Smart travel in Reading: Innovation in wireless communication and the informed traveller

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Smart travel in Reading Innovation in wireless
communication and the informed traveller
Findings from the SEEDA ITS project
Rob McDonald Peter Brett Associates LLP Simon
Beasley Reading Borough Council
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• Reading population of 260,000
• 40 miles to the west of London
• 20 miles from Heathrow Airport
• Heart of the UKs Silicone Valley
• Main employer - IT Communications
• Forefront technology
• Winner of the National Transport
• Awards for Travel Information
• Marketing

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Working together to provide bespoke travel
planning and real-time information within the
Greater Reading area
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Readings Urban Traffic Management Control System
Enhanced Bus Passenger Information
RTPI Bus Displays at Rail Station
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Real Time Information at the Roadside

• An example of automated strategies
• Car Park VMS
• Car Park X Y full, use Z
• At rest messages
• Road works information
• Event information
• Incident information
• Congestion information
• Journey time information
• Leads to enhanced traffic
• management reducing delays to
• limit unnecessary trips.

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Strategy Management
Sharing information across systems to allow
better network management. Strategies can be
developed for automatic selection leading to a
consistent approach to event and incident
management. Helps regional organisations to work
in partnership. Being able to see the bigger
picture.
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Travel Information on the Internet Mobile Phone
Combined Public Transport Info
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Reading Area Travel Information Network
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Project Overview

Real Time Info for Freight
Seamless Traveller Services
Communications platform WiMAX / 3G / Wifi
Reading Urban Traffic Management Control Centre
NFC Secure Public Transport Payments
Enhanced On-Bus Communication
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Communications Platform Overview

• WiMAX 3.3GHz
• Point to Multipoint
• Band Sharing with MOD
• Licensed Secure Communication
• Possible platform for UK Municipal Authorities
• Wifi End Connectivity

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Communications Platform Findings

• CCTV Images comparable quality to expensive
  fibre connections
• Traffic Signal Control reliability greater than
  existing wired connections
• Potential to reduce local authority revenue costs
• Enables cost effective roll out of ITS

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Seamless Traveller Services - Overview
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Seamless Traveller Services Findings

• A potential Sat Nav for the non car user
• Locational / orientation needs to be addressed
  pictures.
• Connectivity Important
• Information to frequent and new travellers
• Follow on research

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Real Time Info for Freight - Overview
Distance 8.1 km Time 14 min
Distance 13.4 km Time 14 min
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Real Time Info for Freight - Findings

• Successful Integration of UTMC state of the
  network information
• Demonstrated the value of the best route.
• Excellent Driver Acceptance
• Bespoke Service needs open platform

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Platform for the Future
Personal Security
Major Event Navigation Management
Wireless Internet Access for Schools
Enhanced Access to Council Services
S.O.S Call in Vehicles
Enforcement
Personalised Traveller Services
CCTV On Bus
Vehicle to Infrastructure Communication Road User
Charging?