Regional Update: Signal Pre-Emption and Improvements to Real-Time Passenger Information Are Playing a Key Role in Improving Passenger Transport Patronage and reducing Road Congestion in the Auckland Region

This article describes a Signal Pre-emption/Real-Time Passenger Information System (SR/RTPIS) program that has been successful in reducing traffic congestion in Auckland, New Zealand, and is now scheduled for expanded deployment. Based on automatic vehicle location (AVL) technology and using Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices, the SP/RTPIS features signal priority for buses, On-Street Variable Passenger Information Displays (OSVPIDs) indicating accurate predictions for bus arrival times, and monitoring of transit service performance. Quantifiable benefits include reduced travel time of bus trips, as well as savings in bus operating costs. Additional benefits include travel time savings to passengers thus leading to passenger satisfaction. Patronage statistics indicate an annual increase of 7 percent per year in Auckland, and officials attribute much of this gain to the SP/RTPIS.