Realtime
What is realtime and how will it help me ?
Realtime is a system to provide up-to-the-minute
information about your local Preston Bus & Fishwick services and when it will
arrive at your stop. The realtime next bus information system
keeps passengers better informed and gives buses priority if
they are delayed at selected junctions. Over 100 stops throughout
Preston & South Ribble have been fitted with displays which will tell passengers
when the next services are due and gives predicted arrival
times if the bus is expected to be late.
In addition to the on-street displays, information will also be
available in the future from many other stops, by telephone and
on the Internet, and by mobile phone text message.
How does it work ?
The system works by tracking the location of all Preston
Bus and Fishwicks services using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. This
information is then sent from the bus to the signs that tell you when
your bus is due.. If the bus is running
late it will communicate directly with traffic signals en-route, where
possible allowing the bus priority by extending the time the signal is
green, or reducing the amount of time the bus has to wait for the next
green phase.
Operators at Preston Bus and Fishwicks in the Traffic Control Centre will be able
to see the location of the buses and be better able to respond to incidents
affecting bus services and traffic generally. Data from the system will
also be used to help refine bus timetables and improve bus service reliability.
Lancashire County Council, Preston Bus and Fishwicks have worked closely together to develop the project. The realtime system is another example of the joint working arrangements which involve major expenditure to deliver improvements to the quality of the services that we provide
