New signs in Cork tell you when bus will arrive

The pilot phase of a new real time passenger information service for Cork where electronic bus stop signs will tell passengers when their bus is due to arrive has been launched.

In Cork, 14 of 47 new signs are now being live tested on an introductory basis.  Cork City Council will place the signs at some of the busiest bus stops across the city and suburbs during 2012.

The electronic signs provide bus users with up to the minute information on when the next bus is due at that stop.  Locations for the signs are being selected on criteria which include the busiest stops, placement on bus corridors or being close to other transport connections, major shopping zones and public areas. The location and activation of signs will be progressed throughout the year.

The service has been developed by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council, who are managing the system for local authorities, in co-operation with Bus Éireann. 

This live testing phase is designed to check the accuracy of the information on the first 14 new signs in Cork.  The National Transport Authority is encouraging public feedback through a website, www.TransportforIreland.ie which will be highlighted on the electronic display signs at bus stops.   A trial version of the new web service is also available on www.TransportforIreland.ie. This shows real time information for key stops in Cork City and will be extended once the real time system is fully established.

The new real-time information service uses Automatic Vehicle Location systems on buses and a computerised system which tracks the buses and feeds information to the signs.

The signs can also carry other information about bus services or update messages for passengers at bus stops.

The launch of real time passenger information services in Cork forms part of a national rollout of electronic bus information signs which started last year with services in Dublin and will also be extended to Limerick, Waterford and Galway by year-end.

Monday, 13th February, 2012