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RTPI 2013 Stuart Lowrie
This document summarizes the development and usage statistics of Bustracker, a web-based real-time passenger information system for Edinburgh, Scotland. It launched in 2004 with 85 on-street signs located on major bus corridors. There are now around 400 signs at key stops. Over 500,000 requests are made daily to the MyBusTracker website and mobile apps. Analysis shows the most popular stops for web requests include universities, hospitals, and the city center, while residential areas see fewer requests. The data helps identify stops that may need signs removed or where web usage could be increased through advertising. While on-street signs remain popular, the website and apps are growing alternatives that could allow for cheaper information distribution in the future.
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RTPI 2013 Stuart Lowrie
- 1. STREAM B Stuart Lowrie SeniorProfessional Officer, The City of Edinburgh Council Bustracker – www.mybustracker.co.uk: Web Based RTPI Development and User Statistics Analysis
- 2. Will there everbe a case for removing on-street displays? Stuart Lowrie Acting Public Transport Manager The City of Edinburgh Council
- 3. 3 • Launched in2004 • Funding from Scottish Executive Public Transport Fund • Partnership between Council, Lothian Buses and Ineo • Initially 85 on-street signs located on Quality Bus Corridors • Designed for use by multiple operators • Radio based system
- 4. 4 On-street signs • Additionalfunding in following years • Currently around 400 signs on- street • Key stops, interchanges, supermarkets, hospitals, airport • 2300 bus stops total • Entire Lothian Buses fleet included
- 5. 5 On-street signs • Demandfor new signs still high • Devised scoring rationale for new sign installations • Rollout of talking signs, 20 locations • Limited budget available • Maintenance costs associated with signs is high
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- 8. 8 Web / Mobile •MyBusTracker.co.uk • Launched in 2008 • Provides information for all stops served by Lothian Buses • At stop QR codes • Good value when compared to on-street signs • WAP and mobile site • Marketing on signs and posters / leaflets • Recent server upgrade • API and statistics now available
- 9. 9 iPhone / Android •Developed by members of public • Use phones GPS to locate nearest stop • Very popular • Web hits exceeding 500,000 per day • Web hits and smartphone downloads increasing
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- 11. 11 What next? • Statisticalanalysis of website carried out by WYG • Allow understanding of distribution of requests and user behaviour ▪ Which bus stops receive the most requests for web-based information? ▪ What device is used to access the information? ▪ Should bus stops with on-street signs and high web-based requests have the signs removed? ▪ What bus stops receive the least requests for web-based information? ▪ How can web-based requests be made more popular at these bus stops?
- 12. 12 Most popular stops Edinburgh University Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Park Edinburgh University Interchangeon route to hospital City centre without sign Popular residential without sign Anomaly
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- 15. 15 Using the information •At stop advertising • Approach businesses, hotels B&B’s, schools • Identify stops that may have less need for signs and develop a strategy for removal • Web stats and sign scoring matrix can be used as justification for why one particular sign is removed and not another
- 16. 16 Conclusions • Website andsmartphone use is becoming increasingly popular – set to continue, smartphone sales outsell all others • On-street signs are still very popular – especially with elderly • Currently no political desire to reduce sign numbers • Popular tourist destination – signs are undoubtedly useful • Cheaper alternatives being explored – possible web based solution with city centre wi-fi • Actually signs are good value for money.
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- 18. 18 Thank you Stuart Lowrie ActingPublic and Accessible Transport Manager stuart.lowrie@edinburgh.gov.uk