The number one benefit of information technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive. It lets people learn things they didn’t think they could learn before, and so in a sense it is all about potential.Steve Ballmer, businessman, 1956–
Fig. 19.3Bus tracking interface in Chicago.Chicago Transit Authority.
The passenger information system (PIS) relays real-time, pre- and in-trip information on bus arrivals, destinations, and service changes or disruptions in stations. The PIS can also disseminate this information through the web, SMS, and other platforms. Displays on the outside of buses indicate the destination of the vehicle. In buses, voice and visual announcements inform passengers of upcoming stations and transfer opportunities. The information that feeds the PIS is generated through data provided by the AVM system, and is transmitted to stations via hard wiring and/or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Onboard information is programmed in advance of the journey and uploaded to the onboard device.
Table 19.3Onboard PIS Components
Display Area
Display Type
IT Component
Output
Front side of bus
Visual
LED board
Route name and number
Rear side of bus
Visual
LED board
Route name and number
Sides of the bus
Visual
LED board
Route name and number
Inside the bus
Audiovisual
LED board, Speakers, LCD screens
Next station, advertisements, general messages
Table 19.44 Off-Board PIS Components
Display Area
Display Type
IT Component
Output
Stations
Visual
LED board
ETA, route name, route number, platform number, general messages
Terminals
Audiovisual
LED board; speakers;
ETA, route name, route number, platform number, general messages
Depots
Audiovisual
LED board; speakers;
Route name, route number, general messages, staff instructions
