TfL trials touch-screen bus stop with real-time mapping

Transport for London is trialling a new real-time mapping tool at one of its bus stops allowing passengers to track the progress and exact arrival of their bus.

Positioned on Regent’s Street at Piccadilly Circus’ bus stop G, the screen-based system uses TfL’s data feed of bus arrival information and plots real-time GPS data on a digital map.
Further information is offered on the wider transport network, including updates from London Underground and the real time availability of nearby Barclays Cycle Hire bikes (and docking points).

The interactive panel can give local information including maps, and directions to tourist attractions, theatres and shops.
It has been developed and funded by outdoor ad specialist Clear Channel UK, which is monitoring usage and the ways passengers engage with the interface.
Living Map Company has designed the interface for the system. The consultancy is a specialist which designs, manages and publishes hyper-local mapping systems.
A spokesman for Clear Channel UK says the project ‘is about taking an integrated approach to getting people to their destination. It could be that it’s quicker to get on the Tube or use a bike.’

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL says, ‘Our customers now rightly regard real time travel information as part of the core service we provide and this is an innovative way we can explore getting information they need to them.
‘If the trial is as successful as we hope, then we will work with Clear Channel to introduce the mapping tool to other key sites across London.’

(Fri, 28 Mar 2014 | By Tom Banks)