What is Real Time Passenger Information?

RTPI is a state-of-the-art system that provides accurate information as to when the next bus is due to arrive.

The bus is fitted with a tracking device in order for the RTPI system to know where it is. The system calculates how long it will take to arrive at each of the stops along the bus’s route. Using satellite technology the system then communicates the bus information to a display at the bus stop. The display shows when the bus is due to arrive. The displayed information is shown either in real time or timetable time, for example 6 mins or 11:06.

The display alternates between two screens. The first screen shows the bus numbers and the destinations. The second screen displays the bus numbers and the predicated arrival time in minutes. When a bus is expected to arrive in less than two minutes the screen displays “due”. The display will also show timetable times for those buses that haven’t yet been fitted with the tracking device.

As the system can track each bus location exactly, it can tell whether the bus is running on time, early or late. This information is then displayed on the screen at the bus stop. It also gives the operator chance to make dynamic changes to the bus whilst on route.