Re: Passenger Information Displays

["Translib Pty. Ltd." <enquiry@translib.com.au>]

Alex Borodin wrote:

> Does anyone have any comments about the usefulness of the
> information being displayed on the signs? What sort of
> information would YOU display on an LED sign if you were
> given a free reign over the project? Imagine that you have
> signs which are about 160cm long, 18cm high and can
> display 42 characters across and two rows in height (each
> char is 8cm high), or 14 characters across in a single row of
> characters (each char is 18cm high. )

The PIDS can only be useful if they are working properly.  When PIDS was
installed at Glenferrie (Melbourne) a few year ago, there were many
problems, including some that are just simply outrageous:

* Platform PIDS displayed one thing, but the summary PIDS (located in
the subway) is showing something else.  At one time, PIDS up on platform
1 is showing "Not Taking Passengers", while in the subway, it was
showing the correct information.

* PIDS showed info. that is one train behind!  From memory, this problem
took sometime to sorted out, as it is related to the signalling matter.
Apparently, the information should change as the corresponding train
leave certain signal section.

Oh, it is better to have PIDS that can display variable length of
messages.  For example, the bottom row of the PIDS can display a lot of
information by scrolling slowly.  On the other hand, avoid using those
PIDS (like the summary one in the subway) that don't have scrolling
facility.  Unfortunately, this is a problem for Glenferrie and other
Melbourne stations that have similar PIDS.  For example:  During
weekday, we have a "Super" express train to Belgrave (express Richmond -
Glenferrie - Camberwell - Box Hill - Blackburn - Mitcham - Ringwood -
Boronia - Upper Ferntree Gully - Belgrave), the summary PIDS (in the
subway) would show:

9:25    Belgrave       (Blank - Suppose to show stopping
conditions)      3   (Fantastic!)

Other example of summary displays as follow:

5.05    Flinders Street   Exp. Richmond           1
5.08    Flinders Street   Stopping All Stations   1
5.04    Belgrave            Limited Express          2  (suppose to be
Express Glenferrie - Camberwell - Box Hill)
5.06    Blackburn          Stopping All Stations  3

(The top two rows are usually showing up trains, while the bottom two
are for down trains - though at times, I have seen bottom three rows
displaying down trains!)

A few weekends ago, staff working on the PIDS control at Camberwell
would have a some difficulties in showing stopping pattern of up trains
on the summary PIDS.  Due to Jolimont Rationalisation Project, all up
trains stop all stations to Richmond, except East Richmond (normal).  It
then stops at Melbourne Central, Spencer Street and Flinders Street
only.  Well, the end result is:

10.46   City Loop         Not Stop. Flagstaff     1

(Yes, it is true that the train would not stop at Flagstaff, but what
about East Richmond and Parliament?  By the way, why pick Flagstaff
instead of the other two??)

> What sort of info would like to see on there? Imagine that
> it's a busy station where trains can be platform-swapped
> at any time. Passengers need to know if the train they
> are waiting for is now scheduled to go off another
> platform.

Yes, it will be useful, provides the travelling public is aware of the
last minute change.  At few occasions, I see confused commuters walking
down the ramp and approach the booking office window query about the
"sudden disappearance" of their train.  Obviously no announcement was
made at those occasions.  The worse would have to be the last minute
platform change, from platform 2 to 3, or vice versa.  I know at a few
occasions, my friends have to make announcement to tell drivers to wait
a little longer because there are many passengers still making their way
to the other platform!

> Are count-down clocks more useful for estimated departure
> times than actual times? Do you need the current time on
> the sign? Do you need the complete stopping pattern (as is
> done in Sydney) or just something like "Express to Caboolture"
> or "All Stations Caboolture"?

Count down clocks are useful, again provide they are working properly.
Talking about current time, does any one know when Glenferrie (and
Camberwell?) will receive its large digital clock, like those at other
premium stations?  The only clock that is available at Glenferrie
(beside those inside the booking office) is a small classroom clock at
platform 3.  Most people would not even realise it is there (don't know
whether it is still working though)!  It is not wonder that many people
look into the booking office for time.

Cheers,

I.C.

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Australia                              Email: enquiry@translib.com.au
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