Chatwin – PASSENGER INFORMATION – THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY 1995

Description

Centro’s contribution to the European QUARTET project implements real-time passenger information and “optimum route” services across the West Midlands to encourage public transport use and reduce congestion. QUARTET integrates advanced transport telematics into an Integrated Road Transport Environment; four cities test different aspects, with Birmingham/Centro focusing on passenger information in a deregulated network. A consortium led by ICL developed the system’s four elements: TRUST (automatic vehicle location and real-time forecasting feeding five at-stop displays on a trial corridor), QUEST (optimum-route, timetable and at-stop enquiries via public terminals, hotline and travel offices), KEYLINE (in-home terminals) and PROMISE (portable terminals). TRUST uses satellite tracking and historical data to predict arrival times; initial operational problems (drivers not activating equipment) were resolved and the trial extended. QUEST draws on Centro’s database, uses Lumiplan routing software, operates multilingual public terminals and is being fine-tuned (current solution accuracy ~85%). Systems link to Birmingham’s traffic management (SCOOT/KEYPOINT). Ongoing technical and user evaluation will determine wider deployment amid challenges from deregulation and infrastructure costs.