August 22, 2024
LRTA Launches a New SAEIV System and a Real-Time Passenger Information System with Equans
The Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) announces the launch of its new Operations Support and Real-Time Passenger Information System (SAEIV) and real-time passenger information system, which will allow users to track buses in real time, plan trips, and receive automated announcements and service alerts via various channels.
Founded in 1974, LRTA provides public transportation services to residents and visitors in the Greater Lowell area. With 20 fixed routes, its goal is to become the preferred mode of transportation for those who live, work, and visit the region. Located 27 kilometers northwest of Boston, Lowell is the fourth-largest city in Massachusetts.
Selected for this project in 2023, Equans has now installed and commissioned the SAEIV solution—Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI)—and equipped all buses with automatic passenger counters
With this new system, LRTA can improve the passenger experience and the efficiency of its operations. The SAEIV system includes an automated voice announcement (AVA) system, which eliminates the need for bus drivers to make announcements themselves. The SAEIV system is fully integrated with the vehicle’s speakers and automatically updates destination signs, even when buses pass each other.
The SAEIV system now provides a real-time feed to Google, the Transit App, and the LRTA website, all of which use real-time updates on service changes—such as when a trip is canceled—so that LRTA riders never miss their bus.
Equans’ SAEIV system offers many new ways for LRTA customers to access real-time information, including the Transit App, a real-time bus tracking website, and digital signage at transit terminals.
With the new LRTA app, users can track buses in real time, plan their trips, and receive alerts when their bus is about to arrive at their stop or when there is a service change. Riders can “bookmark” their most-used stops for quick access from the home screen and set reminders so they never miss a bus again. Users can quickly get walking directions to any stop and tap the bus icon to see its current location, direction of travel, last stop, on-time status, and even the number of available seats on the next bus, thanks to new real-time bus occupancy technology. The free Transit app is available for iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play. LRTA customers can also use this tool on the LRTA website.
One of the highlights of this project is the implementation of automatic passenger counting (APC) technology on all buses, which will facilitate accurate data collection and analysis. The LRTA will benefit from reliable ridership data, real-time occupancy status shared with passengers, and a streamlined annual reporting process.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies and modernizing our transportation infrastructure, we aim to improve the quality of service we provide to our passengers. This partnership with Equans marks a turning point in our journey toward creating a more efficient, reliable, and passenger-centered public transit system. David Bradley, LRTA Board Member.
We are proud to help the LRTA provide convenient, reliable, and innovative mobility to its users. Our proven technologies are an excellent complement to the LRTA’s fleet and enable passengers to benefit from the best real-time information. Mai Miyata, Project Manager at Equans.
