real time bus information

Real Time Bus Information

Walt Lenz, Safety & Security ManagerCyndi Raskin-Schmitt, Manager of Communications

Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthoritySt. Petersburg, Florida

Agenda• Walt Lenz

– Project Parameters– Planning from the Start– Things We Learned– How it Works

• Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt– Marketing– Statistics

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Project Parameters• PSTA had a Motorola Automatic Vehicle Location system

that needed to be replaced• Replacement State-of-the-Art System

– New hardware, new customized software– Computer Assisted Dispatching (CAD)– Open data– On board bus interfaces (farebox,

destination signs)– Passenger information including on board

announcements, interactive voice response (IVR), digital signs, texting, website

Planning from the Start

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• Partner with a vendor who had experience with these new technologies

• Include staff from all departments on the project management team – including Bus Operators

• Have a full time project manager on staff who has a working knowledge of transit operations and acustomer service focus

Things We Learned

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• Run a pilot program• Nothing is one size fits all: customize to make it fit your

system• Discourage vendor project team personnel changes• Complex technologies lead

to complex problems, beprepared to work it out

Things We Learned

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• Give the project scheduling leeway – it may take longer than you think. So, expect delays before moving forward.

• Deciding on an officiallaunch date

How it Works – RidePSTA.net

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Marketing Real Time

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• Strategic launch date– Involve passengers in a pilot– Official launch when all components are working

• Components– Real Time Bus Information Sign– Blog– Brochure– Bus Ads– Web Banners– Intro Web Page

Real Time Bus Info Sign

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RidePSTA Blog

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Real Time Brochure

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Bus Advertising

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Bus Advertising

Website – Introduction to Real Time

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Website – Developers Resources

Use Statistics

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Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 -

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

Real Time Bus Information - Passenger Use

Texts IVR Calls Sign QR RidePSTA Website