A Real-Time Information System for BRT Based on GPS/Signpost Compound Navigation Technology

Abstract

The initial real-time information system for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is based on Global Positioning System (GPS) in Ji'nan, it can't provide accurate real-time information of buses arrival/departure at stop, and missing data of GPS is often found, especially under elevated highway or in bad weather. The papers put forward a new way to provide real-time transit information for BRT based on GPS/Signpost compound Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology. Compared the traditional signpost system, the upgrade system locates bus accurate position of arrival/departure at stop via the existing BRT platform facility which is called Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) system, only when the bus stops at depot within a permissible error range, the driver can open/close PSDs using Onboard transmitter to send out a signal which is received by Platform receivers which is mounted at Platform edge. Using the existing resource, the upgrade system combines GPS and Signpost or called PSDs system in this article to provide real-time information about transit services to passengers in Ji'an BRT system. The passengers are satisfied with real-time transit information, particularly accurate information of buses arrival and departure at stop. And it can make up the drawbacks of failing to disseminate bus location due to missing data of GPS.