Overview of new technology information systems for public transport passengers in French towns

Abstract

The recent development of dynamic information systems for public transport passengers in numerous French towns and cities is based on two major technological innovations: videotex, which is in more widespread public use in France than anywhere else; and electronic control of bus fleets (AVM). This article gives a first brief survey of this development. It describes the main dynamic information systems in use, what is involved and how these systems are integrated into the public urban transport service, reports on the first comments on public use, and finally mentions a few economic considerations on the basis of current experience. Videotex services provided by local authorities and transport companies have only partly found their domestic users, in spite of constant ergonomic improvements and the inclusion of transport information with news of urban activities (e.g. trade and leisure). Systems to help people waiting at stops, in spite of the relatively high investment cost (inevitable for an innovation),...