ESSEX County Council and its partner authorities Southend Borough Council and Thurrock Council are pleased to announce that following a full upgrade and the installation of new technologies, the ‘Real Time Passenger Information System’ at bus stops will be active from the end of July 2013.

On Thursday 25th July bus users across Harlow will see departure information on the electronic information signs at bus stops. The new system will initially show timetable information for all bus services, whilst operators equip their buses with technology to show live arrival information on the displays over the coming months.

The live arrival times will alter depending on traffic movement and will ensure residents are better informed of the real-time movements of the bus services they use.

Other system upgrades in the future will include audio announcements from the displays using the RNIB React 3 system and once live information is received from operators, downloadable phone and web travel information that will be continually updated.

Essex County Councillor Rodney L Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation said: “This upgrade to the system with advanced technologies will bring huge benefits to bus users in Essex.

“With the installation of GPS trackers on the buses, the live information will enable passengers to plan their travel with greater reliability and convenience. Audio announcements will also provide an extra benefit.

“These new upgrades are a welcome addition to travel information screens across the county and will help to save around £300k per annum through its more cost effective system and contract savings.”