" NEW Passenger Train Information System (PTIS)
The MBTA is pleased to announce that testing is in the final stages for the new PTIS (Passenger Train Information System). This upgrade will enable us to provide our passengers with real-time information generated directly from the train. Passengers will soon see train arrival information on electronic station signs (“Next train arriving in 10 minutes”). The system will also offer automated “next station stop” announcements on board the trains.
The PTIS technology will be introduced in phases beginning with the Greenbush and Old Colony lines. We anticipate that the system will be implemented on these lines by year’s end with a system wide rollout to follow. "
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Comments
So now, in addition to the endless stream of
By roadman
Fri, 10/30/2009 - 4:48pm
"Do Not Board a Moving Train" and "See Something Say Something" messages, passengers are going to be tortured with endless countdown messages.
I can picture this being akin to the old Firesign Theater skit where Peter Bergman is reading road signs as he drives:
"Antelope Freeway 1 mile, Antelope Freeway 1/2 mile, Antelope Freeway 1/4 mile, Antelope Freeway 1/8 mile, Antelope Freeway 1/16 mile, Antelope Freeway 1/32 mile, etc, etc."
Now, the MBCR version:
"Train arriving in 15 minutes, Train arriving in 14 minutes 30 seconds, Train arriving in 14 minutes, Train arriving in 13 minutes 30 seconds, Train arriving in 13 minutes, etc. etc."
As for making on-board station announcements, isn't that one of the reasons you have crewmembers on the trains? Plus, automated announcements will be no good if the PA systems don't work, which is a consistent problem with the trains.
They are visual, not audio
By J
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 5:53pm
They are visual, not audio announcements.