Government wants your opinion on real-time bus information system

[Buzz Killington]

Canberrans are being asked to give their opinion on a real-time bus system for ACTION Buses in Canberra via a new survey, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Simon Corbell, said today.

"The Government has allocated $12m in the most recent budget to allow for the design and roll out of a real time passenger information system over the next two years that is designed to increase consumer satisfaction with the service and provide up-to-date information about where their bus is up to on it's journey," Mr Corbell said.

"The recent announcement of the successful tenderer for the first stage of this project has generated a lot of interest and the ACT Government is consulting with the community and key stakeholders to ensure that the system meets the needs of all commuters.
"I will also meet with a group of ANU students who have been working in this field to ensure their views are being taken into account and see how they can be involved in the project."

A real time passenger information system will see digital displays installed at major bus stations and other selected bus stops and will also provide the community with instant information via the internet, mobile phones, touch screen displays and on bus visual and audio displays.

Mr Corbell said that a real time passenger information system in Canberra will be a positive step forward to further improving the delivery of public transport services to the community.

"The implementation of a real time bus system will improve access to public transport through electronic media channels, and to increase public transport utilisation and patronage," Mr Corbell said.

"Installation is expected by mid-2012 with the system becoming fully operational by 2013."

For more information on how to get involved or to fill in a commuter survey visit: www.transport.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81. Consultation closes 5pm Friday 26 August 2011.

[Buzz Killington]

An online survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QDVJW9N