City of York unveils expansion plans for the York wireless network
23 May 2007
One year on, City of York Council is set to expand its acclaimed wireless transport network to deliver unparalleled public services
The Wireless Event, London, 23rd May 2007 - Cityspace, the UK-based leading provider of urban digital networks, today announces a major expansion of the ground-breaking wireless transport system created by City of York Council in support of the innovative First Bus 'ftr' project a year ago this month.
The new plans represent almost a 50% expansion of the existing wireless network which will feature additional on-street Smart Columns and the very latest 'Smart Screens' providing real-time information with a TV-quality screen for broadcasting news of delays and disruptions and promotional messages.
Further, the network will be opened up to provide public access to wireless broadband services presented by the council as a 'walled garden'. This free to access service will offer residents and visitors a menu of useful links to real-time journey planning and council information and services on wireless enabled devices for the first time.
City of York Council views the provision of high quality travel information on-street as central to delivering its nationally recognised transport strategy and an essential tool in protecting the historic environment of the City whilst offering travellers a truly 21st Century experience.
Darren Capes, City of York Council's UTMC Manager said, "Our investment in on-street wireless technology has allowed the deployment of a network of five Cityspace information terminals. These are currently attracting over 7,000 users per month - a success I am confident will grow as the wireless network expands."
The wireless network was originally rolled out as part of York's joint initiative with First Bus to deliver ftr, a futuristic public transport service utilising new high quality vehicles married to equally high quality stops and off-bus infrastructure. The wireless network is now expanding beyond this original phase to bring the benefits of real-time, interactive information and Wi-Fi access to a larger area of the City centre. Cashless ticketing is also under consideration as an integral part of the expanded transport network, driving efficiency and therefore uptake of the service.
"The expansion of the York network is a true testament to the value it is already providing to the travelling public in this historic city," comments Jonathan Bailey, Business Development Manager, Cityspace.
"The wireless infrastructure provides a flexible framework for cost effective expansion and the addition of new technologies to deliver real-time information and services direct to the public, at the point of need."
Notes to editors
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Darren Capes will be available for interviews at The Wireless Event on Wednesday 23rd May 2007, between 12pm and 4pm.
If you are interested in more detail on the expansion of the wireless transport network and would like to speak to Darren, please contact Sophia Henri (details below).
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For further information, please contact:
Sophia Henri
Cityspace PR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7313 8428
Email:
www.cityspace.com About Cityspace
Since 1996 Cityspace has been designing and delivering local information services in public spaces through its innovative urban digital networks.Cityspace networks use the latest broadband technology to connect communities with information and services. The company comprises three divisions:
Cityspace Transport delivers real-time information, journey planning, off-board ticketing and security through quality digital networks which makes it easier to use public transport.
Cityspace Wireless delivers outdoor wireless broadband networks for high-speed mobile access to online services and wireless connectivity for fixed infrastructure.
Cityspace Interactive Media offers a range of information and transactional services through networks of self service terminals in public spaces.
Visit www.cityspace.com for more information.
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