Electronic signs to give ‘real-time’ updates at Galway bus stops

Date Published: 21-Jan-2013

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

‘Wet duck’ passengers could become a thing of the past, as Galway City Council continues to roll out electronic signage with real time bus information at 20 bus stops across the city.

The system – which is being installed by the Council on behalf of the National Transport Authority – will use GPS technology to provide people with an accurate arrival time for buses.

And early next year, a smartphone app is expected to be released by the Council which will provide live traffic, parking and transport information.

Already, around eight of the 20 ‘Real Time Passenger Information’ (RTPI) signs have been erected, and the system is expected to be up-and-running by the end of February.

The signage will be provided the northern, eastern and southern sides of Eyre Square; outside GMIT (both directions); the Seamus Quirke Road (at Rahoon Road junction and outside Westside Shopping Centre); at the main gate of UHG; at NUIG main gate; Knocknacarra (opposite caravan park); Dublin Road (Castlegar complex); Dublin Road (Woodlands); Francis Street (opposite the Abbey); Upper Salthill (at Salthill Amusements); Dublin Road (the G Hotel); Tuam Road (at Riverside both directions); Castlepark Road (Sliabh Rua) and at Joyce’s Supermarket in Knocknacarra.

Joe Tansey, Head of the Galway Transportation Unit told the Connacht Sentinel: “The system provides real time information using GPS along the route, so an accurate arrival time of buses on the route will be provided.”

Cllr Mike Crowe, Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee said: “It will give certainty to commuters that the bus is going to come. If they’re waiting for a 3.45pm bus and it’s going to be late, at least they’ll be informed, or if they’re in a busy locality, they can go off and get a coffee or something.

“Comfort of service is hugely important in encouraging more people to use public transport and this will be a huge step forward,” said Cllr Crowe.

Meanwhile, Jim Molloy, Senior Executive Engineer with the Council confirmed to the Sentinel that the technology now exists for the local authority to produce a smartphone app which will provide live information on traffic, parking and transport.

He said he expects such an app would be available early next year.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel