Bus users in Cambridge and across Cambridgeshire can now get more accurate predictions on when their bus will arrive using real-time data.
Google Transit is using location information fed directly from the Smart Cambridge intelligent City Platform (iCP), developed by Cambridge University and funded by the Greater Cambridge City Deal*. This allows commuters to obtain real-time updates as buses are affected by traffic and other delays. For the first time in the Cambridge region, commuters will not have to rely solely on the published timetables. Almost all buses in the region now have GPS sensors installed which gives their position. This data is then fed into the platform and processed to give an accurate prediction of arrival time.
Dan Clarke, Smart Cambridge Programme Manager, states “Until now, systems like Google Transit just used the published Cambridgeshire bus timetables, so if a bus was late or held up in traffic, it’s predicted time of arrival was wrong. Now, Google can take account of live changes, and make more accurate, live predictions. The predicted arrival time has been tested on-street and we are pleased with the accuracy.”
Later this year, the Greater Cambridge Partnership intends to launch its own mobile App, with even more local public transport features and information. The travel app is currently being tested, and will be rolled-out to the public via App stores once user trials are complete.
Google Transit is using location information fed directly from the Smart Cambridge intelligent City Platform (iCP), developed by Cambridge University and funded by the Greater Cambridge City Deal*. This allows commuters to obtain real-time updates as buses are affected by traffic and other delays. For the first time in the Cambridge region, commuters will not have to rely solely on the published timetables. Almost all buses in the region now have GPS sensors installed which gives their position. This data is then fed into the platform and processed to give an accurate prediction of arrival time.
Dan Clarke, Smart Cambridge Programme Manager, states “Until now, systems like Google Transit just used the published Cambridgeshire bus timetables, so if a bus was late or held up in traffic, it’s predicted time of arrival was wrong. Now, Google can take account of live changes, and make more accurate, live predictions. The predicted arrival time has been tested on-street and we are pleased with the accuracy.”
Later this year, the Greater Cambridge Partnership intends to launch its own mobile App, with even more local public transport features and information. The travel app is currently being tested, and will be rolled-out to the public via App stores once user trials are complete.
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