Elizabeth Leigh
A subsidiary of Cubic Corp. has expanded the use of its passenger information technology in the Australian northeastern state of Queensland to enable more commuters to monitor bus and ferry schedules via their mobile devices and transport information displays.
Cubic Transportation Systems and Jackie Trad, Queensland deputy premier and minister for transport, introduced the NextBus system on May 7 across the state’s TransLink commuter transport network, the company said Tuesday.
To implement the new system, Cubic installed on at least 2,500 buses new driver console devices that use global positioning systems and mobile communications to monitor the location and activity of public transport services in real time.
The units also update arrival times on the TransLink online portal every half a minute.
“We are delighted that Queensland is playing a leading role in delivering on a key component of Cubic’s NextCity strategy – the integration and application of payment, traveler information and operational analytics to regional transport networks around the globe,†said Tom Walker, Australasian managing director at Cubic Transportation Systems.
Jim Perry, chief operating officer of the Transit Australia Group, indicated NextBus has helped improve TAG’s operational insight and analysis.
“The real-time access to data and the ability to see each and every vehicle on our networks at any given time has allowed a closer and more efficient relationship to develop between management, operations control, and drivers, and ultimately, to enhance the customer experience,†Perry said.
