News

People using buses in Poole will soon be benefiting from a complete 'Real Time Bus Passenger Information' (RTI) service following a successful bid for funding from the DTLR.

Jim Bright, Head of Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, said: "This is great news for bus services across Poole. The system will provide interactive on-street information - passengers will know exactly when their bus will arrive. Equipment on the buses will let passengers know which stop the bus is going to next and for the visually impaired, there will be audible information."

Original plans were to equip 80 bus stops across the Borough with RTI, Canford Heath will be the first route, due to be completed in July this year. Poole will now receive an additional £355,350 for the initiative which will enable the programme to be extended and provide the Borough with an advanced service.

Councillor Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity, said: "Amongst hundreds of local authorities, Poole was one of only 19 to receive an award - this puts us on top of the league table of Council’s supporting bus travel. There are many benefits to using the bus and this initiative will greatly improve the service. Well done to everyone who worked hard to achieve the award."

The following information outlines the works programme for the RTI initiative in Poole:

Provision for information screens on buses to give additional information to passengers on route and names of next stop / destination - £101,000

To equip bus stops and make provision for an RTI service along:

1. The Upton / Corfe Castle / Wareham corridor

2. The Broadstone / Merley / Wimborne / Ferndown corridor

3. The Fleetsbridge / Creekmoor / Lychett Matravers corridor.

Total for these routes £519,000

Speech:

To equip the existing 80 stops allowed for in the current contract with provision for people who have difficulty in reading the at-stop illuminated signs. Key-fob activated, this service will transmit recorded voice information on approaching buses - £46,000

Provision for a payment to the successful bus operator of the future Park and Ride to include RTI within their service - £57,000

An extension of the bus passenger information to be at bus shelters - two public buildings (Civic Centre and Poole Hospital) to have display screens for bus information and public information notices etc. - £15,000

Provision of two kiosks within the canopied area of Poole bus station and a third in Poole library to allow the public to carry out journey planning (information taken from a regional public transport database) - £35,000