 |
| Image © Google Maps |
Case #402630
Dear Eugene,
I refer to your recent correspondence regarding the provision of an RTPI (Real Time Passenger Information) unit at the following bus stop locations, images attached, which was forwarded to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to respond to you:
- stop number 136431, Kilcullen (Opposite Service Station), Castlemartin, Co. Kildare; and
- stop number 132641, Kilcullen (Outside Service Station), Castlemartin, Co. Kildare.
At present there are over 12,000 bus stops in Ireland serving a variety of bus services including local, urban, and regional bus services across a variety of operators. Because of the costs associated with the provision of on-street RTPI signage, it is not feasible to provide Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) signs at all bus stop locations.
One of the main reasons for these costs is the need for an independent power supply for RTPI signs. These signs require an electrical supply in order to operate and there is a prohibition under statutory regulation, derived from European legislation, that prevents the NTA from taking an electrical connection from an existing public lighting power supply, even where convenient and adjacent. Instead, separate independent electrical connection is required from ESB Networks, which can often necessitate extensive trenching, road crossings, and major reinstatement work, all contributing to significant costs. As a result of these costs, and to ensure value for money, it is intended to only provide RTPI as an integrated sign within a new bus shelter or, depending on suitability, within an existing bus shelter that already has an independent power supply and has been designed to accommodate an integrated RTPI sign. In that way, a cost-effective single integrated power supply can be provided, powering both the bus shelter lighting and the RTPI sign.
Regarding the aforementioned bus stops, we note that currently there are no plans to install bus shelters at the bus stop locations. As part of a past programme of shelter installations throughout County Kildare the feasibility of installing shelters at both stops was assessed. However both locations were discounted for technical reasons, such as sight line safety issues relating to stop number 132641 and insufficient footpath space relating to stop number 136431. Additionally, we note that the bus stops are not ducted and connected to the ESB network.
Notwithstanding the constraints and limitations outlined above, it is worth noting that all of the information available on such RTPI Displays is also available through the NTA’s app for RTPI. The “TFI Real Time Ireland App” and the RTPI The App is available free on Apple App store and the Google Play store and combines all real time information services from Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród
Éireann and Luas. All bus stops have a number at the top of the bus pole indicating the particular bus stop number. Simply inserting that number into the App provides the RTPI information on bus arrival times at that stop. The App and the RTPI units are
supported by the same back of house data feed. There is no difference between the information contained on RTPI units and App. We would encourage travelling passengers to download and trial the app to get familiar with all the real time information available to passengers at each bus stop. Additionally, we also note that when passengers scan the QR code contained on the timetable panel it should bring them to that particular stop number within the TFI Live app.
We regret that we are not in a position to provide a more positive response to this request at this point in time for the reasons outlined above. We trust that the above information is of assistance and clarifies the matter.
This mailbox has a no-reply functionality so, if you have any further questions on this, or anything else, please don’t reply here, instead, please email info@nationaltransport.ie, quoting this reference number : Case #402630, to ensure a response.
We’re here to help.
I hope that this is helpful and wish you safe onward travels
Kind Regards
Josephine
National Transport Authority