Nobina first with real-time information about replacement traffic
Planned maintenance, signal failures or fallen overhead lines. When trains are not running, replacement bus services are essential for solving travellers’ transportation needs. But for travellers, prompt, clear and correct information about replacement traffic is almost as important as the actual replacement buses. One of Nobina’s major IT investments during the year was therefore the launch of a new service that provides travellers with all of the necessary information about replacement traffic in real-time.
Integration with the Swedish Transport Administration’s service
Since it was launched, this service has been further developed and integrated with the Swedish Transport Administration’s new service which, through open data, enables traffic companies and public transport authorities to provide better information about both planned and emergency replacement traffic. Here too, Nobina was first to integrate real-time information for all busfor-rail services on behalf of Vy for Norrtåg and Nattåget Norrland, X-tågen, Värmlandstrafik and Vy Tåg Gothenburg-Oslo.
The new service integrates data through the Swedish Transport Administration’s Datautbytesportal (Data Exchange Portal). In an initial stage, this will be done in a central information point which will then be integrated into the platforms, signs and boards where the Swedish Transport Administration communicates and travellers are accustomed to finding information about train services.
“As a traveller, the lack of information can be just as frustrating and irritating as the delay itself, and has a major impact on trust in train services. We want to help change that, both with real-time information on ersättningstrafik.se and through integration with the Swedish Transport Administration or the apps and platforms used by our customers,” says Daniel Mohlin, Product and Systems Manager for replacement traffic at Nobina. With clear, fast, and accurate information for travellers, the replacement traffic becomes an obvious and good choice for both travellers and the community, and may ultimately encourage more people to choose public transport, as they can feel assured that they will receive help to arrive at their destination, even if something goes wrong with their train.
Metroservice in Copenhagen one of several major agreements
Nobina secured several major contracts for replacement traffic during the year, and our investments in real-time information systems played a significant role in earning renewed trust to manage the ‘metro bus’ on behalf of Metroservice in Copenhagen. In the new procurement for replacement traffic for the metro, the contract was FACTS broadened to encompass a comprehensive solution, with a key requirement being the ability to provide an IT solution for real-time information to travellers.
“We are proud to be continuing, developing and expanding our collaboration with Metroservice. Bus-forrail services is an area where we have extensive experience, and where we are now able to introduce new technology and solutions for real-time relevant information that meets travellers’ needs for reliable public transport during both scheduled maintenance and in emergency situations in the metro,” says Bram Lauwers, Managing Director of Nobina Denmark.
FACTS
A website for each country (ersattningstrafik.se in Sweden, erstatningstrafikk.no in Norway and togbus.dk in Denmark) allows travellers to follow their bus in real time on a map, with information about where it is departing from, which train it is replacing and when it is expected to arrive. It also shows the registration number of the bus to make sure you find the right bus and departure.
The sites show all replacement traffic that Nobina currently operates on behalf of our customers and partners across the Nordic region. The platform is available to everyone and can be integrated into the apps, platforms or signs used by our customers and partners.