EU project develops innovative navigation software
An EU-funded project has developed innovative new navigation software that provides guidance for a more efficient use of public transport and it is hoped, will help reduce congestion. Whereas traditional journey planning services only provide one mode of transport, the PEPTRAN (Pedestrian and Public Transport Navigation) project proposes a journey based on driving, walking and public transport services. Funded under the Information Society Technology (IST) programme of the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), PEPTRAN received 1.9 million euros from the European Commission. PEPTRAN gives drivers and mobile users information on the best possible routes within seconds, using their smart phones or a navigation system installed in their cars. 'Users simply enter basic information about their journey and our innovative route navigation software tells them the easiest way to get there either by car, public transport or on foot - or by using a combination of them', explained Rory Doyle the project Manager from the British Maritime Technology. Peter Walter, the UK national contact point for IST within FP6 said in a statement: 'Not everyone is comfortable reading a map and even those who can will have first hand experience of how difficult and often time-consuming it can be trying to use paper maps and timetables on the move. I am also hopeful that PEPTRAN will help reduce congestion, as people trying the system for the first time admitted that they were more inclined use local public transport instead of using their own cars.' Users will be able to input the date and time of the journey and start and end locations into their mobile or car navigation devices. PEPTRAN will then, using the information collected from existing street navigation systems, cars and public transport servers, supply the route-plan. This system is innovative in that it takes into account public transport timetables and the real-time progress of public transport vehicles. PEPTAN will also be able to tell the user how and where to change buses to minimise the total journey time. It will direct car drivers to the nearest parking space before using public transport in order to avoid city traffic. In both car navigation and mobile options, information will be presented to the user through maps or simple text directions. 'This will provide major benefits - particularly for tourists, professional drivers and possibly for car-sharing and rental services that are looking to improve their services for clients' said Mr Doyle.