Online monitoring of bus headway and speed

Mosgortrans is developing a guidance system for bus drivers. Dispatchers will be able to inform drivers to reduce or increase speed to comply with the schedule. The system is based on the experience of Singapore. It may be launched in Mosgortrans buses by the end of the year, and private carriers will start to use it in early 2017.

“Now we’re completing the development of the monitoring system. We are carefully studying the experience of Singapore. We’re interested in their system: the operator monitors bus location and instructs the driver to reduce or increase speed if needed,” Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor and Head of the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development, said during a visit of the Moscow Government’s delegation to the Republic of Singapore.

In addition, the experts will study the driver training system in Singapore, which includes an in depth analysis of driving habits and a driver’s behaviour in emergencies.

“We were pleasantly surprised at the training system in terms of the online monitoring of a driver’s behaviour when changing lanes or stopping, including the instant explanations of errors made,” he said.

The first stage of Moscow’s surface transit reform included about 2,000 new buses with air conditioning. Standard-size buses began running on some routes for the first time. Private carriers are now obliged to accept the Troika card and other standard city travel tickets. Since 15 August, only eight private carriers, who contracted with the city, have been allowed to operate in the city. They get penalty points for violations, which reduces the monthly revenue from the city, so it is unprofitable for carriers to provide worse services.

The GLONASS systems in the new buses allow schedules and other security concerns to be monitored. The Mosgortrans dispatch centre analyses bus speeds and monitors compliance with the schedule. Drivers get penalty points for violations, which reduces the carrier’s monthly revenue from the city.

The carriers can also control schedule adherence if necessary.

The operational staff constantly monitors passenger load and adjusts schedules due to public response. After rider comments for a month, interval times were decreased on 149 routes, 171 new buses were put into operation and three routes were adjusted. In addition, 20 new bus stops will be installed.

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