26 Apr. 2012

Affordable Real-Time

Technology for Rural Transit

Providers Using Technology to Improve Transportation

Operations

Prepared for:

2012 National Rural Transportation Conference

Overview

Advance Transit

Why a Real-Time System?

Real-Time System Architecture and Features

Development and Operating Costs

Challenges and Future Work

2

3

Advance Transit

Burlington

Advance Transit

Why a Real-Time System?

Real-Time information is valued by riders

One study found that real-time information was equivalent to 5 minutes

of saved travel time

4

5

Real-Time System Architecture and Features

Tools for Riders

Tools for Operators

GPS Cell Phones on Busses

Real-Time System

Core

6

GPS Cell Phones on Busses

7

Real-Time System Core

Runs on a server maintained by Advance Transit

Receives incoming bus location messages, and produces arrival time

estimates

Archives location and estimation data for later analysis

8

Tools For Operators

Route and Schedule Editor

Route-Bus Assignment Editor

Custom Message Dashboard

Paratransit Enabled Web Map

9

Tools for Operators

Route and Schedule Editor

10

Tools for Operators

Bus-Route Assignment Editor Route Assignment Editor

11

Tools for Operators

Custom Message Dashboard

12

Tools for Operators

Paratransit Enabled Web Map

13

Tools for Riders

Interactive Web Map

Digital Message Signs

Mobile Web Page

Call-In Voice System

14

Tools for Riders

Interactive Web Map

15

Tools for Riders

Interactive Web Map

16

Tools for Riders

Interactive Web Map

17

Tools for Riders

Digital Message Signs

18

Tools for Riders

Mobile Web Page

19

Development and Operating Costs

20

Challenges and Future Work

Google maps API v2 deprecation

Cell coverage

Uncertainty surrounding patents

On-going maintenance costs

Value to riders

Arrival time algorithm

Native smart phone app