3 apps to track New South Wales buses

Date: 17/12/2012

Three different app developers have been granted the use of real-time GPS data in order to track buses in New South Wales, Australia.

With the aim of better informing passengers on the running of public amenities, (TfNSW) Transport for New South Wales determined which developers it believed would put the data to the best use.

Tony Braxton-Smith, Deputy Director General, said: "We want to work hand-in-hand with those that have skills and the capability in the commercial sector and in the technology sector to be able to develop apps that bring real-time information to customers."

A digital team from (PwC) PricewaterhouseCoopers were involved in the selection process, which chose TripView, TripGo, and Arrivo Sydney, with two others having the possibility of also releasing apps.

In the coming week, the three apps will be updated to include the official data and therefore offer real-time information to passengers.

Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Minister for Transport, said: "With these apps, customers will be able to plan ahead, not just by looking at the timetable, but see where buses are on their route and how far away they are."

At present, data is available for state transit services operating in the central business district of Sydney, the eastern suburbs, the Inner West, southern suburbs, north-western suburbs, the Northern Beaches, and lower North Shore.

In excess of 1,900 buses are included in the data, along with 8,200 bus stops and nearly 1,200 routes which cover the public transport network across Sydney.

It is thought that this use of TfNSW's Public Transport Information Priority System programme will be expanded to cover a bigger area at a later date.

TfNSW also started working with Google earlier this year in order to have public transport information integrated into its Maps.

Bus, train, and ferry timetable data has also been given to the search giant, which will be passed onto the developers to aid in the creation of the apps.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News