NEXTBUS™ DEPARTURE ANNOUNCEMENT INNOVATION - A USE CASE

Parrot Eye ANPR and IoT based fully automated Nextbus Departure Announcement and advertisement System

  

 

Nextbus Departure announcement system is an ANPR AI camera based fully automated arrival/departure announcement system for bus stations. It is a digital passenger information infrastructure innovation to promote public transport systems and improve the quality of city life. Passengers can listen to real time bus information announcements through the P.A system installed at bus stations (based on Parrot Eye ANPR AI camera and GTFS data) like in railway stations and airports.

Busparrot implemented Nextbus announcement systems at various places in Palakkad district and making good revenue. Please visit our fb page to view our installations (fb.com/busparrot). Please visit our media page (busparrot.com/media) to know more about our implementations. Watch a video (https://youtu.be/XCP5qmRmRII)

We have been shortlisted for solution development and implementation stage 2 of Transport4All by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which brings together cities, citizens, and startups to develop solutions that improve public transport to better serve the needs of all.

Use Case: Seamless Travel at Mumbai Central with Busparrot's Nextbus for Bus Stations

Characters:

• Family: Traveling together and arriving at Mumbai Central bus station for their connecting bus.

• Passengers with Disabilities: A group waiting for a specific accessible bus.

• Bus Driver: Operating a bus entering Mumbai Central station.

Scenario:

Mumbai Central bustles with activity as a family arrives, searching for their connecting bus. Nearby, a group of passengers with disabilities wait patiently for a specific accessible bus.

1. Automated Announcements: As Bus Driver Ashok enters the station, the Parrot Eye ANPR Camera system detects his bus's license plate, headsign, and potentially even bus name. This triggers the Busparrot Nextbus system to:

   • Cross-check the information with GTFS data to ensure accuracy.

2. Multi-lingual and Accessible Announcements: The Nextbus system then plays a pre-recorded announcement in the local language (Marathi) stating the bus route, destination, and any accessibility features (if applicable) for the arriving bus. This provides clear information for the family and assures the waiting passengers with disabilities.

3. Digital Signage Confirmation: Additionally, the information might be displayed on digital signage strategically placed within the station, offering a visual confirmation for passengers who might prefer reading the announcement.

4. Real-time Updates with Driver Override: If there are any last-minute delays or changes, Ashok can utilize the Bus Operator App to make a quick announcement directly through the Nextbus system, informing passengers about the situation.

5. Improved Passenger Flow: With clear and timely information, passengers like the family can navigate the station efficiently, reducing confusion and minimizing time spent searching for their bus. This also helps manage passenger flow within the station, as people can strategically position themselves near the correct platform.

Benefits:

• The family experiences a smooth transition at Mumbai Central, knowing exactly which platform to head to for their connecting bus.

• Passengers with disabilities feel confident and informed, knowing when their accessible bus will arrive.

• Bus Driver Ashok has the flexibility to address any unforeseen circumstances, keeping passengers updated.

• The Nextbus system enhances the overall passenger experience at Mumbai Central by providing clear, real-time information and streamlining operations within the station.

Conclusion:

Busparrot's Nextbus departure announcement system, designed specifically for bus stations, offers a comprehensive solution for locations like Mumbai Central. By automating announcements, offering driver override options, and catering to accessibility needs, it creates a more efficient, informative, and inclusive environment for all passengers within the station.