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On-demand buses coming

On-demand bus services will hit the streets of Western Sydney late next month, courtesy of Transit Systems and Bridj

 

Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt says the technology has already proved to be popular with passengers in the USA with services in Boston, Washington and Kansas showing reduced travel times relative to other public transit alternatives.

“Bridj delivers demand responsive services by analysing the city’s travel demand and putting on services that match that demand,” he says.

The technology groups nearby passengers with similar travel requirements and provides walking directions to their closest pick up location. The technology then dynamically routes based on real time traffic conditions and only stops where on-board passengers need to, significantly reducing travel time.

Using the Bridj app, customers simply book a bus trip with a dedicated seat, and in the future vehicles will also have free WIFI.

“They’re able to track their vehicle’s arrival at the pick up location and their onward journey in real time, while behind the scenes the Bridj technology optimises the route and drop off location to minimise each customer’s walking distance and total travel time.

“Bridj will help remove large empty buses from our suburban streets, replaced instead with right-sized services that enhance value for money while delivering better travel outcomes for everyone,” he said.

Bridj general manager John Langford-Ely says Bridj takes public buses from a static experience, to an intuitive ride.

“With increasing populations and city congestion, better mobility through optimised public transport is critical in achieving economic growth, social equality and opportunity.

“The Bridj system can support both private enterprise and public transit authorities, by providing data driven evidence that supports network planning decisions or by delivering feeder services that connect passengers onto high capacity bus, rail or light rail corridors.”

Sydney will be Australia’s first capital city to access the technology, but the company will soon make Bridj available nationally.

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