Downer wins Transperth contract

Public transport users will be able to use their smartphones or tablets to track the exact location of Transperth buses in real time by 2016.

The high tech system will allow passengers to see exactly where their bus is and when it’s due to arrive at their bus stop, through the Transperth website or app.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said: “You will be able to look at your smartphone or tablet, or your work PC and determine the exact location of your bus, rather than referring to a timetable.”

The $17 million contract to install the technology across 1,300 buses was awarded to Downer EDI Engineering Power, which has already worked on Transperth’s SmartRider ticketing system.

“The live-tracking system will feed into electronic signage at the new Perth Busport,” explained Mr Nalder.

“Buses will be monitored as they approach the busport, where each bus is allocated a stand, and this information is communicated to passengers in the central waiting area.”

Transperth has trialled similar technology in 130 buses from the Karrinyup depot for some time.

The next stage will see the roll-out of the technology to the entire fleet.

Mr Nalder said the fully-integrated technology would allow Transperth to look at innovative ways to improve on-time running.