NETWORK NEWS
Cityspace plays key role in award-winning Kent Fastrack
The first stage of the Fastrack new bus rapid transit system, in which Cityspace designed and delivered real-time travel information and interactive journey planning services, has been hailed as an unprecedented success since it was launched in March 2006; notably receiving the bus award at the prestigious UK National Transport Awards in July this year.
In phase one of the multi-million pound Kent Thameside development, Cityspace installed 16 in-shelter ‘Smart Panels’ and two stand alone ‘Smart Columns’ operated and managed on a wireless broadband network, providing real-time travel information and interactive journey planning services.
Reflecting the quality and value of the established network, Cityspace is now installing a further eight in-shelter ‘Smart Panels’ located along the key route between Gravesend and Ebbsfleet International, from where Eurostar begins operations on 17th November this year.
Real-time passenger information and essential journey planning services including bus timetables and road and rail disruption news, provide travellers with an unparalleled waiting experience, alongside a raft of other valuable interactive services such as, printable maps, BBC News, weather and email.
“We need to continue to persuade people to use public transport if we are to achieve our objective and create a sustainable community where people can live, work and pursue leisure without having to rely on a car”, said David George, Kent Thameside’s Fastrack Project Manager. “Being able to offer an attractive and informed journey experience is therefore critically important. The digital network provided by Cityspace plays an integral role in helping to deliver a vastly improved integrated public transport system for Kent Thameside”
Guy Wolfenden, Director, Cityspace Transport also reflected on the bigger picture when he said: “Improvement of the passenger waiting experience underpins our entire transport philosophy and the Kent Fastrack scheme provides a real opportunity to showcase the benefits of integrated digital transport networks within the wider context of long term regeneration and sustainability.”
