The successful trial of a solar-powered arrival prediction system for Public Transport Victoria’s Yarra Trams network has resulted in the addition of the mini units to 50 more stops.
PTV installed tramTRACKER units at nine tram spots on the Melbourne network in 2014, and found they resulted in “a high degree of satisfaction” among customers.
“The success of this trial meant funding approval from PTV for a further 50 tram stops,” the company said this morning.
The tramTRACKER live arrival prediction screens are designed to deliver information on the next arriving trams in real time. They include voice options for visually impaired customers, alerts for planned or unplanned disruptions and advice on which trams are low-floor for easy access.
PTV says the units are suited to fit all of its tram stops, while solar power was chosen to improve network sustainability.
Installation of the 50 new devices was completed at the end of March.
PTV also recently installed 30 new remote PA units, after 10 such units were successfully trialled on Collins Street last year.
The PA units allow operator Yarra Trams to broadcast live to passengers at tram stops across the CBD. Typical announcements include safety reminders, information about extra trams to special events, and service disruption information.
PTV chief executive Mark Wild said the authority was committed to improving customer experience across its networks.
“Real-time information provided by these innovations helps customers make more informed decisions about their travel options,” Wild said.
Yarra Trams chief Clément Michel said the tramTRACKER mini units provide a lower cost option to many alternatives.
“tramTRACKER mini uses existing passenger information infrastructure found at tram stops which has been used for many years,” Michel explained.
“The design of tramTRACKER mini includes a number of anti-vandal features and provides automatic alerts back to the Operations Centre when the data feed cannot be found.
“Customers surveyed thought this was a great way to provide live disruption information at tram stops.”
The new PA systems, Michel added, will provide an extra level of quality customer experience.
“Live announcements will mean customers receive more detailed information than is possible through digital information displays at the stop,” he said.
“They will provide updates on the status of the disruption and alternative travel options where possible.”
tramTRACKER mini units are now located at the following tram stops:
Bridge Road at:
- Bosisto Street
- Church Street
- Richmond Town Hall
- Coppin Street
- Burnley Street
- Yarra Boulevard
Brunswick Street at:
- Fitzroy Bowling Club
- Gertrude Street
- Johnston Street
- Hanover Street
- Leicester Street
- Newry Street
- Alexandra Parade
Burwood Road at
- St James Park
- Hawthorn Station
Gertrude Street at:
- Brunswick Street
- Napier Street
Gisborne Street at:
- Albert Street
Queens Parade at:
- Clifton Hill Interchange
Smith Street at:
- Johnston Street
- Rose Street
- Gertrude Street
- Peel Street
- Keele Street
- Alexandra Parade
Swan Street at:
- Lennox Street
- Church Street
- Edinburg Street
- Burnley Street
- Stawell Street
- Madden Grove
- Punt Road
- Richmond Station
Toorak Road at:
- South Yarra Station
Victoria Street at:
- North Richmond Station
- Nicholson Street
- Church Street
- Flockhart Street
- McKay Street
- Leslie Street
Wellington Parade at:
- Lansdowne Street
- Simpson Street