The provision of on street passenger information via real time passenger information; a case study of Dublin

In June 2001 Dublin Bus introduced a real time passenger information (RTPI) system on the first of its eleven quality bus corridors (QBC), on the Lucan QBC. The introduction is part of a three-year pilot programme called 'Q-time', which was established to test RTPI on three QBCs before deciding on the roll out of the system across the Dublin Bus network. This system displays, passenger information with regard to the estimated wait time on passenger information displays at bus stops along the Lucan QBC. In this paper the authors examine through observations taken from the Lucan corridor the accuracy of the information displayed at the bus stops. These observations measure the day, time of day, route, stop and arrivals; early, late and on time. From this information it has been possible to measure the exactness of the data displayed at the bus stop and to what degree passengers can have confidence in its accuracy. This analysis is complemented by results of a survey carried out in conjunction with the observations on the Lucan corridor. The purpose of the survey is to ascertain what passengers want displayed on the passenger information display. Should it be solely transport related? Or should it be integrated to provide information on local amenities they may use given that they know the estimated time of arrival? The paper will conclude with recommendations on the current Dublin Bus system with regard to the reliability of the data and what other information passengers wish to see displayed.