How To Use A Dynamic Passenger Information System (Dpi)

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1 Improved passenger satisfaction Central Software for Dynamic Passenger DPIInformation Systems

2 DPI Clarity. Reliability. Knowing when you will leave. Tangible waiting experience Real-time dynamic passenger information (DPI) improves passenger satisfaction because it informs passengers exactly when the next bus, tram, metro or train will be leaving. Counting the minutes to departure provides a realistic and more tangible waiting experience for passengers. Increased certainty improves their perception of public transport quality. After all, it s less frustrating to wait when you know there s a five-minute delay than having to wait without knowing how long the delay will be. However, it s a prerequisite that the expected departure times are accurate and reliable. Intelligent software makes this possible.

3 Displays delivered by a third party Strukton s DPI: Offers future-proof central distribution software based on a modular design Is easily extendable for future ambitions Can be customised and offers possibilities for local content Features a high level of availability due to proven technology Is maintenance-friendly due to automatic problem signalling and real-time monitoring Is display-supplier independent Is energy-efficient Strukton Systems offers a comprehensive package, from developing to hosting and project management. We participate in standardisation committees for passenger information and are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve service.

4 Optimal information supply Strukton Systems develops and delivers central software for DPI systems. Our solution is a fully IP based system that supports bidirectional traffic between the system components at all times. This provides real-time information to passengers about the position, arrival and departure times and platform allocation for bus, tram, metro and train services, both in the vehicle and on station platforms. Using real-time position-finding, the system knows exactly where vehicles are located at any given time. The real-time information is transferred to the displays, and to social media applications if desired. In this way, passengers are informed directly in the event of timetable deviations. Integrated package Marcel Sleeman, Service Manager Strukton Systems Our service organisation is traveller-centric, always making the right information available at the right time. For this reason, we approach and resolve disruptions swiftly and pragmatically. Discussions concerning potential costs or apportioning blame take place afterwards; travellers may never suffer in the process. Displays delivered by a third party

5 GPRS GPS 15 Timetable Domain of public transport authority Domain of public transport company SIRI, VDV,... TMI Open public transport databases Converter Dynamic Passenger Information system DPI TMI Passenger information through internet / smartphone VPN Domain of infrastructure manager Communication between the different applications Local content In addition to passenger information, Strukton Systems can provide local content in the train, bus, metro or tram, including (local) events, advertising, diversions or other special circumstances. Variety of information Passengers, drivers, traffic controllers and transport operators need different kinds of information. Our systems offer specific options for each user category. Examples here include platform and junction displays, applications for smartphones and information at home via the Internet. It is also possible to exchange information using the local travel information lines or providing web-based information to traffic controllers and transport operators. Flexibility Our software boasts a modular design. Functionality can therefore easily be expanded or added. The central distribution software uses common international information standards, features an open architecture and is display and supplier independent. This makes the system flexible and future-proof. We can supply systems that have been specifically optimised for our individual customers, both in terms of architecture and screen layout. Energy reduction The displays use a common, international protocol to communicate with the DPI server. This protocol was specially developed to be energy efficient and to reduce the number of required transmissions. What s more, Strukton Systems can deliver fully integrated eco-friendly solar-powered solutions. Our central distribution software supports solar poured displays, where solar cells are mounted at the top and back of the display.

6 How does Strukton s DPI solution work? A display is configured to present information for a certain stop. When connected to the network, the display receives planning information for this particular stop and starts presenting this information. Modifications to the departure times are automatically forwarded from the central DPI system to the display, which immediately updates the information presented. Integrated information The central DPI system collects passenger information, schedule and real-time updates and delay information from the customer systems. The data is distributed to the displays. These displays can be controlled via GPRS, with an efficient protocol capable of showing accurate real-time passenger information at any given moment. The DPI system has the additional option of operating without real-time schedule information. This enables the display to fall back onto presenting the original timetable in the event of communication problems in the GPRS network. An indication like approximately can be used in this case to indicate the loss of a real-time connection. The DPI data is organised using TransModel, a European data model for organising transport information. The data needed for the system to work is provided through the customer web service. An interface to this web service can be added to the system. DPI server The displays use a common international protocol to communicate with the Strukton DPI server. The common international protocol was specially developed to reduce the number of required transmissions. A display unit must start up communication. Once communication with the server is established, the display receives a time synchronisation (so all displays in the system use the same time) and a new schedule if required. After that, it only receives real-time updates. At regular intervals, the display sends its current status to the central system, along with the status of connected equipment like batteries and solar modules. In the event of a critical error, the display reports this immediately. The status of the display is displayed in the graphical user interface. Web-based application The user interface is a web-based application, used for the following functions Configuration of displays (which information should be presented on the display) Maintenance can see the real-time status of all system functions and displays Management overviews for availability and battery power Management of additional travel information (free texts)

