C/C/27. Technologies for Web-based, Real-Time Bus Information System

'A bus company decides that it will offer its customers personalised information not only on timetables and fares, but real-time current locations for, and number of passengers on, each bus in service. What systems and telecommunications technologies might be employed here'? The increasing congestion on roads has made the role of the public transport critical for the urban transport systems around the world. Various bus operators have therefore been looking towards technology to attract more customers by improving the services offered especially with regards to providing up-to-date information on the bus they want to take. This paper discusses various technologies used to provide real-time information to the bus riders. These can be divided into four main categories with respect to their function. These include Automated Vehicle Location system, Communication system, Central Processing System and Display system. Each of these is discussed in appropriate depth. Paper concludes that rapid developments in technology will enable operators to further enhance customer experience by developing state-of-the art systems capable of providing facilities never experienced by the customers before.