PITTSBURGH Regional Transit (PRT) and Clever Devices recognise the pressing need for real-time passenger information in a world that increasingly values instantaneous information. Our collaboration transformed the transit experience for countless Pittsburgh riders. This case study emphasises PRT’s journey towards a multi-modal real-time information system and its profound impact on commuters.
CHALLENGE
PRT’s initial partnership with Clever Devices began in 2000, focusing on automating vehicle announcements to address the agency’s limitations in stop-calling solutions. But as ridership increased, and the city’s dynamics changed, the demand for real-time passenger information became increasingly apparent. By 2010, PRT recognised the necessity of responding to direct requests from Pittsburgh riders seeking up-to-the-minute information about train and bus arrivals.
SOLUTION
Realising the multi-modal vision with Clever Devices
PRT expanded its partnership with Clever Devices to provide real-time arrival information for trains and buses. Key developments included:
API Integration: the integration with third-party apps like TrueTime meant that passengers could access real-time information seamlessly on their preferred platforms whether they were using PRT’s rail or bus service. Access to specific apps proved especially vital during significant city events like Steelers football games or concerts when the rail system traditionally experiences a substantial increase in users.
TAPS/BusTime: these systems offered immediate arrival information to riders, including information on train schedule changes and bus delays due to traffic.
CleverVision: real-time information screens keep passengers informed and engaged during their commutes.
RESULTS
Seamless journey planning across multiple modes
With PRT’s multi-modal real-time passenger information system, passengers can plan their journey and utilise multiple modes to get to their desired destination as efficiently as possible.
Enhanced Communications
At PRT, passengers, whether on a train or bus, receive consistent updates on service status, encompassing delays, disruptions, and public service announcements. This streamlined communication across various modes of transport ensures a reliable and efficient commuting experience, enhancing the overall perception of PRT.
Inter-modal connectivity
Through integrated real-time systems for both rail and bus, PRT actively promotes the use of various transport modes. By providing timely updates and a cohesive experience, passengers are not only informed but are also encouraged to diversify their transit choices, realising the full potential of PRT’s system.
Community academic engagement
With real-time data accessible through APIs, institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and and Carnegie Mellon University are engaged in projects that leverage this data, indirectly benefiting the community by enhancing public transport initiatives.
CLEVER COLLABORATION
Through PRT and Clever Devices’ sustained collaboration, PRT modernised its technological infrastructure and significantly elevated the daily commuting experience for thousands of Pittsburgh riders. By embracing a multi-modal real-time passenger information system, PRT didn’t just upgrade its technology – it enhanced the daily commute for thousands of passengers in Pittsburgh, making their journeys more predictable, comfortable, and more efficient.
About PRT
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is the second largest public transit agency in Pennsylvania and the 20th largest in the United States. Their light rail, bus, and funicular system covers Allegheny County.
Fleet Size
83 light rail vehicles
687 buses
4 funicular cars
The post Enhancing multi-modal real-time passenger information for Pittsburgh Regional Transit appeared first on International Railway Journal.
