| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Seems to be a rationalisation rather than a massive cull to me | |
| Posted by: | Michael Brandt | |
| Date/Time: | 27/02/10 00:05:00 |
| IBM had to replace Capita as they were making excessive profits on a wildly excessive contract. In any case, I made no reference to IBM or Siemens. Siemens have no involvement with the Countdown project. But ibus is not without it's problems either, the roof based transmitters can wipe mobile phones and other electronics on vehicles. although I think it is in the main, pretty good if you are on a bus. The control benefits though are being used to benefit operating contracts for operators at present and not for passenger benefit. TfL need to urgently address this. The contracts are now with ACIS, Trueform and Telent as the project of the last 6 years has not materialised and these companies are now sorting out the mess. But they are all very costly. The costing revision is below FYI. As you will see, the project was to enhance and increase the system but it is in reality going to be curtailed. The report fails to mention what has happened to the project from 2003-9 Transport for London Investment Programme 2010 Countdown Project ST-PJ172 Next TfL gateway E - Project close Estimated cost £m: 31 Project location: Pan-London Mode: Surface Transport Countdown provides visible and accessible bus arrival time at bus stops. It will also make bus arrival information available via SMS text messages and the web. The project builds on the major capital investment of the first phase of Countdown and updates the existing sign technology to meet current disability guidelines and passenger requirements. Purpose The new Countdown project replaces 2,000 existing Countdown signs, installs 2,500 new signs and delivers SMS and web realtime information (RTI) services, which will extend the availability of RTI and secure its ongoing benefits. Outputs RTI provides reassurance of bus arrival. Remote access to this information will also allow passengers to better time their arrival at a stop, which may help alleviate any feelings of vulnerability. Improving traffic and transport safety Improving accessibility The new signs will meet current disability guidelines, including the availability of audio Countdown at stops. RTI across all the services will be designed to be easy to obtain and understand, to meet the needs of a range of passenger groups. RTI enhances the quality of bus travel by providing reassurance and empowering passengers to make informed travel choices. The availability of this information at bus stops and through web and SMS services will secure comprehensive access to RTI, covering every stage of the journey. Improving journey experience Spending to 2017/18 Jun 2012 Final acceptance Jan 2010 Critical design review completed Sep 2009 Start development of central system infrastructure, including web and mobile SMS Sep 2009 Award contract to successful bidders Milestones Transport for London Investment Programme 2010 73 he internet and SMS services will also be complemented by a new generation of Countdown signs which will provide real time information at around 2,500 key bus stops in London. TfL have recently awarded three contracts to develop and deliver these improvements: The systems integrator contract covers the development of the software and the delivery of web and mobile content. It has been awarded to telent The sign supply, installation and maintenance contracts cover the installation and maintenance of the bus stop signs. These have been awarded to ACIS and Trueform The contracts will run for 12 years. The mobile and web information should be available by early 2011, and the roll out of new Countdown signs will begin in spring 2011. |