27 Apr, 2017

First digital real-time bus stop unveiled in Grote Street

Joint Media Release

Bus passengers in the city will be able to see when the next bus will arrive with the installation of Adelaide’s first digital bus stop today.

The bus stop will feature digital signage displaying real-time information on the next services, sourced from Adelaide Metro’s state-of-the-art Bluetooth monitoring systems.

The digital bus stop is a joint Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and City of Adelaide initiative.

It harnesses the same technology used by the Adelaide Metro metroMATE app, which provides up-to-the-minute details of service arrivals including pinpointing the location of buses, trains and trams on an interactive map.

Static geographic information including landmarks and street names will also be included on the bus stop, as well as directions for linking up to other public transport services of popular destinations.

Bus stop W on the southern side of Grote Street, next to the Hilton Hotel and near the Central Markets, is the first to go digital.

Another two digital bus stops are planned for the city through this partnership - one at Stop V2 King William Street (west side near Waymouth Street) and one at Stop Z1 King William Road (adjacent Parliament House).

Adelaide Metro will investigate rolling the signs out further if they are successful.

Background

Real-time arrivals for the digital bus stop are sourced from existing Adelaide Metro real-time data sources – a low-cost system which features future upgrade opportunities.

The screen is UV stabilised with toughened glass for full weather exposure.

The stop has been developed with anti-graffiti covering and is vandal-proof for minimal external maintenance.

Passengers can also access real-time information about Adelaide Metro services via the metroMATE app for Apple or Android.

The project is consistent with the State Government’s Digital by Default declaration, committing SA Government agencies to the proactive transformation of services to digital technology.

Quotes attributable to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan

This digital bus stop is the first of a suite of new signage designed to better serve customers and the community.

Already passengers can get detailed door-to-door journey information, check exactly where their train tram or bus is on the network and find out exactly when it will arrive via the metroMATE app.

Now they can also get information about when the next service will arrive simply by checking the digital sign at the bus stop.

This is another great initiative harnessing the state-of-the-art Bluetooth receiver network developed by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to monitor the public transport and road networks in real-time

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Martin Haese

We have been pleased to partner with the Government on this initiative which will not only improve services for passengers but will also enhance the look and feel of public transport in our city.

This is an exciting pilot project for people who travel by bus and we’re delighted that each of the stops receiving an upgrade are on the well-utilised City Connector route.

For people from interstate or overseas who are unfamiliar with the Adelaide Metro network, this new digital bus stop means they don’t need to find a timetable, an app or a website to work out when the next bus will arrive.

It’s the type of technology that sits comfortably alongside all of the Smart City initiatives the City of Adelaide already has in place or is developing. If we want to be known as a truly Smart City, this is precisely the type of public infrastructure we want to see rolled out.

Quotes attributable to Labor candidate for Adelaide Jo Chapley

The W bus stop, on Grote Street, is one of the busiest in Adelaide, with 17 routes using this stop, including the free City Loop services.

The City and North Adelaide loop services are extremely popular with tourists, receiving a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, offering convenient and efficient services.

The digital bus stop will further enhance the tourist experience, while also providing up-to-the-minute information to anyone who uses these important bus services in the heart of Adelaide.

Matt Halliwell