Real time passenger information for Cornwall’s busiest bus route

Last updated: 16/04/2013 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Passengers travelling on the number 14 and 18 buses between Penzance and Truro can now access up to the minute information on when the next bus is due to arrive.

The Council has invested around £425,000 to install Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) displays at 37 bus stops along the route, which also includes new bus shelters at seven bus stops.

All First Devon and Cornwall buses serving the number 14 and 18 routes have been equipped with technology which links up with the RTPI displays to give the latest information on how far away the next bus is.

The first of the displays went live in December with the entire route expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

The technology has been working well along the Truro Park and Ride route for the last four years. Customer satisfaction surveys have shown the RTPI displays are viewed favourably by park and ride passengers.

Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Highways and Transportation, said: “When you’re standing at the bus stop, with this you can just look up and see how much longer you’ve got to wait – fantastic!”

Robbie Lamerton, General Manager for First Devon and Cornwall added: “The introduction of these Real Time Passenger Information displays will be a great asset to public transport in the area. We hope that by offering customers visible up-to-the-minute information, especially during congestion and peak times, the scheme will persuade more people of the ease and convenience of travelling by bus.”

The RTPI project has been part financed by the European Union with £125,458 from the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13, through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Convergence ERDF Programme 2007-13.   The European funding was part of a package of investment aimed at improving transport infrastructure in the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area and has augmented the provision of passenger information along the A3047 route.  The remaining money has come from Cornwall Council’s Local Transport Plan 3.