Bus terminal & interchange solutions overview (acisTerminus)
The ACIS solutions platform for Bus & Rail terminals and interchanges is known as BIDS and is a modular suite of information management software for these schemes.
Open Systems, modular & scaleable
The systems are built on resilient, industry leading computing platforms with Client-Server architecture and Open SQL DBMS. The modular and scaleable design of the systems means they can be readily tailored to meet the exact needs for each project whilst assuring a path to future enhancement. With extensive interface and communications capabilities and support for every type and format of display technology BIDS systems deliver outstanding flexibility and performance in every department.
Timetable management
The system has comprehensive timetable management facilities based on a relational database which holds details of Operators, Services, Journey Routes and Destinations. The user friendly Operator application allows Master Timetables to be built from scratch, assisted by BIDS productivity features whilst the unique Conditions and Exceptions logic eases the task of defining journey exceptions for school and bank holidays and special occasions. The Scheduler automatically generates Operational Schedules which are derived from the master timetables and are used by the BIDS Display functions.
Data Import & Export
Although the system can operate in a totally standalone mode it is often a requirement to import timetable data from one or more external sources. This may be from a Registrations or Journey Planner Database, from one or more individual Bus or Coach operators or from real time information systems. The system anticipates this need with support for a range of data exchange standards including ATCO CIF, Trident and TransXchange. Imports can be scheduled to occur automatically every day or week as required and there are a variety of communications options including over the Internet using the FTP module.
Operator Workstations
The Operator Workstation provides access to all of the system facilities. The GUI is sophisticated yet simple to use, combining friendly menu-driven operation with carefully selected use of colours, icons and controls and requiring only basic office IT skills.
In many systems there will be one or more Operator workstations provided within the Bus Station for the Station Manager and or for staff in a travel information office. The Operator can also be provided at one or more remote locations either as well as or instead of users within the Bus Station. The Remote Operator may have extended permissions and can be provided with an on-demand dial-in access over ISDN or over an existing private network or can be implemented with an 'Always On' facility over the Internet.
Security
The Permissions System allows flexible assignment of view and edit rights to users. Controlled by PIN and Password, user permissions may be organized in groups and for individuals. It provides complete security so that users from different organisations can each manage their own timetables.
Operator facilities
Updates can be applied to services including those currently on display using the BIDS Progress Departure/Arrival function where simple radio button selections for Delay, Cancel, and Change Stand etc allow very rapid status changes which are reflected immediately on display.
RTPI Interface
The system is equipped to interface with RTPI systems so that estimated arrival times can be included with scheduled times on passenger displays. We are compliant with UK RTIG standards.
Display Technologies
We have on-board support for all display technologies including TFT and Plasma screens, LED and LCD boards.
In the many systems we have provided for bus stations throughout the UK meeting the needs of visually impaired passengers is always an important consideration. This usually means finding compromises for the type and format of display technology such that the needs of all groups can be met within the inevitable budgetary constraints.
Our innovative solution to this problem is the TVI, a talking journey enquiry terminal that is optimised for use by visually impaired passengers. TVI also integrates fully into the bus station system, sharing the timetable database so that all users have access to the latest information.
We worked in consultation with RNIB throughout the development to ensure that the best solution could be found in terms of ergonomics and functionality. Presented in a rugged, kiosk-style enclosure TVI is controlled by only four large buttons which have tactile feedback and are Braille coded.
A high brightness 17" flat panel TFT display unit allows its use by partially and fully sighted passengers. Careful use of colour and font and text layout ensures maximum clarity. TVI integrates fully with our advanced bus station information system. It is connected on the Ethernet local area network and shares the BIDS timetable database. For each destination stored in the database BIDS maintains a phonetic version which is used by the TVI speech synthesiser and which can be 'tuned' in order to cope with even the most unusual spellings and pronunciation. Both female and male voices are available.
The information available on the TVI in Buchanan corresponds exactly with departures information displayed on the central concourse displays. TVI responds to the user with complete, measured speech in comfortable sentences so that users can obtain the times of the next buses available to their selected destination. An 'auto-return' feature ensures that TVI is always ready for the next user.
TVI makes use of the Talking signs software which is based on phonetic speech synthesis resulting in a solution which is easy to deploy and to support.