Technology partnership ensures DDA compliance for Warrington Borough Council

AIM has installed an Intelligent Sign Unit (ISU) and a specially adapted Interalia TROUNCER into a Denistron Ferrograph’s LED and LCD display unit. The sign visually displays the next bus arrival information for that stop, and the TROUNCER module provides this same information verbally for the visually impaired.

Utilising wireless communication and computer software, the ISU provides the interface between the Communication’s System and the Display Electronics. A black box on the bus transmits information to a central computer via radio link, this enables the computer to track the bus’s progress and update the ISU at each individual bus stop. The ISU is able to hold the entire timetable for all Bus Services that it is displaying. This both minimises the communications requirements and allows for the displaying of scheduled timetabled data in the absence (for any reason) of Real Time.

Around 225 bus stops have been equipped throughout Warrington with the new technology. Signs are continually updated and can be cleared by an approaching vehicle via the SRT system. This ensures that the displays are timely and accurate. Interalia’s TROUNCER uses the announcer’s functionality plus a 10W audio amplifier to drive speakers fitted into the signs. These are activated using a special key fob and give a verbal announcement that corresponds with the display.

The ISU can also support other methods of obtaining Real Time information including Live Feeds to the traveline Call Centre, Internet Access, SMS and WAP. This allows the travelling public to have access to live data, without having to go to the Bus Stop. In addition the system can give priority to buses at traffic lights by making a direct request to the traffic light controller via the SRT or a link between the RTPI Control Centre and the Traffic Control Centre where the traffic lights are centrally controlled.

Interalia’s TROUNCER can be installed in a variety of environments and has been designed to provide high quality audio messages, and to control visual information displays. Audio files are stored as .WAV files at any available sampling rate including full CD quality 44.1K. The TROUNCER then plays back the messages under manual, automatic or computerised control. Messages are also stored in FLASH memory so that in the event of a power failure they are not lost.

Commenting, Andrew Worbey at Interalia Communications Ltd says: “The Disability Discrimination Act demands that all public services provide the disabled with equivalent facilities as those enjoyed by the able bodied where reasonably practical. By incorporating the TROUNCER into the new generation of travel information displays enables transportation companies and local authorities to comply fully with the new DDA regulations”.