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Zephyr22b
Dec 15th, 2008, 01:15 PM
December 15th, 2008
TTC launches next vehicle arrival program at Spadina Station
Posted by Mike Bulko

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3110321087_3e4c033a3f.jpg

Need some confirmation of your information for your transportation (from) Spadina station? The TTC has unveiled today a new next vehicle arrival pilot project at Spadina and Union stations.

The project, which currently includes LED and LCD screens on streetcar platforms at both stations, is testing the system for the 510 streetcar route along Spadina Ave and will be introduced at other stations and shelters in the near future.

The LCD panels display a route map that shows vehicle locations in real time through the already existing GPS technology in the streetcars. Another panel gives the wait times for all incoming vehicles (in this case, just the 510). The system is based on a predictive algorithm, like traffic lights, that collect more and more data over time and become increasingly accurate. TTC Chair Adam Giambrone said at the unveiling that the system is already “pretty accurate”, being less than a minute off, but as it experiences delays in rush hour and at certain stops, it will process the information accordingly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3110280215_93037ba802.jpg?v=0

LED screens are also present at the two stations and will be installed at shelters and stops where they may be exposed to weather, as they are more durable than the LCD panels. The next two LED screens will be installed at College and Dundas streets along the 510 Spadina route. As the 6,000 new transit shelters were recently installed, the TTC has them pre-wired to accomodate these LED screens, so what Giambrone called “one of the major costs” of the project has already been covered. He proposed that LED screens should be installed at select shelters across the city throughout 2009 and early 2010.

Also launching next fall will be a SMS text feature where commuters can recieve the same real-time information. TTC users will be able to sign up for e-alerts that will keep riders in touch with delays for their selected routes.
http://spacing.ca/wire/2008/12/15/ttc-launches-next-vehicle-arrival-program-at-spadina-station/

Finally! I'm pretty excited about this since I use the TTC everyday.
I hope they start providing quicker updates to any delays too

jyeung
Dec 15th, 2008, 01:34 PM
Very nice but I still think that they should focus on improving the core customer experience: reliable transit, low prices, and good customer service.

This is nice, but a waste of money IMO. The money used could be better spent elsewhere.

- Jason

AmberMoon
Dec 15th, 2008, 01:48 PM
I seen one of those for the bus in Markham (VIVA? cant think of it ) where it stated when the next bus was and what time ect.. pretty cool

Psubs
Dec 15th, 2008, 01:49 PM
Awesome, now I'll know if there's a jam-up and if the next one isn't coming in like 5-7 minutes, I'm going to just walk to the Athletic Centre.

mcg
Dec 15th, 2008, 03:03 PM
Damn nice!! I'll look forward to those next semester :)

I think TTC is also rolling out Blackberry updates to your phone next year too.

MrDisco
Dec 15th, 2008, 03:05 PM
Awesome upgrade. Leverage existing technology to improve the customer experience. Can't wait to see it deployed on a larger scale.

KorruptioN
Dec 15th, 2008, 03:09 PM
Very nice but I still think that they should focus on improving the core customer experience: reliable transit, low prices, and good customer service.

This is nice, but a waste of money IMO. The money used could be better spent elsewhere.

- Jason

Isn't this a small part of improving customer service? I welcome it.

The Blackberry updates would be awesome.

ndrew029
Dec 15th, 2008, 03:30 PM
Instead of spending money telling us when the bus is going to arrive and how far away it is, they need to focus on actually getting buses to the stops or stations faster and more frequently. This seems like it's all flash and no substance.

jnfr
Dec 15th, 2008, 03:33 PM
Honestly, what took them so long?!?!

Go use any other transit system in the WORLD and you'll notice that the TTC is falling far far far behind in terms of technology AND service. :mad:

express.items
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:36 PM
They've had this on other systems for how long now? And BB updates are nice... but we lack service underground, so it wouldn't help much?

Stupid TTC... stop this crap and just improve the service instead.

Homer88
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:42 PM
I hope they won't be installing those LCD panels to the shelters... thats just asking for trouble

_Allan_
Dec 15th, 2008, 08:43 PM
I seen one of those for the bus in Markham (VIVA? cant think of it ) where it stated when the next bus was and what time ect.. pretty cool Yes, Viva in York has this, and has had it from DAY ONE when it launched in 2005.

Isn't this a small part of improving customer service? I welcome it.

The Blackberry updates would be awesome.
This is not just a SMALL part. London Transit, which is a SMALL city of 400,000 ppl has had this downtown for years when I left in 2003. They may have expanded it by now, I don't know.

GangStarr
Dec 15th, 2008, 10:02 PM
You know TTC had a next bus program back in 1998 and earlier. Back when no one had cell phones there was a number you called and it told you when the next bus was coming. Not that accurate, but it was there. Then cell phones caught on, and that was the end of that system.

I'm glad this has come to be, its pretty dam cold here, knowing when the next bus is going to come makes it easier to stand somewhere warm (or walk/cab it when significant delays occur or street cars get stuck in an accident)

Jon Lai
Dec 15th, 2008, 11:28 PM
About time! VIVA had this since 2006. Would be amazing if they had this in all routes soon, not just express routes.

murdoc2k
Dec 16th, 2008, 12:13 AM
lol.. TTC is finally getting an upgrade. About time I'd say. I hope they will spread this system over all the routes for buses and even subways if possible :) Helps me keep track of time.

_Allan_
Dec 16th, 2008, 12:18 AM
I have to admit, the website is getting more accurate with times etc ... never hurts to check it... the best bet is arrive at the stop 10min early ...

laptop-tech
Dec 16th, 2008, 01:15 AM
Looks nice. Lets just hope they dont have to increase the fare by another 50 cents to cover that cost.