Through their Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) system Reading already collect a significant amount of data that can be more effectively used for travel in and around the Reading area.
This trial focuses on two main areas; in vehicle navigation and on foot navigation.
The project has successfully integrated real time state of the network information from UTMC into a Satellite Navigation Device (produced by Telematix).
Three John Lewis delivery vehicles are currently trialling the navigation software for their regular deliveries between their Theale Depot and their Store and customer collection point in the Town Centre. Currently there are two main routes that they can use with very similar journey times in free flow conditions. Real time data is being used to navigate them by the most efficient route in non free flow conditions.
The trials are ongoing until the end of July and TRG will be evaluating the results. Initial feedback from the drivers has been positive.
The trial looks to the near future, utilising the latest smartphone technology from Orange and real time public transport information from UTMC to evaluate the effects of seamless traveller services via mobile phone on future travel.
Real time public transport information has been successfully integrated with a Satellite Navigation device (produced by Telematix) which also incorporates improved mapping to show buildings, bus stops and to incorporate navigation links for pedestrians.
The trial software is able to navigate a person from the railway station to a destination in GreenPark (business park to the south of Reading). It navigates the traveller to the bus stop, gives the traveller the bus number needed and time of arrival, tracks the traveller in the bus to the destination bus stop, and then navigates them on foot to the final office destination.
The trials are ongoing to mid July and are being undertaken by TRG with the aim of understanding how this type of satellite navigation for the pedestrian / public transport user can make using alternative modes more attractive.
