in technologies such as SMS text messaging from bus stops, wayside signs or smartphone apps? This short, but fun demo takes you behind the scenes of a passenger information system and explains how the technology works to get real-time bus location and status information to your riders to keep them up-to-date and happy.
In today’s transit environment, passengers are increasingly demanding instant, real-time information available anytime, and from anywhere. Implementing a Passenger Information System is a way to make this happen and increase rider satisfaction at the same time. We’re pleased to present an informative webinar on Passenger Information Systems. If you want to learn about what a Passenger Information System does, what the benefits of having one are, and the technology that makes it work to seamlessly transfer information from your agency to your passengers, don’t miss this opportunity. You will also learn what you need to do to open your transit data and make use of web services.
Title: Passenger Information Systems 101: Technology, Benefits and Practical Application
Date: Thursday, December 9, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
A bright group of people over at Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center have developed an application that will make taking the bus more convenient for staff and students alike. It also demonstrates one of the benefits of releasing transit data. Called VT Bus Tracker, this system delivers up-to-date bus location information as well as passenger counts to the rider’s mobile phone. The data is provided by Blacksburg Transit (BT), who has Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) software installed at their agency. The user simply texts their location and the BT route they are interested in riding to the VT Bus Tracker phone number, and within seconds it will reply with the bus’ estimated arrival time and the number of riders on board. The system works with smart phones including BlackBerry, Android and the iPhone, and works with regular cell phones too. Users can also access this bus information by logging on to www.bustracker.org/.
Here is a great resource to help make getting around your city a little bit easier. This site lets you type in your city or zip code, and it will list all the transit-related apps that are available to download onto your smart phone. From real-time ‘Where’s my bus’ arrival info, to trip planners and traffic monitors, no matter where you are, or what kind of transit you use, you can find an app to make your commute a little easier. Check out the website here.
A blog for those of us who live and work in fleet management. Topics include engine diagnostics, driver safety, mobile workforce management, CAD/AVL, vehicle maintenance, truck distribution, global computing, work order management, and field services.
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