Adelaide commuters get internet bus trial

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 26 August 2009 06:36

Your IT - Home IT

A trial of a bus passenger information system that also provides free onboard internet access has begun today in Adelaide. The system has been developed by a group of companies that includes Cisco.

The i-Commute passenger information and Wi-Fi access system has been developed by a consortium including Cisco, Adam Internet and transSpot.

It is based on transSpot's GPS real-time passenger information system, which displays the estimated time of arrival at the next stop, ABC news feeds, community information, and location-based advertising.

Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices get free internet access from Adam Internet while onboard. The feed is kept clean by Webshield, so there's little risk of being offended by inappropriate content being viewed in the next seat.

Bluetooth devices will be able to access gaming and information applications.

The system also includes an onboard security camera that transmits images to the control centre.

MIMP Connecting Solutions is another member of the consortium. Its general manager, Allan Aitchison said "In future, the opportunity exists for i-Commute services to be paid for by advertising from companies along the bus route. As the bus approaches a stop, ads and community information relating to that location will be displayed on screen."

Future additions to i-Commute may include audio announcements for the visually impaired, information about connecting buses, and the provision of real-time bus information via the internet.

i-Commute was developed over an 18 month period at a cost of nearly $A500,000.