Six UK local authorities combine for real-time information

Originally posted on SmartCitiesWorld

A consortium of six local authorities in the UK has selected transit ticketing and payment solutions provider, Vix Technology, for the supply and maintenance of a new real time passenger information (RTPI) system. 

Supporting around 70 million passenger journeys a year, following an eight-year tenure as RTPI supplier for the region, the new systems will link to existing and newly deployed displays, providing bus passenger information, traffic light priority as well as a range of third party links and digital outputs including mobile and web.

The single framework agreement includes the introduction of new solar powered, low-energy e-ink displays, alongside the support of the existing LED and TFT display network. 

Led by Cambridgeshire County Council, the single tender was issued by Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, covering a combined total of 850 on-street and summary displays across the region.

The framework also covers the Cambridge Guided Busway, the Luton Dunstable Guided Busway and the key interchanges and bus stations across the consortium area. 

“Having a single contractor for the consortium has reduced costs and improved efficiency, while delivering consistent and reliable passenger information across our region,” said Richard Lumley, head of highways, Cambridgeshire County Council. “All of the six local authorities in the framework are looking forward to continuing our work with Vix.”

The scope of the contract includes all central system hosting, hardware maintenance, periodic inspections, technology supply and installation activities. In addition to the maintenance activities, Vix Technology will also be required to supply and install passenger information points for all council led projects.

“To drive adoption of public transport, you need to provide passengers with information that lets them use those transit services effectively, avoiding unnecessary waiting at the bus stop and completing their trips faster,” added Jonathan Power, general manager Europe, Vix Technology.

“We’ve improved the journeys of passengers across the region for many years, from cross boundary travellers to commuters, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to work with our partners for the benefit of passengers in the area.”

The contract will run for five years with a three-year extension against key performance targets.

Originally posted on SmartCitiesWorld