I mentioned GTA last week and the fact that our neighbors to the east seem to be doing some pretty cool things with their transit system. I recently reached out to someone that works at Triangle Transit to get a better understanding of some of the things they have in the works. My initial question was about the trip planner that they have on gotriangle.org and triangletransit.org. A portion of the email response is below.
“We’ve had the trip planner for about four years now and are in the process of upgrading it. The trip planner is tied with all of the Triangle’s bus services, so if you wanted to go from Raleigh to Durham, it could conceivably tell you what bus to get on, where to transfer, how far to walk and assist with information on pass prices, etc.
The major transit systems in the Triangle are part of a loose-cooperative called “Go Triangle” which has a Web site (gotriangle.org) for delays, schedules, fares and other information. The transit systems all carry the same fare box and we have a regional fare structure that’s being refined this year. Signage at bus stops carries the major bus provider at that stop along with the number for the call center (see below). The “GoTriangle” goal is to have a seamless connection for riders regardless of which bus they ride. There is a loose marketing agreement between all agencies and we’re looking for other efficiencies of scale such as maintenance, paint shop, radios, etc. (Note: we discussed full functional consolidation a few years ago but met with some resistance from several transit agencies).”
As an avid user of Google Maps, I think this next part of the email is pretty neat.
“We are currently in the process of upgrading the trip planner and are working to see that it can be integrated with Google Transit for maps. Google is working with transit agencies to develop the project (http://maps.google.com/help/maps/transit/partners/) and is working with the American Public Transportation Association.”
This next paragraph gives you further insight as to where they are trying to take things.
“We are also working on a real-time arrival system and have received a state grant for the initial software… which will (in a few years) allow a rider to dial up by device (phone/handheld device) and know when the bus is arriving at a stop. Chapel Hill currently has a real-time arrival system for riders and Raleigh is looking into it. We are also working to place GPS on all of our buses, so we can track their arrivals/departures from a given stop. We are also looking to begin soon with ”run” software which will better help us plan routes more efficiently. The goal is to make the transit trip as time competitive with the auto as possible.”
Granted, this is more on a PART level, but surely GTA could implement some of these practices. I firmly believe that if we could make the public transportation process a bit easier, more folks would use the system. By increasing the number of riders we will be able to expand the system and provide a greater means of public transportation.
In my eyes, the trip planner adds a great deal of convenience to the process and I’m a fan. I’ve floated the trip planner concept by several groups of people (students to business people) and everyone seemed to think it would make the use of public transportation more feasible.
Additional info: Click here to read about my goal of having all bus stops in Greensboro sheltered.
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Good stuff going on so far on the blog this week, but I felt this one really deserved my share of comments.
First of all, we need to push for a PART-level integration of this software. Having used and worked with Triangle Transit, I think that the only way this can really work well is for it to be across the board with all systems. Case in point, the exchange that happens down at GTCC in Jamestown between Greensboro and High Point. Also, as you saw, the trip planner is already good, but it’s use will explode once the system is linked with Google Maps and the tracking devices are all on the buses. Case in point there, the NCSU Wolfline put tracking devices on buses about three years ago and ridership numbers swelled. Plus, they bought buses that run on biodiesel and are brighter on the inside than the ones previously in use that have made them popular. Greensboro made a huge step with HEAT and the Depot refurbishing, but they have a long way to go.
Someone from PART reached out to me today on Twitter and told me they are working on implementing the new technology and bringing all of the various systems together. When I asked about the time line it appears they are still several years out.
I do believe that Greensboro could take the lead and get this type of technology online now. Thanks so much for joining the conversation.
Ryan
Why do we have separate bus systems for the City and the public schools? Consolidating the two systems would enable expanding routes while saving money. It would also garner more support for sheltered bus stations and educate young people on the value of public transportation.
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