The document discusses how technology can help improve public transit systems and increase ridership. It notes that dependency on oil, climate change, pollution, and traffic congestion provide reasons to improve transit. While transit could be a viable solution, many systems currently lack money, respect, technology, and passenger information. Providing real-time arrival information through signs, websites and phones can help make transit more reliable and reduce wait times, empowering passengers. Studies show these information systems have increased ridership in many cities by addressing issues that previously discouraged transit use.

2. Towards Car Free Cities The Technology Component Michael Smith Director of Engineering NextBus

3. Technology & Information !!!

4. Today…

6. Tomorrow…

8. Reasons for Improving Transit Dependency on oil Global climate change (50% of CO2 is from transportation) Pollution (60-70% in cities is from cars) Vibrancy of our cities Economic cost of congestion

9. Transit Could be Viable Solution People of moving to the cities, worldwide 50% of car trips in US are less than 2 miles

10. Except…

11. At the time we need transit the most…

12. “ A man who, beyond the age of 26, finds himself on a bus can count himself as a failure” Margaret Thatcher said:

13. There is a huge chasm: Lack of money Lack of respect (transit is transportation of last resort) Lack of technology Lack of passenger information

14. How to Increase Transit Usage? $10/gallon gasoline or Improve transit Investment Management Technology

15. Ouch!

16. New Technologies…

18. GM’s Plan for Future

19. Problems With Transit It takes too much time! Passengers don’t have confidence in system Unaware of choices Unforgiving with respect to mistakes

20. Old habits die hard

21. Information as Part of the Solution!

22. History of NextBus Over 10 years old Started by the father of “Fast Pass” Emphasis on improving transit In over 45 cities

23. Current Customers

24. Real-Time Passenger Information We tell users, for every stop, when the next vehicle is going to arrive “ NextBus in 5 minutes” Can also display text messages “ Detour next week due to construction” AVL & Management tools

25. Signs, website, cell phones, etc

26. Why Real-Time Information is Valuable Make transit a better alternative: Reduces travel time Reduces perceived wait times Reduces exposure to elements Reduces uncertainty Empowers the passengers Increases ridership

27. Don’t want to wait in rain

28. Wait where there’s coffee!

31. Cell Phones & PDAs

35. Does It Make a Difference? We get fan mail from users “ Best thing to happen to SF Muni” Difference between taking or not taking the bus

36. Conclusion Yes, we have a problem Need to improve transit Funding will be short Transit information technology is part of the solution