As part of an overhaul of the PTV app, Melbourne commuters will be able to see how full their train is before boarding.
The technology will first undergo a trial with a small group of public transport users on trains and buses in Melbourne.
Data will come from passenger counting sensors and predictive modelling technology and be fed into real-time updates displayed on the PTV app.
Victorian minister for Public Transport and Roads Ben Carroll said the trial will enable passengers to return to public transport safely.
“The coronavirus pandemic has presented an opportunity for us to rethink how we travel around the state – we want these passenger modelling trials to help people travel more reliably and safely,” he said.
“While everyone has been doing the right thing and staying home over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work to make Victorians’ journeys easier and safer as we move towards a COVID Normal world.”
In addition to crowding data, real-time location information on buses and trains will be communicated through the app.
The updated app will also allow travellers to top up their myki cards and view their balance.
New personalisation features include saving home and work locations, searching favourite journeys, stops, and stations, and improved journey planning capabilities for more predictable journeys.
The needs of blind and low-vision passengers have been incorporated in the app’s redesign, and VoiceOver and TalkBack capabilities enable the app to be fully accessible. Neil King, national manager digital access at Vision Australia said the functions would be welcomed by those with a disability.
“Public transport is vital for people with disability. The Department of Transport’s decision to consider accessibility at the outset of the design process means important public transport information is now fully available to all Victorians.”
Based on current trials and feedback further functionality may be added to the app in the future.
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