7 Displays delivered by a third party Example of graphical user interface A manual request can be made for a detailed report if the user wants more detailed information on the status of the display. This produces a list of parameters providing a detailed overview of the status of the system parts. All notifications related to the displays are configurable for severity and the system users can subscribe to receive alerts in the event of an alarm.

8 Fred Witteveen, staff member at the public transport authority of the Province of Zeeland, dept. Mobility & Society Strukton Systems offers a robust and solid DPI system with a high level of availability. It needs no looking after for me. The sporadic incidents that do occur are usually caused by factors outside the DPI system, but are nevertheless solved at short notice.

9 The benefits for transport companies and concession holders In addition to offering obvious benefits to passengers, Strukton s DPI solutions also represent a giant step forward for transport companies and concession holders. Standardisation Our software for the different system components is developed in-house, while we use standardised interfaces (VDV, TMI, SIRI) for the system setup. Other transport companies or new concession holders can easily be linked up to the central system. What s more, standardisation offers opportunities for linking up different passenger information systems and for future innovations. Integrated system We can provide a completely integrated system including central software, application software, displays and connections. We take care of the design and realisation including all aspects of project management, basic and detailed engineering, purchasing, installation, migration, testing & commissioning, hosting and financing. Availability Our extensive experience in software development has produced a robust DPI system: all possible operational failures have been detected and configured over the years, thus resulting in a high level of system availability and low maintenance requirements. What s more, the system identifies and signals potential problems automatically. Real-time system monitoring makes it possible for maintenance staff to resolve problems before they lead to any discomfort for passengers. With regard to the software for the central system, we offer remote support via our helpdesk. Additionally, we offer professional 24/7 hosting services. The benefit is that clients need not invest heavily in operating systems and can be sure that applications perform as they should.

10 Wim Schalk from RET, responsible for the DPI system in the Rotterdam region Strukton Systems has been delivering hardware and software products for the DPI systems in the Rotterdam region since Strukton is a reliable partner for the projects, operation and maintenance. Displays delivered by a third party

11 References Several municipalities and local transport operators have already opted for Strukton s DPI solutions, including: Zaandam bus station Strukton Systems supplied the DPI system for the bus rapid transit junction in the city of Zaandam. Strukton also developed software for the TFT displays, showing additional information to passengers about events, traffic diversions and other special circumstances. The contract includes a ten-year maintenance period. Zeeland The DPI system in the province of Zeeland shows real-time arrival and departure times for buses on 27 displays at 14 larger bus junctions and 2 fast ferry stops. Strukton Systems designed, delivered, installed and tested the DPI system and is responsible for maintenance. Breda Strukton Systems supplies, installs and maintains 53 displays in the new public transport terminal in Breda, the Netherlands. This DPI system will provide continuously-updated travel information to local bus passengers. Rotterdam urban region Strukton Systems designed, delivered, installed and tested the DPI system for several TramPlus routes and is responsible for operations and maintenance. Strukton Systems also developed the software for the central system that integrates travel information of all public transport services (tram, bus, metro, fast ferry) in the city of Rotterdam and distributes the integrated information to the DPI displays.

12 Strukton Systems Strukton Systems forms part of Strukton Rail, a full-service provider of rail systems in Europe. Strukton Rail designs, builds and installs custom-made technologies, which have proven to contribute to the safety, reliability and sustainability of railways, rolling stock and electrotechnical infrastructures. All its efforts are aimed at making railway transport more attractive and competitive. Strukton Systems has been providing DPI solutions for local transport operators for over 15 years now and provides reliable passenger information systems for bus, tram, metro and train services across the country, using several display techniques including LED, LCD and TFT. Would you like to find out more about our DPI solutions? Feel free to contact us. We would be happy to outline the options in person. Strukton Systems bv Westkanaaldijk DA Utrecht P.O. Box BA Maarssen The Netherlands Phone +31 (0)