London Buses

1
(No Transcript)
2
London Buses iBus Oliver Birtill
3
i-Bus?

• 117m state-of-the-art Automatic Vehicle Location
  (AVL) and radio system
• One of the world's largest integrated AVL
  projects
• Replacing 5000 battery operated microwave
  beacons on lampposts throughout Greater London.
• Now on over 75 of Londons 8200 buses. On course
  to be complete by June 2009 (Hounslow by 31 March
  2009)

4
iBus how it works

• Combination of technologies, including satellite
  tracking and General Packet Radio System (GPRS)
  data transfer.
• The location of the bus is sent by GPRS about
  every 30 seconds to a central computer system.
• Enhanced location system a powerful computer
  using advanced techniques to correct possible
  problems with satellite-based GPS
• Information sent to service controllers,
  Countdown, traffic lights

5
Good news for passengers

• Visual and audio information on board buses
  (route, destination, next stop, places of
  interest)
• More reliable information to existing Countdown
  displays and scope for improved provision of
  realtime information in the future
• Service announcements
• More reliable buses (easier service control plus
  bus priority capability)

6
Good news for operators and drivers

• Easier to manage service
• Improved analysis of journey times
• Easier to respond to incidents
• Automatic low bridge and other location-based
  warnings
• Improved radio coverage
• Allows drivers to concentrate on driving rather
  than making announcements

7
Countdown IIs on its way

• Existing Countdown technology dates back to the
  early 90s
• TfL is at tendering stage for a new a new
  Countdown system - Countdown II. 
• Will include options for various delivery methods
  including on-street displays, the internet and
  mobile phones.
• Hope to award a contract in May 2009. More
  information will be available then.

8
oliver.birtill_at_tfl.gov.uk www.tfl.gov.uk