The document discusses the Connected Bus project, which aims to improve bus transportation through new technologies. It outlines features like automatic vehicle location, signal priority for buses, passenger WiFi, and real-time arrival information. These integrated systems could help increase ridership by making bus travel more convenient and enjoyable. The project also presents a schedule for its pilot program and development of a business case to expand connected bus technologies across more of the fleet.

1. Connected Bus Project Update
Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute
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2. Connected Bus Solves Problems
Can bus travel be convenient, fun and popular?
Sustainable urban transportation depends on it!
Sustainable urban transportation
requires shifts from automobile to
more resource efficient modes such
as walking, cycling and public
transit.
Buses are currently stigmatized
reducing public investment and use.
With better planning and service
improvements, bus transport can be
more convenient, comfortable and
enjoyable.
Cisco Confidential 2007
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3. Repositioning Public Transit
Repositioning bus
transit as an attractive,
premium-quality service
is a cost-effective way
to increase transport
system sustainability.
Public transit service
must be modeled after
first class airline travel,
rather than economy.
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4. Connected Bus (www.theconnectedbus.org)
Automatic Vehicle Location: Increases schedule accuracy, reliability and traffic management.
Signal Priority: Transmits data to give buses priority through traffic signals.
User Information: Transit routes, schedules, arrival times, fares, destinations and wayfinding.
WiFi: Wireless Internet access for passengers at bus stop and on buses.
Automated Announcements: Digital announcements assist passengers and reduce driver
stress.
Automatic Fare Collection and Passenger Counter: Transmits fare collection and
passenger load information to central database.
Vehicle Health Monitor: Tracks engine performance data to help identify potential problems.
Safety and Security Monitoring: Transmits video to central operations location.
Operator Training and Performance: Collects data to monitor operator performance.
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5. Integrated Systems
Virtually all Connected Bus
features are being
implemented somewhere,
but virtually no transit
system is implementing all
these features in an
coordinated way.
The Connected Bus program
is a significant step toward
integrated and strategic
deployment of new bus
transit technologies.
Helps transit agencies
reduce costs, increse
benefits and enhance the
image of bus transport.
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6. Key Features
• Wireless connectivity with ruggedized computers
• On-board, touch screens and LED displays
• High-speed Internet access for passengers.
• Live NextMuni updates (route information, wait
times, and more) via touchscreen.
• Prominent display of on-bus, real-time information,
including status of connections at transfer points.
• Ability to contact friends, family, and coworkers via
wireless devices
• Real-time arrival information and passenger counts
to help fleet managers maintain adequate capacity,
and facilitate loading and bus-to-bus transfers.
• “Green Gauge” that provides information on the
environmental impact of The Connected Bus as it
travels through San Francisco.
• Online trackability allows potential riders to follow
buses on the network, inviting them to switch to
public transit with greater assurance.
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7. Travel Impacts
Improvements Travel Impacts
Increase transit speed Large shifts possible, particularly if transit becomes time competitive with
driving.
Improve user information Small to moderate shifts possible, depending on the degree of improvement
compared with existing user information.
Improve system reliability Small to moderate with moderate reliability improvements and large if
reliability improves significantly.
Improve transit vehicle comfort Large shifts possible. Transit travel is very sensitive comfort.
Improved waiting comfort Large shifts possible. Transit travel is very sensitive to waiting conditions.
WiFi services Small to moderate shifts. Particularly attractive for longer-distance trips.
Improved park & ride services Small to moderate shifts possible.
More convenient fare payment Small to moderate. Increases user convenience and boarding speeds.
Reduced overall fares Small to moderate shifts.
Frequent user fare discounts Moderate to large shifts.
Improved prestige Moderate to large shifts.
Road and parking pricing, and cash Large potential shifts, particularly on congested urban corridors.
out
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8. Benefit and Financing Analysis
Funding Special fares Transit Roadway Developers & Employers Sponsors
Source & fees agencies agencies local gov.
Justification Direct user Rider benefits and Reduced roadway Increased local Improved Advertising and
benefits increased fare traffic problems property values commuting publicity
revenues conditions
Increase service speed
Improve user information
Improve vehicle comfort
Improved waiting areas
WiFi (stations & vehicles)
Improved park & ride
More convenient payment
Targeted fare discounts
Improved aesthetics &
marketing
Road and parking pricing,
and cash out
Improved service reliability
Improved operating
efficiency
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9. Project Schedule
Feb 2008: Start of 12
months Connected Bus
pilot (CUD conference in
SF)
Oct 2008: First
Customer Feedback and
Survey results
Oct 2008 – Feb 2009:
Development of
Connected Fleet
Business Case
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