RIS - Management and Information System of Brno MPT

DPMB a.s. has developed a unique, state-of -the-art tool to control the municipal public transport. RIS will immediately recognise any deviations in the operation of municipal public transport (MPT) and ensure their speedy and successful elimination. For the first time in history, the PT controller can make decisions on the basis of real, unbiased and objective information. The system enables an immediate feedback to decisions made by the PT controller. RIS has thus become an important contributor to the safety, quality, efficiency and comfort of the services provided by DPMB a.s.

The base of RIS is the data radio network to ensure permanent connection of all public transport vehicles with the traffic control. Every 20 seconds, each vehicle automatically transmits its operating data to the control centre - i.e. the real time it left a stop, physical position according to the GPS satellite navigation and other important operating data. If required, text messages are sent from the vehicle to the control centre and back as well as commands for the information equipment for the passengers. RIS also ensured a voice communication between the PT controller and the driver and enables the controller to talk to passengers.

The PT controller may wish to display the operating data in a number of ways - as a table of vehicles of different lines or a picture of the operation on a digital map. The position of a vehicle is shown on the map in real scale. Each vehicle is provided with a colour-coded label showing key operating data. The colour represents the immediate deviation from the time table. The controller may thus easily see any delayed vehicles (yellow labels) and those which left a stop too early (red). They prefer, however, to see a screen full of green flashing vehicles going exactly within the allowed limits. The map also indicates if a vehicle left from the correct stop post (at transport hubs) or the side of the road at which a control vehicle is standing. The PT controller may immediately call the attacked vehicle or group of vehicles and issue commands to the drivers to eliminate the unfavourable condition, secure repairs, call for relief buses etc.

The quality of information provided to the passengers has improved dramatically. One of the results of the RIS project has been the installation of the sound distribution systems in all vehicles. Names of stops and any relevant information is now announced and automated response to the signal of the pocket blind transmitter has been enabled. The visual and acoustic information is targeted - the passengers receive the right information at a right place in the right time.

The RIS enables a better preference of MPT vehicles at light intersections. The delayed vehicle will send, from a pre-determined location, a request for preference, by means of the radio data transmission. The traffic light controller will receive the data regarding the passing of the vehicle through the intersection and the value of the delay. The vehicle then will announce a successful passing through the intersection. This so-called dynamic preference allows for the control of every second of the signal plan at the intersection and results in a better passing of all vehicles, not just the trams, trolley-buses and buses.

The RIS data may not only be examined on-line but also used for searching the archives and assessing received complaints in a quality manner. Special SW enable the managers to monitor the traffic and evaluate the work of their staff. An important aspect of the transport quality is the current general awareness that errors of staff cannot be hidden. The first experience has demonstrated a positive outcome, namely that over half of the complaints regarding the assumed violation of the time table were not justified.