TTC launches next vehicle arrival notification pilot project

The Toronto Transit Commission today launched its next vehicle arrival notification system.  TTC Chair Adam Giambrone launched the pilot project at the Spadina Station streetcar platform. Customers will be able to find out when their next bus or streetcar will arrive by information display on screens in subway stations or at select TTC stops.

The pilot project will begin with the 510 Spadina route. Display screens are installed at Spadina and Union Stations. Additional screens will be installed at additional subway stations and select on-street stops in concert with the City of Toronto’s Street Furniture Program.

The current project budget is $5.2 million.

The TTC will be implementing many other new features to improve and enhance customer communications and the TTC experience. One of the most anticipated features in the works is the web-based trip planning application. Scheduled to be online this summer, it will give TTC users a self-serve means of planning their transit trips using routing information, timing points and walking distances.

Work to allow customers to be able to use SMS Text for information about next vehicle arrival information on all TTC surface routes begins in 2009. The final project roll-out will include a unique identifier for each vehicle stop to allow patrons to obtain specific stop information via wireless technologies (i.e. Internet and/or SMS text messaging).

Backgrounder

Launch of the TTC next vehicle arrival notification
Monday, December 15, 2008  11 a.m.
Spadina Station

• The next vehicle arrival pilot project is designed to improve and enhance customer communications and the TTC experience. 
• TTC customers will be able to find out when their next bus or streetcar will arrive, either by flat screen monitors in subway stations or through LED screens at select TTC stops.
• The pilot project will begin with the 510 Spadina route.  Display screens will be initially installed at Spadina Station and Union Station. Additional screens will be installed at subway stations and select on-street stops in concert with the Street Furniture Program. 
• Customers will receive real-time, reliable and relevant information about when the next vehicle is due to arrive. 
• The system uses Global Positioning System software.  All streetcars will be retrofitted with this prior to the end of 2008. The retrofit for buses will commence in 2009. 
• The current project budget is $5.2 million.
• Work to allow customers to be able to use SMS Text for information about next vehicle arrival information on all TTC surface routes begins in 2009. The final project roll-out will include a unique identifier for each vehicle stop to allow customers to obtain specific stop information via wireless technologies (i.e. Internet and/or SMS text messaging).
• In September, the TTC launched a 90-day pilot project for next train arrival in subway stations, informing customers when the next subway train will arrive. Additional screens for Next train arrival will roll out to all subway stations by the end of 2009.