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London buses to display real-time traffic updates for drivers

Posted: 10 August 2016 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Transport for London (TfL) have announced a new trial which will see London buses display real-time traffic updates in order to help drivers avoid congestion.

London buses to display real-time traffic updates

Transport for London (TfL) have announced a new trial which will see London buses display real-time traffic updates in order to help drivers avoid congestion.

London buses to display real-time traffic updates

A trial displaying live traffic information on the back of London buses has begun helping to improve traffic congestion in the capital. In a world first, a number of buses on route 344, travelling between Clapham Junction and Liverpool Street, are displaying real-time traffic information using digital information boards. It is hoped the new technology will provide vehicle drivers with a new source of information to help avoid congestion, improve journeys and better the reliability and efficiency of the roads. 

Digital information boards display real-time traffic updates using GPS

Equitech IT Solutions provided the electronic boards which use GPS technology to give accurate and up-to-date traffic information. The information is taken from the TfL Variable Message Sign network, which is fed by TfL’s 24-hour traffic control centre. TfL hinted that if the trial were a success, it could be rolled out across the capital.

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Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport, said: “This innovative use of one of the Capital’s most iconic features – the London bus – will help all road users. We’re focused on keeping London moving and giving drivers real-time information through a range of channels to help them avoid congested roads and reduce wasted time and needless pollution from idling cars.”

TfL plans to install the technology on route 415 between Tulse Hill and Liverpool Street during autumn this year. The move follows the successful trial of live traffic information displayed on taxi advertising boards by Brightmove Media Limited, which proved the concept of real-time traffic information delivered in this form.

Craig Holloway, Chief Executive of Equitech IT Solutions, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with TfL to trial this new technology. We know how beneficial having real-time traffic information can be for road users, and the technology we have developed will hopefully make life for Londoners easier by having up-to-date information provided to them when travelling on the Capital’s roads.”

“Initiatives which help keep traffic moving will also help those travelling by bus”

Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Abellio London, said: “At Abellio we aim to take travel ‘beyond a-to-b’ and believe that this innovation can help achieve that goal. Initiatives which help keep traffic moving will also help those travelling by bus.”

Up-to-date traffic data and information is available for developers free at api.tfl.gov.uk.