10 REAL-TIME PASSENGER INFORMATIONSUPPLEMENT
ADVERTORIAL
State-of-the-art RTPI
With the myriad of information and communication channels we have today, the past experiences of gathering information have changed drastically, and so has the demand for up-to-date information. People expect to get information whenever and wherever they need it. This applies to real-time passenger information as well.
more than a power supply and an internet connection. A perfect solution for facilities like cinemas or shopping malls for example. Also, classical RTPI web pages can be
enhanced by the integration of Google maps making it much easier for passengers to find stops, connection options or real- time departures.
Web-based services meet the lifestyle of today’s passengers and provide real-time passenger information wherever it is needed
Reliable information is key The full integration of INIT’s proven real-time passenger information (RTPI) system, MOBILE- STOPinfo, with the Intermodal Transport Control System (MOBILE-ITCS) has turned out to be a tremendous competitive edge for INIT customers. The resulting real-time information is not only based on the most precise location information, but also takes into account all effects of disruptions and initiated dispatching measures to accurately predict the arrival and departure times at all stops. This data quality is crucial for any successful RTPI system, as no system can be better than its data.
New media due to web channels To supply all contemporary media with reliable real-time passenger information, INIT’s RTPI system features a web channel based service: ONLINEinfo. ONLINEinfo adapts the real-time data
provided by the central system to each device based on its screen size, colour capabilities and further requirements. Thereby the smallest and simplest mobile phones receive the same information in an adequate layout as the laptop, PC or any of the new tablet-PCs like the iPad. This ensures that the information can
Eurotransport Volume 9, Issue 3, 2011
always be read perfectly and is available where and when it is needed.
Intelligent smart-phone solutions There are numerous possibilities to use smart- phones as a readily available RPTI medium. One of the most sophisticated options is the MOBILEinfo Application for iPhone and Android phones. This augmented reality application provides passengers with information on the upcoming departures at the stops closest to their location as well as guidance to the selected stop. A smart way to spread real-time passenger
information in rural areas ismobile taggingthat uses QR codes. Every stop will get a specific barcode badge. All that the passenger needs to do to receive the requested departure times is to photograph the barcode published at the stop with his internet-enabled mobile phone. The barcode takes him to a specific website with up-to-date information on the spot.
More web-based options But, also for more traditional ways of passenger information, INIT is thinking outside the box. ONLINEinfo also provides web feeds for simple displays. Hence, they can be used as dynamic passenger information displays without requiring
RTPI on-board In the past, real-time information aboard buses and trains has been widely neglected. Yet, INIT has launched the new feature, TRANSFERinfo, which brings up-to-the-minute information on intermodal connections to passengers already onboard. Will I be able to reach my connection? Is
there a platform change? With TRANSFERinfo, these questions are answered and the passengers get the real-time information via multimedia TFTs. To offer a RTPI service that meets the
demanding lifestyle of passengers today, transport providers have to be in tune with the methods passengers use to get their information. As a worldwide leading supplier of ITS and
fare collection systems, INIT is providing transport companies the tools needed to serve all contemporary means of communication in today’s fast-paced environment.
Andreas Roller is Team Manager for Real-Time and Passenger Information Systems. After a career in the automation market, he joined INIT in 1996. Currently he is responsible for all real-time passenger
information software products of INIT and in this role ultimately contributes to make public transport more customer-oriented by delivering reliable information to LED-signs, web-sites or smart-phones.
INIT GmbH
Kaeppelestrasse 4-6 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Tel: +49 721 6100 118 Web:
www.initag.com
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