January 15, 2010
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg announced that Winnipeg Transit projects funded under the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA), valued at $4.86 million, are complete, and “iBUS” technology is now installed on the Winnipeg Transit fleet. This technology uses GPS vehicle tracking technology to transmit real-time bus departure information via the Internet, Telebus, and electronic signs (iSTOP) currently being installed at major bus stops. This project is part of a comprehensive Transit Improvement Program approved by City Council in 2006 (including new buses, improved waiting areas at major stops and terminals, on-street transit priority measures, new park and ride facilities, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology) to improve the speed, reliability, comfort, and convenience of transit service.
“The introduction of this new technology is a key to delivering a more reliable, safe and convenient service for transit customers,” said Mayor Sam Katz.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that use innovative technologies to improve service to Canadians,” said Minister Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The use of intelligent transportation system technology is helping to modernize Winnipeg’s transportation services, providing passengers with the best possible information and making it easier for them to use transit with confidence.”
“This technology will improve service for the growing number of Winnipeggers who choose transit,” said Manitoba Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Riding the bus will become a more viable option with these improvements to service and will result in better performance and improved on-time bus arrivals.”
iBUS features include:
- Advanced on-board technologies (GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and communications systems) that continuously monitor the location of each bus in relation to its schedule so that “real-time” bus departure information can be provided to passengers. Real-time information is now available via www.winnipegtransit.com for the NAVIGO trip planner and iSCHEDULE (route timetables and stop schedules) services, via Telebus, and via new electronic signs (iSTOP) being installed at major bus stops. New services, iTEXT and iMOBILE, will soon be introduced that provide real-time transit information via SMS on cell phones and via web applications on “smart”handheld devices.
- Automated ”Next Stop”displays and announcements.
- Security camera/audio system to improve safety for passengers and bus operators.
Signed in 2004 and now in its final year, the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) has committed all of its funding. It has supported 245 projects with a total investment of $75 million. The WPA has funded projects that support downtown development; neighbourhoods; Aboriginal participation in Winnipeg’s economy; and economic development through technology and innovation. The funds announced today come from Component IV – Supporting Innovation and Technology.
Contact:
Gabriela Klimes
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-6243
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Ken Allen
Communications Officer
City of Winnipeg
(204) 801-1502
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Transit Improvements Program
Approved by City Council in 2006, the Transit Improvements Plan is a multi-year program supported by three levels of government with Federal contributions from the Public Transit Capital Trust, Public Transit Fund, Gas Tax Fund and the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. The program is based on recommendations by the Rapid Transit Task Force to improve the speed, reliability, comfort, convenience and accessibility of transit service in Winnipeg. The program includes:
- Accelerated program of bus replacements with low emission engines and air conditioning
- Intelligent Transportation Systems for Transit: iBUS, Real-Time Passenger Information, “Next Stop” displays/announcements, On-Board security camera/audio system, improvements to Telebus and Winnipeg Transit website
- Upgrades to major stops (new shelters, improved signage, electronic signs, posted route and schedule information, benches, landscaping)
- On-Street Transit Priority Measures (diamond lanes, queue jumps, transit priority signals)
- Expanded Park & Ride Program
- Automated Fare Collection System
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
ITS is defined by the ITS Society of Canada as the application of advanced and emerging technologies (computers, sensors, controls, communications, and electronic devices) in transportation to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment. In the transit sector, ITS offers the potential to improve nearly every aspect of transit services from operations, planning, maintenance, and customer service.
iBUS Intelligent Transit Technology
Advanced on-board technologies (GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and communications systems) that continuously monitor the location of each bus in relation to its schedule so that “real-time” bus departure information can be provided to passengers via the internet, telephones, mobile devices, and electronic signs at major stops. Automated "Next Stop” displays/announcements and a security camera/audio system to improve safety for passengers and bus operators are also provided on each bus.
Automated Vehicle Location (AVL)
The AVL is a key feature of Winnipeg Transit's iBUS. Each bus in transit’s fleet has service schedule information loaded to an on-board computer that is linked to the Global Positioning Satellite system. With this on-board technology, developed by Infodev Electronic Designers, each bus can determine where it is in relation to its assigned schedule and report schedule deviations to the Transit Control Center. Data provided by the AVL system is used to supply “real-time” schedule information to passengers via the internet, TELEBUS, electronic signs at major stops, and cell phones and other mobile devices.
“Real Time” Schedule Information Now Available:
- iBUS now automatically provides “real-time” updates to bus departure information for passengers. Real-time information is now available via www.winnipegtransit.com for the NAVIGO trip planner and iSCHEDULE (route timetables and stop schedule) services, via TELEBUS, and via new electronic signs (iSTOP) being installed at major bus stops. New services, iTEXT and iMOBILE, will soon be introduced that provide real-time transit information via SMS on cell phones and via web applications on “smart” handheld devices.
On-board “Next Stop” Displays/Announcements
Next Stop information is automatically displayed/announced to passengers. This amenity is beneficial to all transit passengers and is particularly important for passengers that have sight or hearing impairments.
iSTOP – Electronic Signs at Major Stops
Electronic signs capable of displaying “real-time” route and schedule information along with other important information to customers. 80 EBDD signs are being installed at major bus stop throughout the city.
Transit Priority Measures
Traffic management strategies used to improve transit speed and reliability in a mixed traffic environment, including:
- Transit Signal Priority Lights (TSP): Special lights have been installed at busy intersections allowing buses to re-enter traffic steam ahead of other vehicles
- Transit Queue Jump or Bypass lanes: short stretches of road allow buses to safely bypass other traffic at congested intersections (often used in conjunction with TSP lights)
- Diamond Lanes: these lanes are reserved for buses and cyclists. Identified by special signage and street markings, these lanes provide priority for buses along congested roadways
- Road Geometry Improvements: physical changes to roadways (such as lane re-alignments) to improve the flow of buses
Bus Stop Upgrades
Major transit stops and terminals have been upgraded to create a distinct image and offer enhanced passenger amenities including new shelters, new signs, information displays, benches, electronic signs, posted route and schedule information, and streetscaping improvements.
On-Board Security System
A new digital video and audio security system has been installed on all buses providing a safer environment for passengers and bus operators. Each bus is equipped with up to 5 high resolution digital cameras that cover every angle of the bus interior.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride facilities provide a convenient option for residents commuting to work, school, and special events. Served by express and local routes, there are several park and ride locations throughout Winnipeg.
About Winnipeg Transit
- Annual Ridership: 42.6 million in 2008
- Weekday Ridership: 150,000
- Fleet size: 545 buses
- Number of routes: 89
- Number of stops: 5,000
- Number of shelters: 800
- Employees: 1,250
- Website: www.winnipegtransit.com
- Automated Schedule Information System: Telebus 287-RIDE (7433)
- Online Trip Planner: Navigo at www.winnipegtransit.com
