Real-time technology trial to enhance on-board experience
- Kinetic is trialling new information technology on its Melbourne network to increase passenger confidence and encourage more people to use public transport
- Real-time information displays will enhance accessibility and peace of mind for passengers of all abilities
- Operations teams will also benefit from enhanced data including accurate on-time running and real-time vehicle tracking
Bus commuters in Melbourne will enjoy real-time journey data and more accessible travel information across the metropolitan bus network as Kinetic trials new technology as part of a new customer initiative.
Delivered as part of Kinetic’s Accessibility Action Plan, developed in consultation with its Accessibility Reference Group, the initiative will see visual and audio information displays installed across an initial 24 buses operating in Melbourne’s south-east.
The technology will benefit all passengers with up-to-date information on stops and arrival times allowing them to plan their travel and reduce uncertainty. Visual and audio announcements, including disruption alerts, will make travel information more accessible to passengers of all abilities including people who are vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing.
Customer Experience Manager at Kinetic, Justin Rogers, said equal access to travel information helps passengers plan their journeys with greater confidence.
“Passengers consistently tell us that better, more reliable information is essential to improving their experience,” Mr Rogers said.
"We’re always looking for ways to enhance that experience, and this technology plays a key role in delivering clearer, more inclusive journey information, shaped by the feedback we get from our customers and our Accessibility Reference Group.”
The trial will also provide Kinetic’s state-of-the-art Operations Control Centre with additional performance and vehicle tracking data to improve network reliability and punctuality, while also providing best-in-class battery and charge monitoring for battery electric vehicles.
General Manager at Kinetic Melbourne, Tom Kinsey, said the technology provides improved network insights, including passenger numbers, disruption information and traffic conditions.
“With this information we can make tailored adjustments to the network based on the conditions of the day, managing services efficiently through heavy traffic and periods of disruption, while keeping our passengers safe by monitoring capacity on-board.”
With a fleet of over 500 buses and a team of 1300 people operating across six depots, Kinetic manages one third of Melbourne’s metropolitan bus network.
The trial, which commences in September and will run for three months, will include several zero-emissions buses and help inform a broader roll-out of the technology along with future investments to enhance the on-board customer experience.
Further enquiries
Emmanuelle Brizuela
Specialist - Communications
0460 615 604
emmanuelle.brizuela@wearekinetic.com