Real-time Passenger Information set to go
Date : 15th June 2010
Plans to extend Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) throughout much of South East Scotland are to become a reality, following SEStran’s successful bid for EU funding.
SEStran has won £868,000 in backing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Rural Fund, out of a total project cost of £2,305,000. The money will enable roll-out of RTPI in East Lothian, Scottish Borders and Fife.
Once installed, bus operators will pay for the maintenence of the system. The new system will also utilise existing infrastructure, by integrating with the existing Bustracker technology, allowing commuters to Edinburgh from other local authortity areas to benefit from the interface between the systems
Agreement has been reached with bus operators First and Stagecoach on Ineo Systrans, who installed Bustracker in Edinburgh, as the preferred supplier to deliver the project.
SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie said:
“This project is a wonderful example of partnership working between the public and private sectors. SEStran is looking forward to working with First, Stagecoach and our local authority partners, to provide the travelling public with an enhanced public transport experience”.
“RTPI will give travellers a real boost and put them back in charge of their journeys, through access to real-time information.”
“SEStran has been very fortunate to succeed in acquiring such substantial funding from the EU. We will continue to seek further funding, for additional projects, wherever possible”.
Charlie Mullen, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland, added:
"As well as affordable, high quality travel, we know that our passengers are also looking for greater convenience and even better customer information. This system will allow more customers to access up-to-the-minute information about their local bus services and we are proud to be leading the way in the use of new technology to attract more people to greener, smarter bus travel."
Paul Thomas Managing Director for First in Scotland East said :
" First welcome this technology within the areas in which we operate bus services. It will provide us with the opportunity to further enhance the accessibility of information we provide to the public thus assisting in transforming travel in East Lothian and the Borders"
ENDS
SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is a partnership of eight local councils covering the Borders, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian Midlothian and West Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife.
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer
T: 0131-524-5161
M: 07889-010-291
E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk
