University students will be able to minimize the amount of time they spend waiting at bus stops next semester thanks to a GPS system purchased last week by the University Transit Service.
The system? will allow transit users to view real-time arrival times of individual buses at 20 bus stops on Grounds via display screens at the bus stops, according to Rebecca White, University director of parking and transportation. The University is acquiring the system at a cost of $450,000 from Connexionz, a New Zealand software company, which created the Real-Time Passenger Information technology, Connexionz Managing Director Robert Burkesaid.
According to Burke, the system sends a radio signal from the bus to a U.S. military satellite and then to a central station, validating the bus's position.In addition to being available at bus stops, all of the information also will be posted on the Internet, White added. ?
By making this information readily accessible, the system minimizes rider uncertainty, Burke said, adding that the main reason "people hate public transportation is because they lose control over their own life."
While University spokesperson Jeff Hanna also noted the system would be convenient for users, he said an additional benefit could be enhanced student safety.
"In addition to the system simply being a convenience, there are safety issues addressed, because students don't have to stay at a stop late at night if they know the exact arrival time of a bus," he said.
According to Burke, those who ride buses are not the only ones who will benefit from the new technology.
"We are really providing something that can help bus companies with management issues," Burke said. "Right now, the only way to time bus routes is with a stopwatch and clipboard for basic estimates."
Burke added that the technology allows companies to track buses' locations throughout the day "instead of just hoping that a bus leaves the station on time and comes back on time."
?The University Parents Committee and the City of Charlottesville will help UTS with the cost of the technology, White said, adding that "the Safety Task Force created through the U.Va. Parents Committee has given us a $40,000 grant towards the system, and some of the costs are mitigated by the fact that CTS is taking on the same system."
Burke said Connexionz has sold similar contracts to the University of Maryland-College Park and cities in England, Australia, New Zealand and China.
"Most of our contracts have been for smaller properties like small cities and towns like Charlottesville," he said, adding that demand for the system may continue to grow during the next few years as the world population and the number of cars on the road continue to grow.
White and Hanna both said the system is expected to be in place by the beginning of January.
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